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The University �鶹��ѡ is hosting a vibrant Brazilian Carnaval celebration on campus – music, dance, research and more as academics and students prepare for this year’s COP30 environmental summit in Brazil.

Running from 25 to 28 February, the event is hosted by the University �鶹��ѡ Brazil Institute (UBBI). The Celebrate Amazonia events also mark the institution’s 125^th anniversary which is celebrated this year. Our iconic clock tower will be lit up green to celebrate the week. 

Celebrate Amazonia highlights include:

• Keynote panel discussion – ‘Engage Amazonia: The Role of Academia to Bring Solutions to Global Challenges’, chaired by Professor Robin Mason ORB, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International),with Professor Mariana Vale, UBBI-CAPES Chico Mendes Chair, Professor of Ecology, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Professor David Hannah, UNESCO Chair in Water Science, Director �鶹��ѡ Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action; Dr Flavia Costa, Scientist from the National Research Institute for the Amazon (INPA), Manaus; , Indigenous Filmmaker and Climate Activist, Dr Carina Calabria, Human Rights Scholar, Federal University of Pernambuco. (26 Feb)
• ‘Big Questions’ World Café: Engage in meaningful conversations on global challenges such as climate anxiety, migration, and environmental racism with expert researchers and students. (26 Feb)
• Art and Activism Exposition: Explore student-led art and poster presentations focused on climate change activism. (25 and 26 Feb)
• Portuguese Language Café: Practice your Portuguese in a casual setting while enjoying the art exposition. (25 Feb)
• Virtual Forest Escape Room: Test your problem-solving skills in a virtual forest escape room led by scientists from Birmingham Institute of Forest Research BIFoR. (25 Feb)
• Tree Measuring: Participate in hands-on activities to learn about forest conservation. (26 Feb)
• Music and Dance Performances: Enjoy live Brazilian music and dance, culminating in a performance by the batucada group Oyá. (26 Feb)
• Film Screenings: Watch short films about indigenous communities in the Amazon, followed by discussions. (26 Feb)
• Special Exhibitions: Visit the Lapworth Museum and UoB Library for special exhibitions related to Brazil and Carnaval.
• Samba Dance Lessons: Discover the excitement of Brazilian music and movement in just one session. (28 Feb)

Professor Robin Mason ORB, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International), commented: “Carnaval is marked by the joy and exuberance of Brazilian culture. The University �鶹��ѡ Brazil Institute looks forward to celebrating this culture on campus. Our celebration is open to all staff, students, and the wider Birmingham and Brazilian community.”

The Celebrate Amazonia festival is part of the University’s Engage Amazonia 2025 programme, which includes workshops, research collaborations, and fellowships aimed at addressing Amazonian challenges. It will celebrate our place on our planet; demonstrate the potential to mitigate climate change; and showcase the University’s research and engagement on diverse global challenges. 

Discover more information and a detailed schedule. .