BRAZILIAN CULTURE: TRADITIONS, CUSTOMS, GASTRONOMY, MUSIC, RELIGION - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The culture of Brazil is a vibrant mix product of its more than three hundred years under Portuguese rule, the presence of native Indians and Africans who came to the country as slaves.

This interesting multicultural union makes this South American country a place with unique characteristics that are evident in its gastronomy, music, customs and traditions.

Image of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Source: es.wikivogage.org

They are a very open people to the presence of foreigners, with a good sense of humor and a very positive attitude towards the ups and downs of life. Elements such as carnival are a representation of the expressive and open personality of the Brazilian, who every year opens his arms to the world to show a mixture of his brilliance and fantasy.

With equal passion they express their love for football, their music and their dances that distinguish the country anywhere in the world.

Conformation of Brazil

The independence of Brazil arose as a consequence of the weakening of Portugal due to Napoleon Bonaparte's invasions of that kingdom in 1808. That conflict led King João VI (1767-1826) to establish his court in Brazil.

To formalize his new residence, the monarch changed the name of Brazil from a colony to the United Kingdom, and remained there even after the French withdrew from Portugal in 1814.

This distancing was one of the causes of the Liberal Revolution in Porto, which occurred in 1820, which prompted the return of the royal court to Portugal, with the exception of Prince Pedro IV (1798-1834), who remained in Brazil as regent.

Soon after, the prince expressed himself in favor of the emancipation of the South American territory, declaring himself independence from Brazil in 1822 and becoming the first emperor of the place. It was not until 1889 that it was finally proclaimed a republic.

Today Brazil is a democratic federation made up of 26 states and a federal district that is Brasilia, its capital. The country is led by a president, who is elected by direct popular vote every four years with the possibility of a single immediate reelection.

Origin of its name

Pau Brasil or Palo de Brasil, was the name given by the Portuguese settlers to a native tree of the place, whose wood of an intense red color like an ember, was used by the natives to dye their clothes.

Later, the conquerors used the tree for the same purpose, making Pau Brasil the first export product of the Brazilian colony.

Purple fabrics were sold as luxury items in Europe and such was the wealth that this tree generated, that the Portuguese called this land by its name.

When proclaiming itself as a republic, it bore the name of the United States of Brazil and it was in 1967 when it began to be called with its current name: Federative Republic of Brazil.

Detail of the trunk of the Pau Brasil tree.

Source: projectnoah.org

Custom

- Brazilians are very uninhibited when it comes to social treatment. They kiss each other even when they meet, so when meeting them you must be prepared for that closeness, not so typical of other countries.

- They are extremely partying. The occasion does not matter to meet in a house or in a bar, where the meetings extend until the wee hours of the morning. It is also allowed to consume liquor publicly without any qualms.

- When receiving an invitation to a house it is recommended not to arrive empty-handed. Bringing wine or something pertinent with the evening is a nice touch to thank the invitation and a gesture that will always be appreciated by the host.

- They are fond of the grill, so every weekend they usually grill their Brazilian churrasco (a variety of meats) in the company of family and friends.

- Being a country with many beaches it is not surprising that Brazilians worry about their physical condition. Whether for aesthetics or health, the number of people who go out to exercise day and night in the spaces reserved for it is remarkable.

Traditions

The carnival

The Brazilian carnival is recognized as one of the largest festivals in the world. The cities of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador de Bahia are two of the most famous venues for this celebration that attracts thousands of tourists every year during the month of February.

The samba schools that parade in the popular sambadrome prepare throughout the year to expose their most brilliant fantasies with daring and impressive costumes, as well as their enormous floats loaded with ingenuity and splendor.

Starting in 2020, the celebration can be enjoyed for much longer, as the Rio de Janeiro Mayor's Office recently announced that the activity will last up to 50 days, with the aim of attracting more tourists.

Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro.

Source: prensa-latina.cu

Bumba-me-boi

Bumba-me-boi (hit my ox) is a musical representation considered as the main piece of Brazilian popular theater, which mixes performing arts, poetry and music.

It tells the story of an ox that dies due to the whim of a pregnant slave and of all the events that are generated after this fact.

This story, which belongs to the Afro-Brazilian tradition, has been practiced since the 18th century and is usually represented during the festivities in honor of San Juan. The Bumba-meu-boi is represented in the middle of the street or in an enclosure created for this purpose, which they call the boulevard.

There are many versions of history that exist as well as many groups organized to interpret this piece, which has been cataloged by the Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage of Brazil as the country's cultural heritage.

Folklore representation Bumba-meu-boi

Source: maceio.al.gov.br

His passion for football

Brazilians feel an immense passion for their soccer and following this sport has become a tradition that knows no ages.

Brazilian soccer is characterized by being fluid, dynamic and offensive; Some even claim that this vibrant way of playing is a consequence of the samba danced in the country.

Soccer is a source of national pride and children make it part of themselves from a very young age, kicking the ball even in the street.

Its players have become highly respected figures by society, among these we can mention the much appreciated former player Edson Arantes Do Nascimento, Pelé, who was selected by FIFA as the best player of the 20th century.

The national team has been the only one to have attended all the World Cup matches and also the only one to have won this international football match five times.

For its part, the women's team is not far behind. So far she has won seven of the eight Copa América Femenina championships, demonstrating how Brazilian women are willing to write their own history in world soccer glory.

Brazilian oktoberfest

Yes, this famous festival from Germany also has its Brazilian version. It occurs in the city of Blumenau, a German colony in the State of Santa Catarina, founded in 1850.

