Expert: Edison - 1/22/2005

Question
Can you please tell me as much as possible about the culture of Brazil?

Answer
Hello Peter,

It is very hard to answer your question, because Brazil is such a large country with many cultural differences between its regions. I will provide a short description and links with additional information. If you need more specific details, please write me again.

Brazil was "discovered" and initially colonized by the Portuguese. Later, other immigrants came from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Also, many slaves where brought from Africa few centuries ago. The native Indian culture is also present also, but not as strong as in some other parts of South America.

This big mix, as created a very rich culture, culinary and skin colors. For example, Carnival is based on a Christian holiday, with African dance and music, and native nudes.

Brazilians share a single language (Portuguese) and love for good music, food and soccer.

According to the Lonely Planet "Brazilian culture has been shaped not only by the Portuguese, who gave the country its most common religion and language, but also by the country's native Indians, the considerable African population, and other settlers from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The result involves fascinating music, earthy writers, and damn tasty food."


Additional information:

http://www.culturexplorers.com/Pages/Destinations/Brazil/Brazil_SuggestedReading...

http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~sergiok/brasil.html

http://www.maria-brazil.org/

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_america/brazil/culture.htm