Brazilian dance moves and song reflect the history of this amazingly diverse country. The choreography of the dances seen in Brazil each tells a unique story about the people of Brazil in years gone by.

Each dance style has its own flavor, rhythm, and dance moves.

Dance, like music, is very much a part of the Brazilian culture. It's rare to hear music in Brazil without seeing some sort of dance that goes along with the music. Music and dance are naturally associated with Brazil and the people who call Brazil home.

The term Afro Brazilian dance refers to the types of dance seen in the country of Brazil. Capoeira is referred to as an Afro-Brazilian form of dance as well as Samba. Afro-Brazilian styles of dance have become very popular in the last several years as a form of exercise. There are schools dedicated to teaching the moves and music associated with these forms of dance, which can be found around the world in addition to the country of Brazil.

An explanation of Brazilian styles of dance would not be complete without mentioning Capoeira. Back during the days of slavery in Brazil, the slaves would fight amongst each other. When they were caught, the slave owners would punish both of the offenders, which the slaves thought was unfair to both sides, so they figured out how to cleverly mask the appearance of actual fights between themselves. Instead of just all-out fistfights, they created capoeira, movements that looked like dance to the outsider, but in actuality was a real fight between two men. The rules: you may not use your hands, but may exact blows to the other person using your feet, heads, legs, and heels. Handstands and cartwheels were also incorporated into the fighting stances. The fights were even accompanied by music to make it seem more like dance! Today, not only Brazilians, but also people around the globe practice this form of Brazilian dance for exercise.

The Coco dance is thought to have originated in the Quilombo dos Palmares during the years of slavery in Brazil. When slaves had to break apart coconut shells, they would do so by forcefully knocking two coconuts together. A rhythm seemed to develop when many slaves were knocking coconuts together and out of that sound came the dance referred to as The Coco. The modern day Coco dance has replaced the sound of the coconuts knocking together with clapping. Both women and men in a circle perform the dance.

Samba dance is a significant element of Brazil's culture and is the dance most people think of when they hear the term Brazil and dance in the same sentence. When African slaves were brought to Brazil, they were forced by the government to practice Christianity and actively prevented from practicing their own religious customs. Samba dance was the way African slaves found they could express and practice their own religion by throwing parties, with hopes that the Portuguese government wouldn't figure out what they were doing. But, once the police did figure out the slaves were practicing a religion other than Christianity, the parties were shut down. The slaves found another way to preserve the samba dance and rhythms! They cleverly combined the dance moves into other forms of music and dance, which eventually gave birth to schools for samba around 1888 once slavery was abolished in Brazil. The samba dance was somewhat erotic and regarded as inappropriate by many, but over the years, samba has become popular with all classes of people in Brazil. Samba dance is not just one specific dance, but really a mixture of different dances that are performed by either one single person or by couples.

Brazilians living in Northeast and Northern Brazil sometimes perform this dance around the holiday of Christmas. It's one of the most common dances performed in this area of the country, portraying the realities of the social classes during the colonization of Brazil. This dance is a bit different than some of the other styles of Brazilian dance because it has specific steps and an actual story line complete with a plot and drama. Adults and children can perform the Bumba-Meu-Boi.

The forro is a dance seen mostly in Northeastern Brazil. The music that accompanies this dance is created using a metal triangle, accordion, and zabumba. The origin of this Brazilian dance style has never actually been nailed down, but it has become quite popular with students of college and university age in other areas of Brazil such as the Southeast.

A man and a woman intimately woven together on the dance floor perform Forro. The three types of forro in Brazil include xote, arrasta-pe, and baiao. Each has its own rhythm and feel. The xote is the slowest rhythm of forro whereas the arrasta-pe is the fastest dance style of forro. Baiao is the original form of the dance.

Brazilian music and dance is throughout the country. The styles of music and dance vary greatly as you can see from the examples given above. The common theme across the various styles of Brazil's dances does seem to center around telling a story. Each dance has a historical background and tells a story of a group of people during a specific time in Brazil's history. It's interesting to note that musical dramas and forms of exercise have been born out of the original dances that came from the Portuguese, the African slaves, and others who influenced the culture of Brazil.

