Brazil Culture - Places and Landmarks

Brazil is a country brimming with energy and bursting with colours. Many tourists visit Brazil for its heritage and culture. There are many places and landmarks in Brazil that has much cultural values to it.

Christ the Redeemer

Standing at 39.6 metres tall, the Christ the Redeemer is one of the most famous landmarks in Brazil. It is a symbol of Christianity and is now easily one of the most recognisable icons worldwide. This landmark has such an amazing history behind it and is definitely culturally inspired.

Beaches

Brazil is world renowned for its beaches. In fact, many Brazilians regard their beaches as a culture. Ipanema and Jericoacoara are some examples of their beautiful beaches. Brazilians often go to the beaches to show off their body, as females will often clad in the tiniest of bikinis whereas the males don their tiny Speedos.

Brazil Culture - Attitudes and Beliefs of Brazilians

Attitudes of Brazilians

Like any country in the world, everyone in a certain nation will have several distinct attitudes and beliefs and Brazil is no exception.

Privacy

Unlike Singaporeans, Brazilians live in large families and living quarters are often small. Hence, they are not demanding in terms of privacy as bedrooms are commonly shared and visitors often make themselves at home.

Nudity

In Brazil, nudity is not a taboo topic unlike many Asian countries. Most Brazilian men welcome female nudity but they are believed to have high moral expectations of their own wives and girlfriends. The laws on nudity in the country are often not imposed strictly as well.

Time perception

Brazilians have very flexible concepts about time. They are often late for events and meetings. In fact, it is common to arrive one hour late at a social event.

“In Brazil it may safely be assumed that things will always be a little behind time.”

- Louis Agassiz and Elizabeth Cabot Cary Agassiz

Brazil Culture - Music and Dance

Brazilian music and dance largely reveals the influences of all ethnic groups that formed Brazilian society. All Brazilians love music and dance and their rich heritage in that aspect is a huge evidence of it.

Samba

Samba is a Brazilian dance and musical genre originating in Africa. It began to evolve in Rio de Janeiro in the late 19^th century from the rhythms of lundu and maxxie (music genres). During the 20^th century, it then began to dominate the Brazilian popular music scene and evolved to today’s Samba which is often seen and heard during the Carnival of Brazil.

Capoeira

A Brazilian dance believed to be evolved from martial arts, Capoeira was created by African slaves after the 16^th century. As it was evolved from martial arts, it has several fighting elements present in it. During a typical performance, one can spot moves such as kicks, sweeps, punches and elbow strikes.

Carnaval, Brazil

The Carnival of Brazil is a parade full of exuberant noise and colour held annually 40 days before Easter. It is a massive event and the most famous holiday in Brazil. Everyone will be treated to an amazing feast of music and dance during the festival.

Brazil Culture - Food

Brazilian cooking is rich in traditions and ingredients that well reflect the country’s many ethnics. Brazil food culture reflects the meal habits, cooking style and recipes commonly found on the land. The different regions of Brazil have their own typical food and it varies from region to region.

Breakfast

Also known as Cafe da Manha, breakfast is a quick and simple meal in Brazil. Like many Singaporeans, Brazilians do not eat breakfast or they will just have coffee with milk and crackers.

If they do make the effort to have a good breakfast, the food items usually include bread rolls, cheese, fresh fruits and juices or coffee. Besides of homemade breakfast, cafeterias and bakeries also offer a variety of pastries and coffee for people on their way to work.

Lunch

Lunch (Almoco) is the largest and most important meal of the day for Brazilians. Unlike Singaporeans who often have to rush through or even skip their lunch, they will spend at least an hour on it. The main staples are rice and beans which are served every day in homes and restaurants. Consumed together with salad, vegetable and a meat item, Brazilians often enjoy their lunch. However, the meal will only be completed with a dessert, which could be a fruit, custard or ice cream.

Dinner

Dinner or supper (Jantar) is very similar to lunch in terms of the food items. However, Brazilians can have their dinner anytime after 7 pm. In big cities such as Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, people often start their dinner after 10 pm. This is unlike Singaporeans who often follow a fixed dinner timing.

Dining Etiquette

Brazilians table etiquette tends to be more casual and do not follow strict rules. However, there are some important customs and culture to take note of.

1) It is a must to wash one’s hand before a meal.

2) In most homes, the lady of the house does not help to serve the meal. Instead, she will encourage them to help themselves to as much food as possible.

3) Taking more food that one can finish is deemed as impolite.

4) Second servings are common and the host will often asks everyone if they would like more.

5) Brazilians do not make unnecessary noises while eating. For example, slurping and burping are considered impolite.

Simple yet popular - Feijoada

Feijoada is considered the national dish of Brazil and is traditionally served on a Saturday during festive meals to share with family and friends. It is a popular and humble meal made up of black beans and a variety of meats such as dried beef and sausage. It is traditionally served with rice, manioc meal (a root vegetable) and orange slices.

National dish: Feijoada

Brazil Culture

What is culture?

Definition: A multidimensional term, one that encompasses both the tangible: buildings and artifacts, and the intangible: values & attitudes

Brazil boasts a colorful and vibrant culture that attracts many people to know and experience the core of their culture. Having been developed through time, Brazil’s culture has been shaped by the influences of a number of sources, such as the Portuguese and African slaves.

The next few blog posts will take you through a list of exciting cultures one can experience in Brazil.