Welcome to
Our Home, Your Home!
An oca is a traditional Indigenous Brazilian dwelling, symbolising connection, belonging, and community.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, Oca Brasil is a home for Brazilian culture, a welcoming space that brings together people, stories, ideas, and exciting projects.
There’s so much more to come!
Follow along, come on in, and make yourself at home.
About the Project
Through music, storytelling, creative workshops and shared experiences, the programme creates a welcoming space for Brazilian families to connect with their cultural heritage while inviting the wider community to discover and experience Brazilian culture.
From a vibrant Big Happy Hour on Friday evening to creative Workshops & musical storytelling on Saturday morning, the project celebrates language not only through words, but through stories, sounds, rhythms, creativity and connection.
What to Expect
Musical Storytelling: Enjoy a Brazilian story brought to life through storytelling and live music.
Bookmaking Workshop: Create a small handmade book while exploring creativity and the Portuguese language.
Chocalho-Making Workshop: Create a Brazilian-inspired shaker and explore Brazilian rhythms through music and play.
6 & 7 November
Tauranga Library / Te Ao Mārama
Days
Who can participate?
Everyone is welcome!
You don’t need to be Brazilian or speak Portuguese. Friday is open to all ages, while Saturday’s creative activities are especially designed for children and families.
Big Happy Hour: Brazilian Cultural EveningFri, 06 NovTauranga Library
Brazilian Creative Workshops & Musical StorytellingSat, 07 NovTauranga Library
GISELA DE CASTRO was born in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, in the mid-1970s. She has always loved reading and is a fan of Sylvia Orthof, Câmara Cascudo, Carlos Drummond de Andrade, Fernanda Lopes de Almeida and Ana Maria Machado.
An actress, producer, former biologist and mother to Lara, she decided to become a writer and has already published A asa da borboleta e outras sutilezas (2017). Um voo sobre as capitais brasileiras is her second book.
Awards & Recognition
Awarded an Honourable Mention by the Brazilian Writers’ Union (Rio de Janeiro)
International Literature Competition — 2019
Jabuti Award 2020 — Finalist
About the Author
Project Coordination & Concept by Gisela de Castro
Illustrations by Felipe Cavalcante, from the book “Um voo sobre as capitais brasileiras” Copyright Zucca Books
Project Development & Marketing by Priscila Dozza
Video Illustration by Lara de Castro
Have a question?
We’d love to hear from you!
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