Brazilian dancing is, in addition to the music of Brazil, the heart and soul of who these people are and how they express themselves.

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Brazilian culture is not just those things we think about at first glance when we think of Brazil. There is something intangible that can be felt, when you visit Brazil, which is not easily put into words.

Now if you ask people who are not from Brazil, what they think of when they hear the word "Brazil" will say something like:

Soccer

Brazilian Bikinis

and the resulting, infamous Brazilian bikini wax.

In order to do this, I need to share with you my own experience of Brazil culture. This perhaps more than anything else, expresses the true heart and spirit of Brazil.

Like all countries on our beautiful Earth, each one has unique and special gifts to share. I have not traveled extensively nor visited lots of different countries, however my experience of living in Brazil taught me a great deal about the gifts that this amazing country has to offer.

Back then we didn't even have the internet, and so I relied upon stories I'd heard from others who had visited, to help me to prepare.

Even though I traveled with friends from the U.S. as well as Brazilians, I still found myself experiencing a huge culture shock. It wasn't a bad or even painful experience, in fact I considered it quite positive.

Even though it was stressful!!

My visit to Brazil shook up all the things I took for granted in my life. Like toilet paper!! I don't mean to be crude, but some places that I lived in did not have electricity or toilet paper, things I had never lived without.

I wasn't visiting Brazil as a tourist, rather I was traveling to spiritual communities for my own learning and healing, so that I could be of greater service to the world in my own work. I lived in cities as well as very rural areas, some of them very remote.

The experience changed me in so many ways. I came to deeply understand how economics shapes our consciousness, both for the good and the not so good.

Brazilian Culture - Generosity

I was deeply humbled by the generosity of all Brazilians that I met. There, I was considered a "rich American" even though by American standards I was quite "lower middle class" or even less, but even the poorest of people that I met generously offered me food when I visited their homes. It was quite something for me to experience. I got to see all the fear I was carrying with me, that was illuminated in the face of such pure generosity.

Brazilian Culture - Going With the Flow

I also noticed how much baggage I was carrying, both literally AND figuratively! My fellow Brazilian travelers would carry a modest bag with them, I had a huge duffel bag which was very awkward.

I was often in situations where things would break down, like buses, cars, water heaters and so forth. One time I was on a bus traveling back to Rio by myself, and the bus broke down. "Acabou!"

We pulled over on the highway, and everyone got out of the bus calmly and waited patiently. I was a wreck, as I had no idea how they would fix it, or how we would get to where we were going, how long we'd be out in the hot sun without water and food, etc., etc. etc.!

Somehow it all worked out, and I noticed how accustomed I am to feeling "in control".

Brazilian Culture - A New Way of Doing Things

Well, I definitely did not feel "in control" in Brazil. It was not easy to get things done in the way I am used to in the United States. There was always something breaking down, or plans would change, or the phone wouldn't work, or whoever we were waiting for would be late.

One it took three hours for us to be picked up by our friends ... while we waited in the rain!!

Our friend had forgotten about us, and there were no cell phones back then!!

Brazilian Culture - The Beauty of Nature

At the same time, I felt the LEAST stressed out I had ever felt in my life. The magnificence of Mother Nature was absolutely stunning, even in cities like Rio de Janiero. I felt held by the Earth there and at peace somehow. My body felt like - "I am Home". It was a GREAT feeling!

Brazilian Culture - A Natural Spirituality

One of the greatest delights for me about being in Brazil was that I could talk to almost anyone about God. Unlike in the U.S. where speaking about spiritual matters is considered controversial, or makes people uncomfortable, in Brazil it was very natural.

People would ask me "why did you come to Brazil?" and I realized that I could be truthful. I replied "Deus me mandou" (God called me), and in response I received a knowing and reverent look to the heavens. That was really something for me to experience!

I can't tell you what a jolt it was for me to return to the U.S. and encounter a very different consciousness. On my first trip back to the U.S. from Brazil, an irate and very entitled American in the New York airport was loudly yelling about his lost luggage. I felt really embarrassed to be an American at that point!

