Celebrate Black History Month Brasil in Berlin at the WdK

Download the programm "Black History Month" (German)

Come along to enjoy Black History Month at the WdK in Berlin, this year celebrating Brazil's African heritage. Discover the rhythms of Samba, Maracatu, Côco, Baião and Bossa Nova and be thrilled by Capoeira performances.

Every year in February 'Black History Month' is celebrated in many countries around the world. This tradition dates back to the year 1926 when the Afro American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson, pioneered the celebration of Black History Month, designated to coincide with marking the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.

Dr. Woodson worked to preserve the history of African Americans, because he noted that African American contributions "were overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed by the writers of history textbooks and the teachers who use them".

The first Black History Month in Germany was organised by the ISD (Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland e.V.) in 1990.

It is only fitting that the WdK (Werkstatt der Kulturen), the only organisation in Berlin which focuses on transculturation (the phenomenon of merging and converging cultures) emphasises Brazil during this year's Black History Month.

Celebrate Black History Month Brazil at the WdK in Berlin with an exciting programme of music, talks, films exhibitions and more.

Enjoy the biggest Candomblé event in Europe (an African-originated religion, practised chiefly in Brazil) including the exhibition of sacred Candomblé altars at the WdK in Berlin.

You can look forward to screenings of Brazillian movies and documentaries which are followed by Question & Answer sessions with the film makers.

Did you know that to adherents of Candomblé, the word Samba, means to pray?