BrasilFest was created in 1999 by Brazilian immigrants Eduardo (right)      and Ana Paula Mendonça (left) -- in the center Gary Locke, then Washington State    Governor -- with the mission to expose our community to Brazilian arts and traditions during the week of the Brazilian Folklore Day.  This is a unique mission, as this day is not usually celebrated outside of Brazil.  In Brazil, this event is an important educational tool in continuing Brazilian folkloric traditions.  Our mission goes beyond keeping traditions alive; it combines traditional and contemporary Brazilian expressions.