The Festival will be graced once again by the commanding and vivifying presence of Dona Cici, a living vessel of the sacred tale.  Viver Brasil Dance Company will host our beloved Dona Cici as she guides a one-day community workshop to deepen our understanding of the Afro-Brazilian goddesses of water, both salty and sweet.  Dona Cici will impart her deep knowledge of the sacred tales, songs, and dances of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil and by extension, the ancestral traditions of the Yoruba of West Africa from which they derive.  Viver Brasil initiates the proceedings with a dance performance of Yemanjá (salty waters) and Oxum (sweet waters) as related by Dona Cici. The workshop will provide participants context for the songs and dances they have been witnessing.

Dear Friends,
WE are patiently waiting for Dona Cici's arrival (visa delays!) However, we are pleased to know that Iyaloria Maria de Lourdes Silvestre dos Santos, fondly known as Iyalorixa Mainha has arrived and will join Viver Brasil and guests, leading us in song and movement for the water goddesses. She is the spiritual leader of Ilê Axé Ewe Uwra (Temple of the Golden Leaf) in Salvador, Bahia. We look forward to seeing you at the event.

~ Linda Yudin, producer