The 2026 Immigrant Festival already has a date set! On November 14 and 15, the former Brás Hostel will transform into a melting pot of cultures, immersing the public in the traditions of refugees and immigrants who helped shape the history of São Paulo.
To participate, simply donate 1 kg of non-perishable food (except salt). Through this, the festival supports Arsenal da Esperança, which is also housed in the historic Brás building and assists vulnerable people in São Paulo.
Immigration Museum Hosts Free Festival This Weekend
Celebrating the event’s 30th anniversary, this edition promises to be even more special. There will be representatives from more than 50 countries and regions, offering around 100 different cultural activities!
The museum’s gardens will serve as the main stage, hosting 32 music and dance performances. Among them are Japanese drum performances, traditional Paraguayan dances, a choir from Armenia, folk groups from Hungary, and the debut of Cuban singer René Castillo Ferrer.
In addition, the culinary tour will feature more than 40 exhibitors offering traditional dishes from countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iraq, Denmark, South Korea, and Venezuela. For those looking for a souvenir, the craft stalls offer handmade items by artisans from Palestine, Sudan, Ivory Coast, and many other places.
Immigrant Festival 2026: Take a trip around the world without leaving São Paulo!
The public will also be able to get hands-on experience in the workshops and immersive activities that enliven the two-day festival. The Mamas de San Gennaro reveal the secrets of Italian cuisine, while other classes teach how to make marguciai (decorated eggs from Lithuania) and Armenian calligraphy on ceramics. Another highlight is the dance workshops, which range from K-pop to the traditional rhythms of Greek weddings.
In addition to the Immigrant Festival program, visitors can explore the current exhibitions at the Immigration Museum. The Center for Preservation, Research, and Reference (CPPR) will also conduct guided tours of areas of the former hostel that are usually closed to the public. To top it off, the steam train ride makes the weekend even more special!
📍 Where: Immigration Museum – Rua Visconde de Parnaíba, 1,316 – Mooca
📆 When: November 14 and 15, 2026
🕰️ Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6
p.m. 🎟️ Admission: Free with a donation of 1 kg of non-perishable food (except salt)
♿ Accessibility: The museum is accessible to people with limited mobility; guides are available for people with visual impairments during guided tours; a Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) interpreter is available for stage performances and some workshops
🌎 More information: Check out the full schedule on the Immigration Museum’s website