Brazilian People

Brazil is home to more than 194,000,000 people (an approximate figure as of 2010) whose ancestors come from all over the world. Like the United States, Brazil is a nation of immigrants. Brazilians are an ethnically diverse people with ancestors from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Many people in Brazil have intermarried and so there are many people of diverse, multi-ethnic backgrounds. More than half the population is of European descent, about 40% are of mixed African and European descent.

Brazil was a colony of Portugal from 1500 until 1815. They became independent in 1822.

People who live in Brazil are known as brasileiros, (Portuguese for "Brazilians") and most were born there, although it is also possible to become a naturalized citizen after living in Brazil for 15 consecutive years and learning to speak Brazilian Portuguese.

Foreigners who are from a Portuguese speaking nation such as Portugal, Mozambique or Cape Verde (no name just a few) are eligible to apply to be a naturalized citizen after only a year in Brazil.

People from Portugal who are living in Brazil are granted the rights of Brazilian citizens, according to the Brazilian constitution.

Now, each of us is a beautiful, unique individual, and at the same time, we are part of the family and the country we were born into. I met thousands of Brazilians while I was living in Brazil, and although they were each unique, there were some things I felt about the Brazilian culture and people as a whole.

In my experience, the Brazilian people are warm, generous and heart centered. People are more important than things. Relationships matter, and take precedence.

Brazilians are extremely hard working, although things get done there differently than in the U.S. You won't find a lot of punctuality in Brazil unless you are in Sao Paolo, which seems more attuned to the "western" ways.

You will spend a lot of time waiting, and you need to simply accept this, and learn to let go and to trust the "flow" of how things happen there.

For me I found the "caos" (chaos) of how things get done in Brazil quite a challenge at first, until I surrendered to it. I found some relief when I was in Sao Paolo for a short time!

I also found the Brazilian people to be optimistic, and that many have a faith in God that sustains them through many difficulties. I learned a great deal from this, as I have always tended to a more despairing attitude. This changed when I was in Brazil.

Although it is impossible to generalize, since Brazil is a very large country and things vary from region to region, in general this was my experience.

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Many different styles of music are included on the list of popular Brazilian music.

Brazil has over 500 years of music history that began with Jesuit priests coming to the country and trying to infuse the indigenous people's music with more religious lyrics and rhythms.

The best way to describe the music heard in Brazil is that it's original and unique. Each style has its own beat, rhythm, and sound.

Various instruments are used to create interesting sounds that range from slow and sensuous to what might be referred to as a frenzied acoustic beat. Every genre of Brazilian music is appreciated throughout the country and in many places around the world.

The first African music heard in Brazil was lundu. This music was accompanied by a dance that was deemed a bit too erotic at that time, so the dance was no longer done in public as of the 18th century, but the music was still played and enjoyed.

Lundu music is a blend of the Argentinean tango, polka, and Cuban Habanera. It's was the beginnings of what is now recognized as Brazil's very first urban dance music, or maxixe. Nowadays, the dance has been included along with the music. It's still popular throughout Brazil.

Samba is by far the most popular and most recognized music style in Brazil. The Samba has a special swing sound to it. The notes that make up the music are not right on the beat, but rather a bit offbeat. They come together to create an addictive style of music that instinctively makes you want to move your hips and feet, but not in a jerky manner, but rather a fast, fluid motion. It's excellent party or festival music. Samba is most often heard in southeastern and northeast Brazil in the cities of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador. Popular Samba artists include Dorival Caymmi, Martinho da Vila, Carmen Miranda, Pixinguinha, Ary Barroso, Beth Carvalho, and Alcione.

Forro music is Brazil's version of country music. It's just the right combination of notes and instruments to make you want to stomp your feet and square dance! The instruments used to create this style of music include percussion, guitar, accordion, triangle, and flute. It's a rapid dance that you just have to move to! It's heard most often in the northeastern regions of Brazil.

MPB, or Musica Popular Brasileira, combines the sensuous sounds of samba with folk music, pop music, and rock music. It's one of the most recent and contemporary music trends in Brazil, but it has caught on quickly. It's wonderful background music for a party or for simply sitting outside enjoying the summer air. Popular Brazilian music artists of MPB include Gal Costa, Rita Lee, Marisa Monte, Elis Regina, Gilberto Gil, Maria Bethania, and Adriana Calcanhotto, to name a few.

