Three centuries of colonization have led to a diverse and interesting assembly of cultures in the country of Brazil. Beaches, festivals, and sports have made Brazil a popular destination for tourists each year. Many musical types have originated in Brazil, and it is home to stunning colonial architecture.
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil due to three centuries of colonization by the Portuguese people. Native people only represent a small portion of the citizenship, as do non-Portuguese speaking immigrants. There are also significant German and Italian communities.
Catholicism was introduced to Portugal in the 1500’s, and it is practiced by two thirds of the population. During the colonial period, there was a strong effort to convert the indigenous people. The percentage of Protestant denominations continues to rise throughout Brazil.
Brazil might be most known for its Carnival. The celebration is held forty six days before Easter, but is thought to have pagan roots. It is meant to celebrate the beginning of a season of return to religion and spirituality.
The food of Brazil varies by region, but is influenced heavily by colonial ancestors. Feijoda, a meal made of pork and black beans, is the national dish of Brazil. Brazil is also famous for the candy brigadeiro. Brigadeiros are usually eaten at birthday parties. Cachaça is the national liquor of Brazil. Brazil also has a strong coffee culture due to the fertile soil and climate.
There are many artists from Brazil including modern day artists Belmiro de Almeida and Ismael Nery. Brazilian architecture is influenced by old world Portugal, but is adapted to the tropical climate. Brazil’s landscape architecture is also wonderful to explore.
Great literature has come from Brazil. The most famous author is Machado de Assis. Machado de Assis has written everything from poetry to literature. Authors from Brazil were popular during the romanticism period. Song of the Exile is a famous poem in Brazil. School children everywhere can recite it.
Brazil has a rich history of art. The Brazilian people love movies and theatre. Brazilian cinema is claiming respect worldwide, and Fernando Meirelles’ City of God was selected by Time magazine as one of the top films from 2005. Music is an important aspect of Brazilian culture, and this is what people around the world connect with. Important genres include samba, choro, and bossa nova. Sertanejo might be the most popular musical genre in Brazil. Classical music also has a long tradition in Brazil. There is also a rich history of legend and folklore in Brazil. As you can see, their music is quite diversified.
Soccer (Football) is Brazil’s most popular sport. Brazil is home to the most popular soccer player of all time, Pele. Brazil hosted the 2014 World Cup, and will host the summer Olympics in 2016.
Brazil is a country strongly tied to family. A strong extended family is very important to the average Brazilian. Brazil has a stratified class structure that started during the colonial period and still holds true today.
