Raw energy to spark Brazil carnival in HK

Jamie Liu

Hong Kong and Brazil have the potential for cultural exchanges with a "shared raw energy" despite the 18,000-kilometer distance between the two places, said the organizer of the city's first Brazilian festival.

Stefan Matzinger, founder and chief executive of "Extravaganza! When Brazil Meets Hong Kong," highlighted the multicultural aspects of both locations in an interview with The Standard.

"It's a mixture of people's cultures in Brazil, which has come out very positively," he said. "Hong Kong is also a mix of people - very different cultures coming together."

Matzinger, who lived in Brazil before moving permanently to Hong Kong, expressed hope the festival will spark a cultural exchange between the two places.

"They really are on different sides of the world, right? It's difficult for them to interact," he said.

"So, I think it will be a small stone in the cathedral, which I hope we will be able to build."

Matzinger noted challenges in bringing together a group of nearly 50 performers from Brazil, including some from favelas or communities with limited travel experience.

"It's quite challenging because this is not an existing group. We are putting together seven, eight different sources of artists."

When asked about potential difficulties, he responded: "Something will go rogue. We'll see what, and I hope we fix it."

The organizer said while the festival has applied for backing under the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund, it would go ahead whether or not it gains support.

Some 30,000 attendees are expected, 30 percent of them or 9,000 being international visitors.

Matzinger remains cautiously optimistic about the festival's reception.

"It's a test," he admitted. "We'll see how much people embrace it."

His long-term vision is measured: "If it works well, we'll do it every year. If it works really well, I take it to other cities."

The carnival-themed event, set to take place from June 20 to 29, will feature nearly 50 Brazilian performers, bringing samba dances, reggae drumming and capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art, across 10 locations along the Victoria Harbour.

jamie.liu@singtaonewscorp.com