Huge crowd flock to Laois to celebrate sixth Brazilian festival 

LABRAS (Laois Brazilian Support Association) welcomed more than 850 people to its sixth annual Festa Junina, making this year's celebration the largest and most successful in the festival's history.

Over the past six years, Festa Junina has grown from a community gathering into one of the midlands' most colourful multicultural events. While celebrating Brazil's rich traditions, the festival has also become an important platform for bringing communities together, encouraging cultural exchange and strengthening friendships between the Brazilian community and people from across Ireland.

Families and friends travelled from Limerick, Kildare, Kilkenny, Waterford, Tipperary, Westmeath, Dublin and many other parts of Ireland to Portlaoise to experience a vibrant celebration of Brazilian culture through music, dance, traditional cuisine, children's entertainment, crafts and community activities.

Speaking after the event, Cássia O'Neill, chairperson of LABRAS, said: "Festa Junina has become one of the highlights of our year. For the past six years, we've had the privilege of sharing these special moments with families and children and one of the most rewarding parts is seeing those children grow up while continuing to come back and celebrate with us.

‘‘Watching new friendships form, seeing people from different cultures dancing together and seeing so many smiling faces throughout the day means more to us than words can express. That sense of community is what LABRAS is all about."

She added: "Seeing more than 850 people come together to celebrate Brazilian culture in Portlaoise was incredibly special. We are deeply grateful to every volunteer, performer, vendor, partner organisation and attendee who helped make this year's Festa Junina such a memorable day. Events like this show how culture has the power to bring people together, break down barriers and create friendships that enrich our entire community. We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027."

This year's festival was honoured by the attendance of His Excellency Flávio Helmold Macieira, Ambassador of Brazil to Ireland, and his wife Josiane Cotrim Macieira, together with the cathaoirleach of Laois Co Council, Catherine Fitzgerald, local councillors and representatives from a number of organisations that continue to support community initiatives throughout Co Laois.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors enjoyed performances by Trio Forrosteiros, joined the traditional Quadrilha dance, sampled a wide selection of authentic Brazilian food and treats prepared by local vendors and took part in children's games, arts and crafts. Local businesses and community organisations also participated, helping to create a welcoming environment where cultures could meet, connect and celebrate together.

The outstanding success of the festival was made possible through the dedication and commitment of an incredible team of volunteers, performers, vendors and partner organisations. LABRAS extends its gratitude to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and support before and during the event, including Laois Co Council, Laois Volunteer Centre, Connect Laois, the Embassy of Brazil in Ireland, Laois Civil Defence, An Garda Síochána, Laois Integration Network, local elected representatives, sponsors and many other valued community partners.

LABRAS (Laois Brazilian Support Association) is a volunteer-led community organisation dedicated to supporting Brazilians living in Co Laois while promoting integration, cultural exchange and inclusion. Through cultural, educational and social initiatives, LABRAS works to strengthen relationships between the Brazilian community and the wider Irish population, helping to build a more connected, welcoming and diverse society.

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