Rio de Janeiro (People's Daily) - The fragrance of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) filled the air as people gathered in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival on June 10. Tia Ju, deputy speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro, and Wang Haitao, deputy consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro, joined more than 100 guests from various sectors in China and Brazil to experience traditional Chinese culture through a range of cultural activities.

He Shuanglian (right), vice president of the Brazilian Chinese Association, teaches Tia Ju learns to make zongzi. (Photo: People's Daily / Chen Yiming)

"China is one of Brazil's most important partners. The two countries have not only achieved remarkable results in economic and trade cooperation, but have also deepened collaboration in education, culture, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges," Tia Ju said. She noted that Chinese festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival demonstrate how different civilizations can foster mutual understanding and deepen friendship through exchange and learning. She added that the Chinese community has enriched Rio's multicultural landscape and continues to contribute to the city's economic, cultural and social development.

Wang Haitao said the Dragon Boat Festival is not only a traditional Chinese festival with profound cultural heritage, but also a cultural treasure shared by humanity. He noted that 2026 marks the China-Brazil Year of Culture, and that growing cultural events and people-to-people exchanges have strengthened the social foundation of bilateral relations. He expressed confidence that continued exchange and mutual learning would inject new momentum into building a China-Brazil community with a shared future.

Brazilian guests take part in Dragon Boat Festival activities at the event. (Photo provided to People's Daily)

Making zongzi, crafting sachets, and weaving colorful braided cords were among the most popular activities. The aroma of bamboo leaves mixed with laughter and conversation as participants from different cultural backgrounds gathered to immerse themselves in festival traditions.

Many Brazilian participants said the event deepened their understanding of traditional Chinese culture and allowed them to experience firsthand the friendship between Brazil and China.