Americans and Brazilians in the Northeast celebrate Independence Day

July 03, 2012

U.S. Consul Usha Pitts in Recife, Ambassador Thomas Shannon, and State Secretary of Education Anderson Gomes cut the cake celebrating 236 years of U.S. independence

U.S. musician Atiba sings the American national anthem

U.S. Ambassador in Brazil Thomas Shannon and U.S. Consul in Recife Usha Pitts celebrated the 236th anniversary of American Independence with a reception for over 400 people from the Brazilian Northeast at Ponte d’Uchoa in Recife, Pernambuco. The celebration in Recife was held on Friday, June 29, so that the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission Todd Chapman could attend all celebrations throughout Brazil.

State and city government representatives, NGO members, educators and businessmen were among the guests. The event was rich in musical talent, with American musician Clay Ross, who introduced Bluegrass Music to the Brazilian audience, DJ Isabela Almeida, and American Blues/Jazz artist “Atiba,” who sang two solos: the U.S. national anthem and America the Beautiful, enchanting all present. Guests also had the chance to view a special poster show exhibit on the legendary highway Route66—the historic road that cuts across the entire country and is recognized as an icon of American popular culture.