The São Paulo International Art Fair is the biggest gathering of fine art in Latin America, bringing galleries, artists and art enthusiasts together at the Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion. Expect a complementary cultural programme of discussions, debates and talks.
The venue is more commonly known here as the Biennial Pavilion and is one of the modern architectural splendours of the Ibirapuera Park, a masterpiece of design by Oscar Niemeyer. It’s a fitting location then for Brazil’s best art galleries and a select collection of international guests from around the continent.
Experts and art lovers come here to reflect on art trends, the process of creation and production, and the trail from artist to exhibition and commercial sale.
Ok, so it doesn’t have the same ring to it as the Beatles classic, although this summer they could be a hit with the British public who will have access to this South American fruit from today.
This historic colonial farm welcomes volunteers to help with different types of activities. Tasks include working in the organic garden with vegetables or flowers, and caring for animals. The project is particularly looking for someone with experience of working with horses. Volunteers can also get involved in tourism activities (checking in guests, working in the reception, etc) and construction tasks (repair work, painting, etc). Volunteers should be able to converse in Spanish.
Eco Veggie Awards honour the movers and shakers of the green, fair trade and veggie circles – the people, organisations and products that are making a difference right now. 
Semana Santa or Holy Week is the most important Catholic religious festival in Peru and is celebrated vigorously every year. Semana Santa celebrates the last days of Christ’s life, the Crucifixion and Resurrection, as well as the end of Lent. Semana Santa is observed with a range of celebrations throughout Peru.
Lionel Messi is on top of the world right now. Ten goals in his last four games including two hat-tricks in La Liga and a brace against Stuttgart in the Champions League. More importantly these haven’t just been any old goals. They’ve been the sort of goals that make defenders curse the day YouTube was ever invented. Even better, Messi’s showing us that anything Diego Maradona or Ronaldo can do, he can do too.
This community-based indigenous environmental organization works to safeguard the ecological integrity of a national park and the economic, social, cultural and spiritual well being of its indigenous people. Over the last few years the organization has been responding to a major challenge – proposed oil exploration and development in the national park and surrounding communities. A large American oil company was given permission to begin seismic testing in the national park. The area also faces increasing pressure from other extractive industries and large scale development projects, such as hydroelectric dams. In response, a multifaceted advocacy campaign has been mounted and it requires volunteers to assist with the project. Activities will include: strategic planning; producing monthly newsletter/bulletin, press releases; networking with other NGOs, universities, policy experts, government, media, etc; developing a monitoring and evaluation plan for campaign activities and partnerships.
This project responds to the needs of the women and children who live in extreme poverty in a struggling community. It is seeking a House Manager for the volunteer headquarters on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. Responsibilities include: organising airport pick-ups for volunteers; preparing rooms for new arrivals; coordinating daily volunteer activities; assisting the director with volunteer orientation/coordination and weekly volunteer meetings; managing post-volunteer surveys, etc. The position is available for an immediate start for the right person. 
There is no fruit more beloved or popular than the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). It is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family, and is native to Central and South America.
Clubbers and Cubanophiles alike will leap on this double set from the zeitgeist-riding Gilles Peterson. Financed by Havana Rum and helped out by Cuban jazz genius Roberto Fonseca and salient bods with local knowledge, Peterson presents us with the biggest single collection of contemporary Cuban musicians you’re likely to find. Over 20 artists are spread out across 28 tracks. Like Buena Vista Social Club, the album was recorded in downtown Havana’s legendary EGREM studios. Unlike BVSC, it features everything from fusion and funk to hip-hop, R&B and reggaeton. With its leftfield takes on classics such as Irakere’s ‘Chekere Son’ and reworked compositions by the likes of Ogguere, Kenny Dorham and Fonseca himself, the first disc received the most spins down my way. Buoyed by Fonseca’s former rhythm section – saxophonist and flautist Javier Zalba and drummer Ramses Rodriguez among them – it starts with a good-humoured descarga and goes on to deliver a quirky take on ‘Arroz Con Pollo’ before bringing in singers including Mayra Caridad Valdés (Chucho’s sister) on a magnificent version of Fela Kuti’s Roforofo Fight and brilliant new discovery Danay on tunes such as the stellar ‘Think Twice.’ The whole thing is so excellent that disc two, while still commendable, almost feels like an afterthought. Familiar names such as Yusa, Telmary Diaz, Free Hole Negro and internationally-acclaimed rapper Kumar confirm Havana’s vibrant music scene.