An Afro-Brazilian celebration takes place at Halle Tropisme in Montpellier on 20 November. The evening marks thirty years of the Senzala association and Brazil's Black Consciousness Day, and it is built as a lively party rooted in Afro-Brazilian music, movement and food.
What the evening offers
The programme centres on two traditions that visitors can take part in as well as watch:
- A samba roda, the open circle of samba music, led by Wallace Negão and Mestre Sorriso.
- A capoeira roda, the circle in which capoeira players move, play and sing together.
- Percussion and Afro-Brazilian dance, running through the night.
- Brazilian food from Brasiloca, so the evening can be enjoyed at the table as well as on the floor.
Who it suits
This is a good choice for anyone who enjoys live music and dancing in a relaxed, sociable setting, and for those curious about Brazilian culture beyond the usual postcards. Because the rodas are circles rather than stages, newcomers can simply join in or stand at the edge and watch. The mix of music, movement and food makes it an easy evening to spend with friends.
Getting there
The event is held at Halle Tropisme, in Montpellier, the regional capital of Occitania in southern France. Full details and tickets are listed on the event page at shotgun.live. Montpellier's city centre is a comfortable base for an evening out, and the event makes a pleasant reason to explore the city in November.