It was one of those September days in Odense when the sky was a little grey and the air still warm enough to remind you of summer. But the moment I stepped into Ungdomshuset, where the Brazilian Day in Odense took place, I was transported to a different world. Music was already playing, people were laughing and greeting each other in Portuguese, and the place was buzzing with energy.
I came with my daughter because I wanted her to experience another culture — not through books or screens, but through food, music, movement, and being among people. The event, organised by the Association of Brazilian Entrepreneurs in Denmark (AEBD), promised colour, food, and music, but offered something deeper: connection.
When we spoke, Ana Amélia Rodrigues, AEBD’s founder and president, shared how difficult it can be for Brazilian entrepreneurs to reach Danish clients. She founded AEBD four years ago to change that — to build visibility, confidence, and a sense of belonging in business.
“Events like this help us show who we are,” Ana told me. “People can taste our food, see our products, and meet us. It’s easier to connect when people can experience what we do with their senses.”
It truly was a feast for the senses.
At one stand, I bought organic cosmetics from Apoema Care. Each product carried the scent of Brazil and the maker’s story. Sustainable and handmade — or, more accurately, heart-made.
Heloisa Pamplona, the company’s founder, invited me to smell and test every creation. I discovered body candles — candles that melt into warm oil and can be used as skin cream. With the smell of lemongrass and orange. Scents that now help me survive the grey Danish winter.
At another stand, bright crochet jewellery from LuLu Croche Art caught my eye — delicate, playful, and full of movement. I couldn’t resist, and neither could my daughter. We bought a few vibrant pieces. My new earrings now add colour to every room I enter, and strangers keep asking where I got them.
Then came the food — comforting, colourful, and impossible to resist. I had Feijoada, the rich Brazilian stew made with black beans, rice, farofa, and greens, and a Coxinha, a savoury pastry filled with chicken. Even my eight-year-old, who usually avoids beans, devoured the plate and asked for more.
We ate, laughed, and later joined the samba — dancing together to the irresistible rhythm of Brazilian songs.
It felt effortless.
What struck me most was the sense of community. The AEBD entrepreneurs weren’t just selling products; they were sharing a part of themselves. Each stand felt like a story of resilience and creativity — a way of bringing Brazilian warmth into the Danish autumn.
AEBD’s work goes far beyond organising events. They run workshops, create spaces to meet, and help Brazilian entrepreneurs navigate the Danish market and build confidence along the way. During the event, I saw how people supported one another — they exchanged ideas, jokes, and concerns. It felt less like a network and more like a home. And even for me, an international who does not come from Brazil, the community they’ve built feels like home.
As the evening light softened and the last notes of samba echoed through the building, I felt deeply grateful. What lingered was the rhythm — in my body, in my steps, in the way the day stayed with me.
I left with a nourished heart, a lip cream in my bag, and the melody of samba we were humming as we walked home.
If you haven’t yet experienced the Brazilian Day in Odense, mark your calendar for September 2026. Go, dance, eat, and meet the people behind AEBD. You’ll leave with more than souvenirs — you’ll carry a small piece of Brazil with you.
About AEBD
The Association of Brazilian Entrepreneurs in Denmark (AEBD) was founded in 2021 by Ana Amélia Rodrigues. Its goal is to help Brazilian professionals and small business owners build their lives and careers in Denmark. AEBD offers guidance, networking sessions, and workshops designed to strengthen business skills, promote cultural exchange, and foster collaboration within the community.
Through initiatives like the Brazilian Day in Odense, AEBD brings visibility to Brazilian talent and craftsmanship — showcasing the creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural richness that Brazilian communities contribute to Danish society.
Follow AEBD on Instagram or Facebook to learn more about their projects and upcoming events.
Image credit: AEBD
