This weekend, the Immigration Museum presents another edition of the 4th Viva! festival. This time, the festival highlights cultural heritage such as cuisine, dances, and customs, fostering a gathering among migrant communities from Eastern European countries.
Now in its 4th edition, this festival experience at the Immigration Museum is presented in partnership with AMOVIZA ( Association of Residents, Merchants, Business Owners, and Friends of the Vila Zelina Neighborhood). Known for fostering cultural exchange in the capital, the festival invites visitors to discover more about the traditions of Eastern European communities.
In fact, it’s much more than just watching stage performances; the audience experiences other forms of artistic expression, such as film, workshops, crafts, dance, and , of course, traditional cuisine .
The festival’s cuisine
One of the main attractions, the fair focused on Eastern European cuisine, features traditional dishes and drinks from various countries, such as Poland’s kremówka and butter cake. Meanwhile, plov and theperestroika burger represent Slavic cuisine.
In addition, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Russia will also be represented with a varied menu.
When it comes to drinks, the menu features kvas, a fermented beverage made from black bread, often called the “Coca-Cola of Eastern Europe.”
Overall, visitors also have the opportunity to sample other traditional offerings, such as creamy draft beer, Russian vodka, mead, and select wines from Vinheria Europeia.
What can you expect from the 4th Viva! Eastern Europe?
For those seeking lyrical music and performances that capture the essence of Eastern Europe on stage, the museum’s garden will host live performances, primarily by dance groups and choirs. The event also features themed attractions dedicated to the Nordic peoples.
Check out the announced schedule:
- September 19, at 12:30 p.m.: Opening ceremony, with guests and representatives from Eastern European communities
- September 19, at 1:30 p.m.: Helena Petrenko, featuring Russian songs and art songs
- September 19, at 2:30 p.m.: The Rambynas Group performing Lithuanian folk dances
- September 19, at 3:30 p.m.: Kyiv Group performing Ukrainian folk dances
- September 19, at 4:30 p.m.: Vila Viking—a Viking duel, connected to the Nordic peoples
- September 20, at 1:30 p.m.: Grupo Volga with a choir and Russian folk dances
- September 20, at 2:30 p.m.: Open workshop on Eastern European dances and choreography
- September 20, at 3:30 p.m.: The Jadran Group performing Croatian folk dances
- September 20, at 4:30 p.m.: Viking Village with a Viking duel
In fact, among the attractions, the festival offers options for those who wish to explore Soviet and Russian films . On Saturday at 1:00 p.m., the museum’s auditorium will screen *The White Sun of the Desert* (1969), directed by Vladimir Motyl.
Meanwhile, on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., Serguei Popov’s *The Road to Berlin* (2015) will be screened. Rounding out the film program at 4:30 p.m. is Karen Shakhnazarov’s *We Are the Jazz* (1983).
Event Details:
- Date: September 19 and 20, 2026
- Hours: Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Location: Immigration Museum (Rua Visconde de Parnaíba, 1,316 – Mooca)
- Admission: Free (tickets must be picked up in person at the box office on festival days; subject to venue capacity, so be sure to arrive early)
