When Thais Sousa and Jane Zitter moved to Hobart, far away from friends and family in Brazil, it didn't take long for homesickness to kick in.
There were no Brazilian restaurants, no cultural events, and finding community was a challenge.
"I thought I might post on [social media] groups, I need to make friends, I don't know where to go … and I couldn't find much," Ms Zitter said.
"We're an emerging culture and community here.
"It's very important for us to feel that we belong in the community that we live in."
They decided to fill the gap themselves.
They formed LATTAS Events, an organisation for hosting events around the state to create a space for the Brazilian community to come together, and for Tasmanians to learn more about Brazilian culture.
At the weekend, they staged CarnaTassie — a Tasmanian take on the iconic carnival held in Brazil each year, with the opportunity for guests to learn the Samba, sample traditional food and cocktails, and dress in their brightest, boldest outfits.
"It's something people know, but they haven't experienced," Ms Zitter said.
"More than half of the attendees in our events are [Tasmanian] locals, which we love.
"We love to see them dancing with us and sharing all the energy … it's great to share that feeling."
Bringing community together
Regular events and community connections were vital for providing a space for the younger generations, born in Tasmania, to experience cultural traditions firsthand, Ms Zitter said.
"They're very connected with the locals, of course, but … it's very important for us to never forget your roots, where you came from," she said.
"So [families] get very excited … and for us, it's just a pleasure. It's really worth all the hard work behind what we do."
LATTAS co-founder Ms Sousa said seeing the Tasmanian community rally around Brazilian culture with a willingness to learn, and making new residents feel more at home, was their key purpose.
"I'm super proud of how the community gets together and how the local people are more inclusive about culture," she said.
"It's so nice to see people feeling at home, and us being a part [of that] with our events is so incredible.
"No words describe it."
A small but strong population
Tasmania's Brazilian population is relatively small, with 2021 Census statistics showing just 442 people in the state were born in Brazil.
But the community says that number is growing — with events like CarnaTassie making sure new arrivals feel immediately welcome.
Leila Osorio moved to Hobart in 1988, pregnant with her daughter, and felt like the only Brazilian in the state.
"It was difficult," she said. "It was cold, it was a different culture.
"And now, there's so many Brazilians here. Where before, I had to make my own party during carnival, now, I can come to a party like in Brazil.
"It's so good to see our culture and our music, and I think people really enjoy [it]."
Ms Sousa echoed the sentiments, remembering how small the community was when she arrived less than five years ago.
"I would say when I moved here there were just about 50 Brazilians," she said.
"It's growing a lot — it's great.
"We like to share our culture. We like seeing people connect to us, and we are proud of it. We are proud of sharing our food, our music, our dance.
"This is our home, and we want people to see what you have, you can share it."
