Backers of Brazil Fest, which was supposed to be held on June 1 at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury, announced in a statement Wednesday that the festival is on hold due to concerns for attendees' safety.
A Brazilian cultural festival that was scheduled to take place on the Island this weekend has been postponed after federal immigration officials arrested about 40 people here and on Nantucket Tuesday.
Backers of Brazil Fest, which was supposed to be held on June 1 at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury, announced in a statement Wednesday that the festival is on hold due to concerns for attendees' safety.
“We are so disappointed that due to the present climate of fear and intimidation against the immigrant and Brazilian community we will have to postpone the second annual Brazil Fest,” said Sara Barnes, who helped organize the festival through her role at MV Mediation and the Building Bridge Coalition.
Members of the coalition were polled and almost 100 per cent felt that postponement was the best course of action.
“There are many realities in this moment, but it’s important to be sensitive to the collective fear and desperation being felt by many who call this Island home,” said coalition member Taina Paizante Chaves. “This moment brings tears, but it won’t take away our people’s ability to find joy.”
The festival started last year as a way to bring the different communities of the Island together. Hundreds of people came and participated in traditional Brazilian dancing and other activities.
While some members of the coalition considered forging ahead with the event this year, most of the Brazilian members of the coalition raised concerns.
Paula Reidbord, who is Brazilian and the coordinator of the festival, was appalled by the arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and felt it was best to bring the festival back later when more Brazilians were comfortable attending.
“For this to take place without Brazilian people’s presence would make no sense,” she said. “This event will happen in the future and when it does it will be a celebration of our culture, our strength and resilience, what brings us together and makes us stronger.”
A tentative date for the festival has been scheduled for Oct. 12 at the Agricultural Hall.
“When the time is right to reschedule, I hope we can reaffirm our commitment to celebrating and honoring Brazilian culture in a way that feels safe and uplifting for all,” said Rachel BenDavid, the president of the MV Mediation board of directors.
Comments
How sad for us all, not to
Concerned EdgartownHow sad for us all, not to feel safe gathering to celebrate culture.
I do not understand why this
Bob EdgartownI do not understand why this is postponed. If you are here legally and have done nothing wrong then there are no concerns.
Exactly!!!!!
OB Villager Oak BluffsExactly!!!!!
That's a pretty naive thing
GeorgeThat's a pretty naive thing to say.
Because the administration is
tom BostonBecause the administration is going after some citizens, some green card holders and some folks here on visas.
Just a guess on my part, but
Emily TisburyJust a guess on my part, but I doubt very many guys named Bob get asked for their papers by masked gunmen.
Bob, unfortunately that's not
Carol formerly ChilmarkBob, unfortunately that's not true. Over and over again, people who are here legally with green cards, visas, etc. are being arrested and deported, often not even to their country of origin - our Brazilian friends might be dropped off in Sudan or at that El Salvadorean prison.
Some of my ancestors weren't
Susanna J. Sturgis West TisburySome of my ancestors weren't here legally. Maybe some of yours weren't either? These days if you look white, you're reasonably safe. If you don't, you aren't. This didn't start on Tuesday.
Many of the Building Bridges
Sara Barnes, Executive Director MV Mediation, Building Bridges Coalition member Vineyard HavenMany of the Building Bridges Coalition members expressed that no matter whether they are documented, undocumented or citizens of the US; many are afraid to leave their homes under the present circumstances and would not feel safe attending Brazil Fest. As a community oriented coalition we polled the members and the overwhelming opinion was to postpone. The coalition intends to continue with the purpose of helping to build bridges between various sectors of our community. Contact [email protected].
Thank you for your support of
Jane Norton ChilmarkThank you for your support of our Brazilian community. I look forward to the event in the future.
Sending love, strength and
Rebekah Thomson West TisburySending love, strength and solidarity to our island Brazilian community during this devastating time. Looking forward to brighter days and celebrating together when the time is right.
I am so sad to hear this news
Perry West TisburyI am so sad to hear this news. Brazilfest was such a wonderful event last year. I am looking forward to the rescheduled event. I hope that all members of the island community will continue to support and celebrate the diverse and vibrant nature of all members of our community through more events like this.
As to Bob’s comment you need
Jim Jones Vineyard HavenAs to Bob’s comment you need look no further than Mr. Abrego Garcia who was deported by an “administrative mistake “ and remains in jail. It is a sad time in America when people are snatched off the streets and denied due process.
Wish I could wrap protective
Sally West TisburyWish I could wrap protective arms around all who are afraid, it is a sad time.
That so many in the Brazilian
Islander Martha's VineyardThat so many in the Brazilian community feel fearful and unsafe appears to show that the worries the immigration department of America has that there are many people who are undocumented, here in the USA illegally, are founded, I guess–when did we become a country that was not interested in following immigration law? I don't think MAGA is the answer and I didn't vote for the guy in the Oval Office, but it is so perplexing that so many feel that laws are just pieces of paper with words written down on them and nothing more–do they feel that way about the Declaration of Independence?
Add new comment