Are you ready to celebrate, Brazilian-style? Get set for samba beats, glittering costumes, incredible floats and a riot of feathers as Liverpool?s Brazilica Festival hits the city.
This Saturday (14 July) the carnival of colour is returning for an 11th consecutive year. And down at Alma de Cuba, we can?t wait to see a little bit of Latin America out on the streets for a day of dance, music and celebration.
Here?s everything you need to know about the sizzling festival.
Brazilica 2018 Music
This year, Brazilica have teamed up with the Pier Head Village on the waterfront for a jam-packed schedule of sunshine vibes. From ska to tango, the main stage will take you on a journey across South America between 12pm and 8pm.
Headlining on Saturday is Agathe Iracema, a French/Brazilian singer who?s been touring international jazz festivals since she was 15 years old.
Other acts include Penya, an electronic quartet with an obsession for percussion, the Brazilian funk group The Fontanas and vocalist Sueli Gil.
There?s also going to be a build-up night involving Rio de Janerio?s Muntchako at Constellations on Thursday 12, where they?ll be fusing Brazilian forro, Argentinian tango and plenty of ska, rock and carnival percussion into an explosive musical performance.
Brazilica 2018 Parade
Hold on to your headdresses, because the Samba Parade is hitting Liverpool?s streets from 8pm on Saturday 14 July.
Starting at Abercromby Square, the riot of Latin American festivities is set to wind its way down Hope Street, Hardman Street, Bold Street and Church Street before finishing at Williamson Square.
If last year?s event is anything to go by, expect incredible floats, extravagant costumes and a vibrant vibe that will guarantee to get you dancing.
Look out for parade highlights Maracatu band Baque De Axe, the Brighton School of Samba and drumming sensation Juba do Le?o.
Make sure you sample some of the Brazilian and South American street food delicacies available at Williamson Square as well.
The Carnival Queen Competition
On Friday 13 July, the Queen of the Carnival is set to be picked at Circo, on Seel Street.
This year there?s a record-breaking 16 participants samba-ring it out to be the royalty of Saturday?s parade, displaying their talent, charm and beauty on stage.
Head down to see Brazilica Carnival Queen 2017 Wendy Okoli hand her crown over to Liverpool?s next best Samba Queen.
Fantastical Films
Alongside Saturday?s festivities, the Brazilica Film Festival will also be running from Monday 16 to Monday 30 July, screening an exciting collection of Latin American cinema across the city.
FACT, the Bombed Out Church, Camp and Furnace, the Baltic Creative and Output Gallery are all playing an eclectic mix of films, from documentaries to biopics and even comedies. The full listings can be found on the Brazilica 2018 website.
Continue the Carnival at Alma de Cuba
After you?ve watch the parade, why not head down for a night of samba celebration at Alma de Cuba? Our Saturday nights are legendary for bringing the spirit of carnival to Liverpool?s city centre.
Sit down for a meal with a Latin American twist while you sip from delectable cocktails handcrafted by our mixologists. And when you?re ready to continue the party, head downstairs for a night of flamboyance.
Join in with our fabulous samba dancers as the entire bar fiestas the night away and make sure you?re on the dance-floor for our iconic petal shower when the clock strikes 11pm.
And when midnight creeps around, prepare for the lights to darken and Voodoo to begin. Complete with fire-eaters, scary spirits and a dangerously good DJ, our weekly club night is set to be extra sensational after a day of celebration.
And if the party still hasn?t ended for you, Camp and Furnace are holding a Brazilica After-Party until 4am on Saturday, with all the day?s performers heading for a grand finale.
We can?t wait to samba the night away with you this Saturday! To book a table, reserve a booth or for more information, call us on 0151 305 3744 or email info@alma-de-cuba.com.
