Sao Paulo Travel Guide: Sao Paulo Cultural Calendar

São Paulo is a globalized city hosting a multitude of cultural events every year. There is thought to be as many as 90,000 events held in the city every year ranging from corporate business functions to trade fairs to music concerts to art exhibitions—the list is extensive and ensures that there will always be something happening for travelers to see. Up-to-the-minute listings can be found in various locations and publications such the Agenda Cultural de São Paulo (São Paulo's Cultural Calendar) and City of Sao Paulo website. Below are some of the most significant cultural events that take place in the city.

January:
Foundation of the City
São Paulo Fashion Week (January – Fall Collection/ June – Spring Collection) ranks alongside London, Paris, New York, and Milan as one of the most significant fashion weeks in the world. Originally established in 1996 as Morumbi Fashion Brazil, this has become the most significant fashion circuit in Latin America with many Brazilian fashion models increasing in international accolade. The event is also marked by various social campaigns such as campaigns against hunger, AIDS, and other issues affecting those less fortunate in the city.

February:
Carnival is celebrated in São Paulo with samba groups parading at the Sambódromo do Anhembi (Anhembi Sambadrome). Many São Paulo samba schools showcase their best talents, and there are also visits from the best schools of Rio de Janeiro.

March/April:
The Electronic Language International Festival is a non-profit series of exhibitions, seminars, debates, and courses aimed at developing and distributing electronic arts, technologies, and scientific research. The festival brings a range of different electronic artists to São Paulo to exhibit an array of innovative electronic artwork. Mediums include CD-ROM, Internet, and VJs whose works are displayed in exhibitions, installations, and performances. Each event has its own distinct theme and attracts artists from across Brazil and the world.
http://www.filefestival.org

May/June:
The March for Jesus parade is organized by the Evangelical Reborn in Christ Church and takes place every Corpus Christi Thursday in Zona Norte. This is a global celebration of the Eucharist – the body and blood of Jesus Christ – and an important part of Catholic worship. During the event, millions from across Brazil and the world descend on São Paulo to march through the city while enjoying the music of dozens of Christian bands.

June:
The Annual São Paulo Gay Parade is now the biggest gay parade in the world in terms of attendance after overtaking more established parades in San Francisco, New York, and Sydney – the 2008 parade saw 5 million people troop down Paulista Avenue. The parade aims to bring visibility to social discrimination against homosexuals, bisexuals, transvestites, and transsexuals, and strives to promote equality for these groups.
http://www.gaypridebrazil.org

October/November:
The São Paulo Art Bienal (see Museums section) is the most important art event in the city: close to one million people attended the 2004 Biennial. It is held every 2 years from October to December.

The São Paulo International Film Festival has been held annually in São Paulo since 1976. Along with its counterparts in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia, it is an important celebration of Brazilian and international filmmaking featuring several awards in various different categories.
http://35.mostra.org

São Paulo Sports

As with any part of Latin America, football (soccer) is the most popular sport in São Paulo. The big derby match in the city is between Palmeiras and Corinthians. “The Derby” was created in 1914 when a group of Italians who played for the Corinthians decided to break off and form their own football team, dividing the fans between the 2 clubs. The clubs can play several times a year depending on the number of tournaments in which they are both competing. Anyone making a trip to the match, usually held at São Paulo’s biggest stadium Estádio de Morumbi, should always take utmost care and not bring any valuable belongings.

The São Paulo Formula One Grand Prix is the only race on the annual Formula One circuit to be held in Latin America. Enthusiasts should head down to the Velodromo to experience some invigorating high-speed motor sports. Tickets should be bought well in advance as this event is hugely popular and sells out quickly.