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Slowing down in coastal Arembepe
Saturday took us just outside of Salvador to Arembepe, a coastal town in Bahia with its own rhythms and sense of community. The day unfolded at a different pace—less formal, more relational—and offered some of the most joyful moments of the trip so far.
The enchantment of learning at Berimbau Arte
Our first stop was Centro Cultural Berimbau Arte, often referred to simply as Berimbau Arte, a local NGO dedicated to supporting children and families through culture, creativity, and community care. All of the organization’s programming is offered entirely free of charge. Through capoeira, reading, art, music, and mentorship, Berimbau Arte creates a safe, structured space for kids—keeping them engaged, supported, and off the streets.
We began by learning about the organization’s history and mission, then spent the morning participating in activities alongside the kids. What stood out immediately was how learning happens at Berimbau Arte: collaboratively, joyfully, and with deep mutual respect. Older children support younger ones. Encouragement is constant. The space feels both playful and purposeful—grounded in trust, routine, and care.
Local kids at Berimbau Arte sing us a silly song about the history of the NGO on January 10, 2026.
Hands‑on culture and a legacy of international connection
The kids showed us how they practice capoeira together, then invited us to learn how to make and play berimbau instruments. The process was hands-on and communal, reinforcing that culture here is not something consumed—it’s something built together. Music, movement, and attention are taught side by side, and each activity reinforces the others.
Our final activity at Berimbau Arte was body painting, using white paint on arms and legs—a relatively common sight around Bahia. It was creative, silly, and full of laughter. I’m fairly certain my kiddo is the next Picasso.
One of the most meaningful things we learned is that many children who “graduate” from Berimbau Arte go on to play capoeira in other countries—and then return home, still connected to the organization and the community that raised them. That continuity speaks volumes. Berimbau Arte isn’t just helping kids develop into successful adults; it’s helping them stay rooted, connected, and invested in one another.
Community support: donations that brought big smiles
Before leaving, we had the opportunity to offer clothing and hygiene product donations. A heartfelt thank you to Danielle Chaet, Manager of Operations, and Joy French, Finance and Administration Program Director at the Center for Bioethics and Humanities, for their donation of doggy pajamas and stuffed animals—Manuel and the other small kiddos were especially thrilled. Another huge thank you to Springfield Orthodontics in Springfield, Pennsylvania, for donating 75 toothbrushes, which turned out to be a surprising hit!
Seaside Shrimp Moqueca at Mar Aberto
From there, we headed to lunch on the beach at Mar Aberto, where we enjoyed traditional Brazilian dishes, including shrimp moqueca—absolutely delicious. Eating a rich seafood stew in the heat feels a little counterintuitive, but I was fully on board (moqueca is my favorite dish).
Boot on, ocean calling: a victory float in the Bahia blue
After lunch, we had time to enjoy the beach. Thankfully, Gabi served as my human cane as I carefully made my way across the sand to float in the beautiful blue sea. I’m still rocking a very fashionable walking boot after breaking my ankle on Thanksgiving, and Gabi made sure I didn’t miss out on the Brazilian beach experience💙
Sun-soaked, well-fed, and deeply grateful, we made our way back to Salvador—tired, happy, and reminded that care, culture, and community are inseparable.
Interested in supporting Berimbau Arte?
If you’d like to learn more about their work or explore ways to support the organization, feel free to reach out to Chelsey Patten (Chelsey.Patten@cuanschutz.edu) directly.