Genfest is a powerful, unique experience of community, social action, celebration, stories, and service. It gathers young adults from all around the world, of different ethnic groups, cultures, and religions to experience servant leadership and care for the planet, the people around us and those that suffer. Workshops, service work, presentations and projects will help the participants experience firsthand how the Focolare’s spirituality of unity can help them move toward the needs of humanity and build a more fraternal and united world.
Location: Aparecida, São Paulo, Brazil
Dates: July 12 to 28, 2024 (3 phases, 1 post event)
Who: young adults ages 18 to 35. (Current legislation in Brazil requires participants to be at least 18 years old by July 11, 2024. Those over 35 must be group leaders, translators, or volunteers for the service and support of Genfest.)
Title: “Together to Care”
Together to build a more united world, a world of fraternity beyond cultural, ethnic and religious differences.
Care to connect, promote and celebrate actions to care for the planet, people and especially the most vulnerable.
Note: only completed payments indicate your commitment to participate.
The information on this page is for participants traveling with the Focolare group from North America only.
Travel information
For entry into Brazil, you will need:
- A valid passport, Canadian, U.S. or from another country.
- Brazil tourist visa for those traveling from the US and Canada. Website.
- Travel insurance.
The visa application process from countries with restrictions can be difficult and lengthy. It’s therefore advisable to apply at least six months prior to the event. The local organization in Brazil will send the necessary documentation to those who have applied through the platform. For further information please write to visa.genfest@focolares.org.br
Price includes admission, breakfast 20 & 21, dinner 19, L&D 20, L 21.
PHASE 3 – Participants will have the opportunity to engage in the Pathways Communities, which offer the possibility of making a concrete commitment through activities that promote fraternity, dialogue, social and political engagement, within a “glocal” context (local projects with a global perspective).
Pathways Communities:
- Economy and Work / Finance / Entrepreneur
- Interculture and Dialogue / Culture / Relationship building
- Spirituality and Human Rights
- Health / Medicine / Wellness / Ecology
- Art / Creativity / Solidarity / Social Commitment
- Education and Research
- Communication / Media / Expression
- Active Citizenship and Politics
The central goal of this phase is to create a network of Pathways collaborators, so that each young participant of Genfest, upon returning to their country or region in Brazil, can locally engage in the field they identify themselves with, connected to a network of young people from around the world.
July 21 (afternoon) to 24 (morning), 2024.
Lodging – Hotels – shared bedrooms for between 2 and 6 persons, in single beds with breakfast included. Located in Aparecida.
Airport shuttle – from event center to airport, available if requested
Price – includes hotel breakfast (22, 23 & 24th), meals (dinner 21, L&D 22, L&D 23, L 24). On the platform, participants will be able to choose dietary options according to their health needs.
POST GENFEST EVENT
A ‘Formation Open Space’ to enrich the Genfest experience with different courses for various needs.
Location – Mariapolis Ginetta, Vargem Grande, near Sao Paulo.
Lodging – in the Mariapolis Center and with host families.
Price includes admission, food & lodging. Price does not include arrival and departure transportation. Only 400 spots available.
July 24 to 28, 2024.
Payments
Prices for Genfest (food, lodging, shuttle & fees – Brazil & YCNA) are obtained through the 2 step registration process. They are calculated based on features chosen. All payments are due February 29, 2024. For registration after Feb. 29, payments are due 21 days after registration. Registrations will be cancelled if payment is not received. No refunds after March 1, 2024. All event payments are non-refundable and do not include air transportation.
For payments in US dollars use:
- Venmo: @YCNA19
- Check: made out to Focolare – YCNA. Mail to 200 Cardinal Rd. Hyde Park, NY 12538.
For payments in Canadian dollars use:
- Via e-transfer: genfestca@gmail.com
YCNA will pay the organization team in Brazil for the entire North American group. Flight payments will be paid directly to airline or travel agent.
IMPORTANT: If you have registered on the Brazil form and need to cancel, you must let YCNA know, so we can cancel in Brazil, which cancels your hotel balance. No cancellations after February 7, 2024.
Airport transfers (optional) must be booked on the registration platform and costs are shown. They vary, depending on the airport of arrival or departure.
The event organizers will provide airport transfer
- From these airports only: Aeroporto di Guarulhos, Aeroporto di Campinas, Aeroporto di Congonhas, Aeroporto di Rio de Janeiro
- Only on these dates only:
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- Friday July 19, 2024 for arrivals to Aparecida (from Sao Paulo and Rio airports to the event)
- Wednesday July 24, 2024 for departures (from the event to Sao Paulo or Rio airport, or Mariapolis Ginetta)
- Sunday July 28, 2024 from Mariapolis Ginetta to the Sao Paulo airport.
All other times participants must arrange their own transport to and from the airports. Link for own arrangements.
REGISTER HERE (both forms must be completed)
Note: completed payments indicate your commitment to participate.
1) Register on Form #1 here – Registration NA – basic, travel, & payment information. Registration available for phase 2 & 3 only.
2) Form #2 – Registration Brazil – directions will be given separately by YCNA group.
Information on this page can change at any time so check back to keep updated.
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