German music, gastronomy and culture can be enjoyed at this festival for nineteen days to the delight of the more than five hundred thousand people who attend each year.

Happy natal!

Christmas in Brazil is quite hot because it is summer in the southern hemisphere. However, this does not bother Brazilians, who also adhere to international Christmas customs, such as the placement of the Christmas tree, the garlands, the decoration of houses, streets and avenues or the exchange of gifts.

The deep Catholic tradition of Brazil is revealed at this time with the attendance at masses and the placement of mangers to represent the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, which are exhibited in churches and homes.

The presence of the beautiful Floating Christmas Tree of Rio de Janeiro, 85 meters high, is already a tradition. This without forgetting the Christmas Lights festival, held in the city of Gramado, which makes this time a beautiful meeting of dance, music and party.

Floating Christmas Tree

Source: Flickr.com

End of the year in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is not only a place to enjoy carnival, but it is one of the cities preferred by many to celebrate the end of the year on Copacabana beach, which is illuminated by the explosion of beautiful fireworks.

It is estimated that approximately two million people flock there to say goodbye to the year, the majority dressed in white, according to local tradition.

That night, Brazilians light candles and deliver small boats to the waves with offerings to the Goddess of the Sea, Yemayá.

Reception of the new year in Copacabana.

Source:vanaguardia.com

Gastronomy

Typical Brazilian cuisine is a combination of indigenous, Portuguese, and African food and is as vibrant and colorful as its carnival. Learn about the most popular options below:

feijoada

This is the national dish of Brazil and also a traditional culinary item in Portugal. It is a black bean soup, with pork, beef, tomatoes and carrots. It is a very representative recipe of the country.

Feijoada

Source: cocina-brasilena.com

Picanha

As we mentioned before, Brazilians love the grill and especially the picanha. It is the cut of meat that is consumed the most in the country due to its softness, juiciness and flavor.

Vatapá

It is a puree based on prawns, bread soaked in coconut milk, peanuts, onion, ginger, salt, pepper and coriander. This dish is heated over low heat, adding more coconut milk in the process.

Acarayé

They are thick bread rolls made from white beans and onions, salt and pepper, which are then fried in palm oil.

Coxinha

It is a dish that uses fried chicken breast as the main ingredient, which is wrapped in dough to fry it again.

Coxinha

Source: craftlog.com

Tapioca

It is a kind of crunchy bread made from yucca that has been consumed since pre-Hispanic times by the native Indians of the Brazilian territory. It is also known as casabe in other countries.

caipirinha

In the cocktail department, caipirinha is queen, a very cool drink made with cachaça (sugar cane liquor), lime and sugar.

Music

As in the other aspects mentioned, Brazilian music is also influenced by Portuguese, indigenous and African culture.

Samba and bossa nova are the most traditional rhythms. These are the sounds that can be heard in the popular samba Aquarela do Brasil or in the bossa nova Garota do Ipanema.

Likewise, other musical genres such as lambada, axé, sertaneja, forró and choro, among others, are very important for popular culture.

Foreign sounds like hip-hop and rock have also managed to gain a following in this country. Nor can we fail to mention capoeira, which is a particular combination of martial arts, music and dance.

Religion

It is the nation with the greatest religious diversity in America, but also the country with the largest number of Catholics in the world. About 80% of the population of Brazil profess this faith, which is followed in preference by the various variants of the Protestant Church.

There is also a significant presence of faithful from Judaism, Buddhism or Jehovah's Witnesses. Remarkable is also the candomblé, a religion created in the time of slavery and that includes African rites mixed with Christian teachings.

These religious fusions can also be observed among believers in spiritism, who in a parallel way continue to profess their faith to the Catholic Church.

Candomblé rituals

Source: elpais.cr

Brazil in detail

- This country occupies the fifth position of the largest nations in the world, only surpassed by Russia, Canada, the United States and China.

- The Pau Brasil is the national tree since 1978 and is currently in danger of extinction due to its uncontrolled exploitation during the colonial era.

- The aborigines of Brazil are distributed throughout the entire territory. Specifically, there are 723 areas declared by the government as indigenous territory.

Amazon tribe shaman

Source: Veton PICQ

Wikimedia Commons

- Samba was recognized as Intangible Heritage by UNESCO in 2005.

- Brazil has a third of the world's fresh water reserves.

- The term carioca can only be used for the natives of Rio de Janeiro, so using it as a synonym for the name of the whole of Brazil is a mistake.

- The country has the longest beach in the world, Praia do Cassino with 240 kilometers of extension.

- Brazil is the second country with the most airports in the world, only surpassed by the United States.

- The statue of Christ the Redeemer dates from 1931. It is 38 meters high and is considered one of the wonders of the modern world.

Christ the Redeemer illuminated during Christmas

Source: gmanetwork.com

References

1. Brazil celebrates 195 years of its independence. (2017). Taken from telesurtv.net
2. Origin of the name of Brazil. (2016). Taken from bbc.com
3. Maria do Camo Andrade. (2002). Pau-Brazil. Taken from basilio.fundaj.gov.br
4. Brazilian culture. (2019). Taken from cooperatingvolunteers.com
5. How is Christmas celebrated in Brazil? (2016). Taken from notimerica.com
6. Joe Robinson. (2017). 10 things Brazil does better than anywhere else. Taken from edition.cnn.com
7. Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro will celebrate 50 days of carnival. (2019). Taken from prensa-latina.cu