Brazil

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Venezuela’s Future—and Ours,”** an analysis of how the Trump administration’s intervention in Venezuela will affect that nation, the U.S., and the rest of the world, with Ernesto Castañeda, Director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and the Immigration Lab at American University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future) .] On January 3rd, after a long military buildup, the United States used special forces to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence in Caracas, Venezuela to stand trial here on criminal charges. The development marked a major turning point in our relationship with Venezuela and the rest of Latin America and raised a host of complex questions, not just for Venezuelans living inside and outside that country but for American citizens and other nations of the world. Coming to the stage to break down what all of this means is Ernesto Castañeda, a scholar of Latin America who has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks on immigration policy and has given dozens of interviews to media outlets around the world in the wake of the U.S. raid. In a talk offering informed perspective on the latest news developments, Professor Castañeda will discuss various theories about why the U.S. conducted the operation to get Maduro out of Venezuela. He’s put our nation’s current plans for Venezuela into context by touching on previous U.S. military interventions in Latin America and beyond. Professor Castañeda will look at the implications of recent events for U.S. politics and U.S. citizens and what such developments tell us about the balance of power in the United States. He’ll examine the distance between decisions made by the White House and public priorities, touching on how it all relates to our immigration policies and our views about peaceful protest and democracy. He’ll consider how the Venezuela raid and our actions since have altered relations between the U.S. and other nations and provide scenarios about what the future might hold. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

Get started! Whether you are experienced or a complete new thisdrum class offers fun for you. Learn the basics of popular Brazilian rhythms: samba, samba reggae, axé, ijexa and more. We provide the drums in a fun atmosphere to learn. Drop in:$10

**\*\*\*This group is filled. Check out our next departure on Feb 20, 2026:** **https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/\*\*\*** Gaze at the Northern Lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, be a reindeer herder for a day, learn about the Sámi culture, visit an ice hotel, catch a fish (or two) through a hole in the ice, taste some good Scandinavian delicacies, visit the ABBA museum...My, oh my! These are just some of the fun activities we are planning to do during this once-in-a-life time adventure! Like all our adventures, this one is crafted from the ground up with the true spirit of Meetup in mind. We handle every little detail before and during the trip, accompany and guide the group, creating a stress-free journey with a laid-back, friendly vibe. No big tour operators, no inflated prices — we work directly with locals to give you authentic experiences and unbeatable value. Come as strangers, leave as lifelong friends — and make memories that stick forever! ***We visit:*** * Stockholm * Kiruna (Lapland) * Helsinki * Copenhagen (optional extension) ***The trip includes:*** \* 2 nights in Stockholm \* A night train from Stockholm to Lapland in a private sleeping compartment \* 4 nights in Kiruna \* 3 nights in Helsinki \* Airfare from Kiruna to Helsinki \* Arrival and departure transfers \* Sightseeing tours in Stockholm and Helsinki \* Boat ride in Stockholm \* Food tasting in Helsinki \* Breakfast daily \* 2 dinners and 3 lunches \* Northern Lights Tour \* Jukkasjärvi Icehotel Half-Day Tour \* Full-Day Reindeer Tour \* Ice Fishing or Husky Sleigh Ride **Price per person, double occupancy: $4770** (we match roommates for those wishing to share) **Price for single room: $6320** ***Not Included:*** x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that) x Meals not listed above x Tips and any personal and incidental expenses x Optional extension to Copenhagen The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit **\*\*\*Deposit link removed as this date is sold out. You can reserve your spot for our next departure on Feb 20, 2026 [HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/) \*\*\*** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).\*\*\* Final payment due 60 days before departure\*\*\* ***[Click Here](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37)***[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37) For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) Limited capacity of 14 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. \*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included\*\*\* **OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO COPENHAGEN offered at $590 per person/double or $785 solo occupancy (air from Helsinki to Copenhagen not included)** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) SOT 2000318-10

Twirl, smile, embrace...FORRO! The music and movements are amongst Brazil's favorites. Born in the Northeast of Brazil this dance and the music are sure to win your heart ❤️ this Valentine's day. Special guest instructor Lunna Gones, a Brazilian top dancer and teacher will show you the badic plus dance move to get YOU dancing. Come alone bring a friend, this child /family us for all just like forro. Money from the fundraiser goes to benit Afro Bahia Fest and local music communities. ($12 class and social...8pm for social) Doors open: 4pm Dance class: 4:30-6pm Social: 6-6:45pm

Hey everyone! 👋 It’s time to celebrate all the amazing people with February birthdays — including me! 🥳 If you have a February birthday or just want to spend the day soaking, relaxing, laughing, and making some great memories together at one of the best spots in town, then this event is for you! ✨ Whether you love relaxing in saunas, soaking in hot baths, or just want to chill with friends, this is the spot to celebrate all February birthdays in style! Welcome to King Spa, the premier Korean day spa in Virginia, offering a unique blend of traditional wellness and modern luxyry. Voted ‘Best Day Spa’ three years running by Northern Virginia Magazine, King Spa provides a sanctuary of healing through detoxifying saunas, signature body scrubs, rejuvenating facials, and more. Each treatment is designed to leave you feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and truly cared for. 💛 What to Expect: 🎉 Multiple Saunas and Aqua Pools 🧖‍♂️ Access to spa amenities (facials, massages, body scrubs (a la carte pricing) 🥙 Food court 🎂 Cake Cutting 💬 Hangout time with fellow February birthdays + friends 👚Dress code: You will be given a robe and slippers so wear something comfy under the robe (leggings, yoga pants, t-shirt, shorts). Of course , if you plan to swim in the pools and sit in the jacuzzi , then wear your bathing suit 🩳🩱under the robe. 💲 Admission & Details $70 per person for the full day event. You can purchase your ticket online here: https://ticket-virginia.kingspa.com/Admission/AdmissionDetail?Id=ITMMAA17PYLOKZMT The $70 rate is a special they have going on now. not sure how long it will last so book ASAP! RSVP so we know you’re coming! Feel free to invite other February birthday friends 🎈 Can’t wait to celebrate with you all! 🎂💛 *If you need to cancel your RSVP do it 24 hours before the event. No shows and late cancellations may be subject to removal from the group by the organizer. We will be checking everyone in - so we will have a tally of who does and does not come." See you at King Spa! 🧖‍♀️💆‍♂️

Dance with Flavia! This Monday night class is for all levels. Flavia teaches the basics of Afro Brazilian movements and comptemporary dance. This class focuses on rhythmic movements linked Brazilian and African music. Dive deeper in the movements and the roots of Brazilian dance with this class. $20