A Feast of Cultures: A Savoury New Year’s Eve in Brazil

Spending New Year’s Eve with family in Brazil is a tradition that holds a special place in our hearts. After years abroad, we’ve come to deeply value home and the unique feast of cultures that shape our lives. From beloved pets to an array of international dishes and multilingual conversations, here’s a glimpse into how we welcomed 2025.

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A Cultural Feast: The Heart of Our Celebration

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Our home is a tapestry of languages and cultures, a reflection of our family's journey as immigrants and internationals. Naturally, this rich blend is especially evident in the cuisine. After all, food is the soul of any celebration, and our New Year’s Eve was no exception. Our table was a testament to the diversity of our lives, featuring a true feast of cultures:

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• Brazilian Moqueca: This vibrant seafood stew combines tomatoes, onions, garlic, lime, coriander, and coconut milk. It’s a comforting dish full of flavour and tradition.
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• Chinese Jiao-zi (饺子): Known as dumplings or gyoza, these are arguably the best appetisers in the world, don't you agree? Symbolising wealth and prosperity, they are a common NYE dish where the family & friends gathered to make together.
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• Pak Cham Gai (白切雞): A simple yet elegant white-cut
  chicken dish served with a garlic & ginger sauce. A must-have for celebratory gatherings that our mum has perfected over the years.
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Each dish reflects our multicultural background, blending the flavours and traditions of Brazil, China, and beyond.

A Home filled with a Wild Feast of Cultures

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Our New Year’s Eve celebration was a true reflection of the beauty in diversity. Bringing together family, family friends, and our beloved pets, all coming from different parts of the world. A wild mix of immigrants from Suriname, Spain, China, Taiwan, and United States gather in our household in Brazil. Thus, each corner of our home becomes a vibrant feast of cultures. It's always interesting exchanging worldly perspectives and embracing different languages.

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Of course, it can be challenging at times. Navigating the gaps in language and colloquialisms is not easy, but we always find a way to communicate. In this way, we always discover harmony in our shared moments with a feast filled with different cultures.

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In the gathering photo taken at the turn of the year, even the pets made an appearance. Although Yumi, our youngest and wildest cat, was clearly plotting her escape; and Jonesy, our ginger cat from London, preferred the outdoors at the time.

Honouring the Multicultural Fabric of Life

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Our New Year’s Eve celebration is a reflection of the rich unison of cultures that shape our lives. A true feast of cultures, each moment, multilingual conversation, and dish we share tells a story of heritage and connection. These special gatherings bridge traditions from all over the world into one household.

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This blending of cultures reminds us that Life is a celebration of diversity. One where flavours, languages, and customs come together to create special moments where always learn something new. As such, as we step into 2025, we cherish these moments that ground us in gratitude and inspire us to honour the beauty of our shared humanity.

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I wish we had more pictures, however we were present in the moment enjoying each other’s company, the delicious food, and celebrating Life!