The CCI Christmas party features dancing, prizes and plenty of socialising

Around 100 elderly people taking part in our projects attended the CCI (Community Centre for the Elderly) Christmas party last Friday, which took place in Pinheiros.

Contrary to the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th, it was a light-hearted, cheerful and fun day for the elderly, the teachers and the entire Welfare team at the Foundation. In a very harmonious atmosphere, the event—which was themed around the 1960s—took place at Colégio Basílio Machado in Vila Madalena and was attended by pupils who attend the cultural workshops at the CCI centres in Pinheiros and Paraisópolis.

C Each participant brought a dish of sweet or savoury food to share with their classmates. Right at the start, the group feasted on the enormous a table laden with cakes in various flavours (carrot and chocolate, sweetcorn, cornmeal, ‘formigueiro’) and tarts, served with juice, fizzy drinks, water or coffee. It was also the moment when they caught up on the latest news and showed off their 1960s-style outfits, featuring polka-dot prints, full skirts and bows, headbands, glitter and sunglasses. 

See more photos and videos from the party on our Instagram page!

What 2024 brought good 

Next, everyone was invited to take part in an activity in which they were asked to talk about the best event in their lives in 2024. It was an activity designed to stimulate memories, positive feelings and an optimistic outlook on life.

During the testimonials, there was no shortage of stories about visits from children who had come from abroad, about travels, about recovering from health problems, and about taking part in CCI activities. “The best thing about 2024 was the visit from my son, who lives in Germany. I also enjoyed meeting my daughter-in-law’s brother and sister-in-law. And we even went on a trip to Arraial D’Ajuda. It was lovely”, says Eliane Silva Guimarães, aged 68, a teacher.

Elvira Beckhauser, on the other hand, experienced her best moment of 2024 travelling in the opposite direction: in May she was in Germany to visit her son, who also lives there. “I travelled with my daughter and we really made the most of every corner of Berlin, an incredible city,” she says.

Ana Maria Lapiccirella, 65, a retired economist, says that early 2024 was a difficult time due to a spinal fracture her mother suffered. “She was in a lot of pain, wore a brace and underwent treatment for several months. That’s why the most important moment of the year was my mother’s recovery. Now she’s doing absolutely fine and is happy. Health is everything!” says Ana Maria. 

For Claudia Lessa, aged 77, a careers adviser for young people and adults, the best thing about 2024 was precisely being at the CCI. “Taking part in the activities helped me to recognise and accept that I am an elderly person, to gain greater mobility and confidence through wonderful exercises, and to make new friends. There’s a real sense of togetherness in this group. There’s no difference in status, education, weight – nothing… because we’re a new nation. The nation of the over-60s,” says Cláudia with conviction and pride.

Dance well, dance badly, dance without stop

After a short break to chat and have some water and coffee, the elderly were invited to form a large circle on the school playground to dance and sing Christmas carols. Visibly moved, they moved about energetically, held hands and embraced one another at the end of the activity. Everyone was excited to have their photos taken next to the Christmas tree with the whole 60+ group, as well as in smaller groups, organised by activity (Pilates and gymnastics, yoga, technology, memory training and crafts).

A From that moment on, the elderly took part in circle dances set to inspiring music about the importance of cherishing and spreading small everyday joys throughout the world. Next, it was the turn of various Choreographed routines set to the rhythms of the 1960s: “Estúpido Cupido” (Celly Campello), “Eu perguntava do You Wanna Dance” (Roupa Nova); “Twist and Shout” (The Beatles), amongst others. Excitement filled the school hall and there were many calls for an “encore” as the coordinators tried to bring the dance segment to a close. With infectious joy and plenty of stamina, they repeated the dance steps several times.

At the end of the party, the British Council team held a raffle for goodie bags containing sweets and chocolates, presented in a small wooden box decorated with Christmas motifs. In total, 29 elderly people were selected; they were thrilled, clapping and shouting when they heard their names called out over the microphone. “It was a wonderful morning and afternoon. And we at the British Foundation wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year," concluded Ana Rodrigues, project coordinator at FBB.