Rikuday Festival’s 10th Edition Unites 2,000 Through Dance and Art
The 10th edition of Rikuday – Dance and Art Festival of the Congregação Israelita Paulista (CIP) – gathered more than two thousand people last Sunday at the Memorial da América Latina, in a celebration marked by intergenerational encounters, and the power of art as a connecting force. As part of the institution’s 90th anniversary celebrations, the event reaffirmed its place as one of the community’s most important cultural gatherings.
With programming throughout the day, the audience experienced a wide range of artistic expressions that highlighted the festival’s plural character. Dance performances in the morning and at the closing brought together more than 300 dancers from 20 groups, filling the auditorium to capacity. With participants ranging from ages 5 to 80, the shows moved the audience by showcasing talent, dedication, and dance as a universal language that bridges generations and strengthens community bonds.
The festival also featured two Harkadot—collective dance sessions—which remained packed from start to finish, reflecting the public’s strong engagement. Creative workshops for children, food trucks, and a community fair added to the atmosphere, offering diverse opportunities for leisure and social interaction.
At the opening, CIP President Laura Feldman emphasized the symbolic meaning of the edition:
“This festival celebrates encounters, stories, and the transformative power of culture. As it reaches its tenth year, Rikuday represents a movement that unites generations, strengthens ties, and keeps alive the expressions that shape our identity. Integrating this edition into CIP’s 90th anniversary makes this moment even more special, reaffirming our commitment to culture as a tool of belonging and continuity.”
Jenny Smilovici Giordano, coordinator of CIP’s Dance Department, and Arthur Hammer, artistic director, highlighted the festival’s journey:
“Rikuday was born from a simple idea and, over the years, has become a festival eagerly awaited by the entire community. Reaching the tenth edition is a source of great pride and emotion. It is the result of collective work, built with dedication, partnership, and the essential support of volunteers and the CIP team.”
At the closing, CIP Director Fernando Forsait reinforced the festival’s impact:
“Reaching the tenth edition proves the relevance and strength of this project for the community. Rikuday is a democratic space where people of different backgrounds, ages, and levels of religiosity come together through dance. Seeing the auditorium full and the public engaged is the greatest confirmation that we are on the right path—promoting culture, connection, and belonging.”
The 10th Rikuday – Dance and Art Festival was organized by the Congregação Israelita Paulista (CIP), through its Dance Department, with support from the Ministry of Culture via the Rouanet Law for Cultural Incentives, and the São Paulo City Hall through Parliamentary Amendment No. 6025.2025/0024193-9. Cultural support came from the Memorial da América Latina, CultSP, and the State Secretariat for Culture, Economy, and Creative Industry. Sponsors included Itaú, Bemol, Rosset, Banco Safra, Trycostil, Smart Storage Self Storage, and Aurora.
Source: CIP / Liane G. Zaidler
