With a population of over 200 million inhabitants and a total area of 8,515,767.049 km2 Brazil (Portuguese: Brasil) is the largest country in South America and fifth largest country in the world.  Rich in cultural expressions, Brazil gathers many music varieties and art forms such as Brazilian dances (Samba, Coco de Roda, Maracatu, Freve…etc.) and martial arts like Capoeira, recognized as the national sport.  Famous for its football (soccer) tradition and its annual Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife and Olinda, Brazil is a country of great diversity.

There is plenty to see and to do in Brazil – from the wilderness of the Amazon rainforest and world-class landmarks such as the Iguaçu Falls, the bustling urban mosaic of São Paulo – to the infinite cultural energy of Pernambuco and Bahia.

 

PEOPLE

Throughout its history, Brazil has welcomed several different peoples and practices. Today, Brazil constitutes a melting pot of the most diverse ethnic groups.  Nevertheless, race, or simply skin colour, is still a dividing factor in the Brazilian society.  However, nowadays Afro-Brazilians and Amerindian populations are increasingly aware of their civil rights and of their rich cultural heritage, and social mobility is achievable through education.

In general, Brazilians are a fun-loving people.  Friendship and hospitality are highly praised traits, and family and social connections are strongly valued.  Brazilians are reputedly one of the most hospitable people in the world and foreigners are usually treated with respect and often with true admiration.

This being said, attitudes towards foreigners may also be subject to some difference of treatment; in most cities, anyone talking, acting or looking like a tourist (even for other Brazilians) could be charged higher prices (in parking lots, restaurants, open malls…etc).

Please keep in mind that Brazilians are not Hispanic.  Some may even be offended if a visitor tends to believe or openly says that Brazilians have Spanish as a primary or secondary language.  Visitors will receive a warmer welcome if they try to start conversations in Portuguese, but even if the visitors speak in Spanish, Brazilians are likely to answer in Portuguese.

Contrasts in this huge country are numerous and equally fascinate as they shock most visitors.  Whereas an emerging elite of young, well-educated professionals indulges in amenities of modern society, child labour, illiteracy and subhuman housing conditions still exist even in regions blessed by economic growth and huge foreign investments such as São Paulo or Rio.

As much as Brazilians acknowledge their self-sustainability in raw materials, agriculture, and energy sources as an enormous benefit for the future, most of them agree that without huge efforts in education there will hardly be a way out of poverty and underdevelopment.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Brazil has faced an increasing wave of immigration from China, Bolivia and Haiti.

 

TRADITIONS

Brazil is full of traditions, some very typical and local while others are celebrated throughout the country.  New Years Eve is a particularly important event for Brazilians.  Dressed in white colour only, they usually go to the coast and are eager to celebrate the arrival of the New Year as it is supposed to bring luck.

Brazilian Carnival (Carnaval do Brasil in Portuguese) is an annual festival that gathers people from all around the world and it is the most famous holiday in Brazil.  It takes place 51 days before Easter Celebration; between the Friday afternoon and Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent.

Customs and rhythms vary from the regional areas of the country.  In the southern areas, such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo or Vitoria, samba schools organize large parades.  In the Northern parts of Brazil, Salvador, Olinda and Recife, the carnival is more inspired by the African-Brazilian culture.  The city of Olinda is particularly famous for the unique characteristics of its carnival influenced by folk music and local folklore.

 

CULTURE

Owing to Brazil’s continental dimensions, varied geography, history and people, the country’s culture is both rich and diverse.

Music plays an important part in Brazilian identity. Styles like choro, samba and bossa nova are considered genuinely Brazilian. Caipira music is also in the roots of sertanejo, the national equivalent to country music.

Despite its music scene, Brazil is also well known for its martial arts, its dances, and its games.  Capoeira is the national sport and was originally created by African slaves brought to Brazil, mainly from Portuguese Angola.  Distinguished by vivacious complicated movements and accompanying music, it can be seen and practiced in many Brazilian cities.

Indigenous traits can be found in some places like the North, from cuisine to vocabulary. There are still many indigenous groups and tribes living mostly in the North Region.  Although many have been deeply influenced by Western culture, today, several of the country’s surviving indigenous languages are in danger of disappearing completely.

TV Globo is the largest national television network and plays an important role in shaping the national identity.  Nine out of ten households have a TV set in Brazil, which means that this is the most important source of information and entertainment for most Brazilians, followed by the radio broadcast. TVs broadcast sports, movies, local and national news and telenovelas (or soap operas) : 6-10 month-long series that have become one of the country’s main cultural exports.