Olodum Rio School holds its first parade featuring children

Olodum Rio School’s first parade brings children, percussion, afro dance, and choir to Pequena África this Sunday.

Olodum Rio School will hold its first parade this Sunday (30) at 11 a.m., featuring performances by percussion, afro dance, and choir groups. The route, from the Afro-Brazilian History and Culture Museum (MUHCAB) to Praça da Harmonia in Gamboa, will highlight the energy and joy of the children representing the spirit of cultural identity and education through art.

The event celebrates the success of the activities started in May 2025 under the leadership of the school’s teachers and directors. The gathering point for students and the audience will be MUHCAB, home to the school’s antiracist learning initiatives.

Created and directed by Ana Brites and coordinated by Anderson Vieira, who also teaches choir, the project is carried out by Associação Riart and embodies the values of heritage, creativity, and social inclusion.

“Our goal is to value African heritage, raise youth awareness, and offer tools for a dignified, opportunity-rich future. The drum will teach more than rhythm — it will teach identity, racial literacy, financial education, and entrepreneurship,” says Ana Brites.

According to coordinator Anderson Vieira, Olodum Rio School brings to Pequena África the methodology and philosophy of Olodum Salvador. “Our school embodies the same antiracist pedagogy, creativity, and technology that transformed Bahia’s cultural scene,” he explains.

Education and social inclusion

The school offers open classes in percussion, afro dance, choir, and leadership training for Afro-descendant youth aged 10 to 29. Activities take place at MUHCAB, located in the historical region encompassing Saúde, Gamboa, Santo Cristo, and Caju neighborhoods.

“Olodum Rio School goes beyond the brand name. It represents a real transfer of social technology from Salvador’s Olodum, with training by original educators,” says pedagogical advisor Mara Felipe.

About Olodum and MUHCAB

Founded in 1979 in Pelourinho, Olodum is one of the most important Afro-Brazilian cultural organizations in the world. It maintains a school, band, documentation center, and citizenship initiatives recognized internationally.

Based at the José Bonifácio Cultural Center in Gamboa, the Afro-Brazilian History and Culture Museum (MUHCAB) is among Brazil’s leading Black heritage institutions, housing around 2,500 artifacts under the direction of Sinara Rúbia.

Service

Event: Olodum Rio School Parade

Date and time: Sunday, November 30, at 11 a.m.

Route: From MUHCAB to Praça da Harmonia, Gamboa – Rio de Janeiro

Institutional partners: Olodum Salvador School, Rio Youth Secretariat, and MUHCAB

Sponsors: SBM Offshore, Cnooc, Americanas, Transegurtec, Rio Municipal Culture Secretariat, and Rio City Hall

Information: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. WhatsApp: +55 (21) 97521-7552 / (21) 3322-6358

Address: MUHCAB – Rua Pedro Ernesto, 80, Gamboa, Rio de Janeiro