Author Archives: AliG

Aro Fair 2021

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Taking part in a classic Welly happening

Wellington Batucada at Aro Fair 2021 - photo by Aro Valley Community Council

We had so much fun being part of such a glorious, family-friendly day of food, stalls and entertainment. The community spirit of so many bright and beautiful people was absolutely fabulous. Big ups to Dani and her crew from the Community Centre for an amazing day. Thanks to Tommy Etuata too for capturing all that community goodness in this video as we drummed and danced in the heart of Aro Valley.

A beautiful day, at a beautiful Wellington community event – what could be better? We were thrilled to be asked to open for the famous ArOlympics this year. It was our pleasure!

Wellington Batucada drummers and dancers at the Aro Fair 2021. Video by Tom S Etuata.

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Round the Bays Fun Run 2021

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An early start, for a great cause

Wellington Batucada drummers and dancers at Round the Bays 2021. Photo by Tom Etuata.

This is our second time performing at Round the Bays, and once again it was a very early (7.45am!) start for this great community event. We resurrected our CubaDupa 2018 costumes (shhh don’t tell anyone, but this is my favourite ever Batucada outfit!) which meant we were colourful and eye-catching for the runners as they thundered past.

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Johnsonville Christmas Parade 2020

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Going strong since 2008

Wellington Batucada at the Johnsonville Christmas Parade 2020 - photo by Tom Etuata

It’s been a good few years since we first began playing at the Johnsonville Christmas Parade, and we always love taking part.

A great community event, and a nice long street parade we can really get our teeth into. Plus we get to wear Santa hats and spruce up our drums with tinsel and Christmas decorations, and that’s never a bad thing.

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Red Cross New Zealand – National Meeting 2020

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Exciting!

Following our performance at the Taste of Cultures Charity Fundraising Dinner 2020 – the World Refugees Day event for New Zealand Red Cross – we were invited to do a little show to entertain delegates at the Red Cross New Zealand National Meeting.

Team photo at the Red Cross New Zealand National Meeting - photo by Sandra Young

Team photo before the performance for the NZ Red Cross National Council meeting. With us is Shaun Greaves, GM Humanitarian Development who we spotted dancing at the back of the room during our show.

…while at the front of the room, Dr Ashley Bloomfield appeared to be beaming his approval. From all accounts he was wearing the biggest smile in the room.

Our lives are now complete.

One of the things we love about performing is that every gig is completely different. Different venue, costumes, set and audience. Different reactions from people who in many cases have never heard our music before. Last night it was an honour to perform with Dr Ashley Bloomfield in attendance at The NZ Red Cross National Council Meeting. His reaction was one of surprise, amazement and joy. Thanks Dr Bloomfield, you made our night.
Wellington Batucada

Mexican ‘Day of the Dead’ 2020

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A dance and cultural event with Ollin Yolitzli

This most excellent Day of the Dead event was a collaboration between the group Ollin Yolitzli (Mexican traditional dance) and Aro Valley Community Centre.

Wellington Batucada dancers performing at Day of the Dead 2020. Photo by Anonymous.

We were invited to lead everyone in a parade from Aro Valley park to Aro Valley Hall as an introduction to the main event in the Hall.
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