Following the suggestion of the Aharonian region’s ARF Central Committee, Hamazkayin’s São Paolo, Brazil chapter was established. It filled the creative and cultural void that the Armenian community in Brazil was suffering from for years.

The São Paolo chapter of Hamazkayin was established on August 9, 2005, when its first-ever committee was formed. In a short period of time more than 80 new members joined Hamazkayin.

The chapter’s inaugural initiative took place on May 7, 2006. The director of Hamazkayin Georges Sarkissian Theater troupe in Argentine, Kalousd Jansezian along with his wife, Hermineh Jansezian presented two plays: “Me and Ararat” and “Emptiness.” A large number of audiences longing for such an exceptional production attended the performances. On August 27, 2006, Hamazkayin chapter celebrated the anniversary of its foundation by inviting Karnig Sarkissian, the acclaimed performer of national and revolutionary songs. In November of the same year, the chapter organized a literary evening.

In 2007, the chapter organized a successful cultural event, dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the birth of Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents.

With the goal of invigorating traditional cultural life within the community, the chapter decided to enhance the spread of Armenian traditional folk dance. Dance coach Raffi Krikorian was invited to São Paolo from Argentina. During his three and a half-month stay, and with the financial support of the Hamazkayin committee, he achieved two goals. The first was to organize Armenian folk dance classes for the youth. He also reinforced the teaching of Armenian folk dance to the next generation via Armenian National Tourian School.

The chapter includes literary, general culture, theater, language, and other committees.

E-mail: hamazkbr@yahoo.com.br

ADDRESS: R. DAVID IAMPOLSKI, 65. São Paolo. S.P. BRASIL.