One of the most animated festivals in the Safeco Insurance Festál series features colorful costumes, food, martial arts presentations and energetic music illuminating Brazil's African, Portuguese and indigenous roots at Safeco Insurance Festál: BrasilFest, Aug. 16, Noon -5 p.m., on Seattle Center campus.

Follow the drumbeats to BrasilFest, which relishes in the unique diversity of South America's cultural melting pot. Brazil's roots are celebrated with classical guitar, samba rhythms and the percussive beats of traditional folk music. Watch a demonstration of the elegant and powerful Capoeira martial arts, see glittering costumes and eat authentic foods while learning about this complex culture.

Special guests and activities this year include: Sylvia Patricia from Salvador, Bahia -Brazil performing and conducting workshops on Brazilian Popular Music.

Did you know? Marcos Pontes is the first Brazilian and first native Portuguese-speaking person to go into space -and the only Brazilian to complete the NASA training program. One of the most experienced jet pilots in the Brazilian Air Force, Pontes holds the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. His space flight on March 30, 2006, when he traveled to the International Space Station, fulfilled a childhood dream to become an astronaut,. During his one-week trip, Pontes carried out eight experiments selected by the Brazilian Space Agency. On April 8, 2006, he landed in Kazakhstan with the crew of Expedition 12.

Join us at Safeco Insurance Festál 2009 and become a culture carrier (someone who contributes to cultural understanding through the sharing of stories, songs, music, food and family traditions). This festival is produced by Seattle Center in partnership with Brazil Center and Show Brazil Productions. For more information on Safeco Insurance Festál and other Seattle Center programming, click on www.seattlecenter.com.

About Safeco Insurance Festál

Safeco Insurance Festál, presented by Seattle Center in partnership with community organizations, is a year-long series of FREE events that honors the cultural richness and diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Safeco Insurance Festál plays a vital part in Seattle Center

efforts to connect our dynamic and varied communities.

This collection of 22 events is presented with the generous support of Safeco Insurance, Wells Fargo, Verizon Wireless and KUOW 94.9 Public Radio. Additional support is provided by The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, The Boeing Company, Seattle Center Fund and the City of Seattle.