Bossa nova was historically created with a guitar, piano, and a vocalist, but nowadays an orchestra can create a wonderful blend of soft sounds with more than one vocalist. It can be equated to elevator music in the United States.

The song called The Girls from Ipanema, written by Antonio Carlos Jobim, was the first Bossa nova style song that became popular outside of Brazil. Artists associated with this style of music include Elis Regina, Toquinho, Tom Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, and Joao Gilberto.

Frevo is an energetic style of music most popular in northeast Brazil. The style is simplistic in nature played by a small band of traditionally three people. Today, you can hear frevo played from the back of a pick up truck or on stage complete with amplifiers and microphones.

Frevo is the primary music played for the Salvadoran Carnival in Brazil each year. It's energetic beat gets everyone in the party mood and makes you feel like celebrating. Popular frevo artists: Nelson Ferreira, Dodo & Osmar, Luperce Miranda, Irmaos Valenca, and Oswaldo Santiago.

Other popular Brazilian music styles include choro, brega, maracatu, Brazilian rock, and axe, to name a few. No matter where you go in Brazil, you will hear music. It might be slow and sensual, it might be frenzied and celebratory, or it might be the soft sounds of classical and operatic music. Everyone can find a music style they will like in Brazil!

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Brazil history is quite unique, and begins nearly 8,000 years ago. In modern times the history of Brazil includes several different types of government. Brazil has been a constitutional monarchy, known as the Empire of Brazil, as well as a military dictatorship and a federal republic.

Documentation of very early Brazil history begins with the entrance of the first indigenous people into Brazil. According to historians, these people entered the land we now know as Brazil via the Bering land bridge to cross Alaska and then continuing on into Central and North America.

Unfortunately, we know very little about the first indigenous inhabitants and tribes of Brazil, as they lived so long ago, and they didn't leave much behind for historians to see. There were no writings or permanent structures left behind to study.

It's a widely accepted notion that Brazil received its name from the brazilwood tree that was harvested there and traded in Europe by sailors.

Most historical accounts about Brazil history name Pedro Alvares Cabral, a Portuguese man, as the first person to discover the land of Brazil in 1500. It wasn't until 1531 however that actual settlers were sent to the country of Brazil.

Over the next several decades, the indigenous Indian tribes of Brazil were cut in half by colonizers and roaming opportunists entering the country and killing them as they went.

This is a very sad chapter in the history of Brazil. Those who were not murdered died from the diseases the outsiders brought into the country.

In 1531, King Joao III sent 400 settlers to the land of Brazil. The king decreed that Brazil's coastline be divided into 250km plots and ruled by captains appointed by the king.

A mere two of those groups survived the Indians, Dutch, and French and proved successful. The country of Brazil was a Portuguese colony throughout the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Beginning in 1550, slaves were brought from Africa to work Brazil's sugar cane fields. They were also used to work the gold mine fields for a time until the gold ran out. Thankfully, slavery in Brazil was abolished in 1888.

Coffee entered Brazil sometime in the early 1800s. Nine years later, coffee accounted for nearly 2/3 of Brazil's exports! By this time, sugar cane production had all but stopped, so coffee beans filled in the gaps in the Brazilian economy. The rubber tree was discovered in the late 1800s and became a significant export for Brazil by 1912.

On September 7, 1822, Brazil declared independence from Portuguese rule. The country became the Empire of Brazil and operated as a constitutional monarchy.

During this time, there were two rulers - Pedro I and Pedro II. Pedro I ruled as emperor from 1822 to 1831, at which time his five-year-old son became emperor and ruled from 1831 to 1889.

The year 1889 - a republican government was established as a result of a military coup. The man who led the coup, General Deodoro da Fonseca, was Brazil's first de facto president. Brazil's name was changed to the Republic of the United States of Brazil. The constitutional democracy in Brazil lasted from 1889 through 1930.

Getulio Vargas took power of the government via a military coup in 1930. He was dictator over Brazil through 1934. He was elected president by Congress in 1937 and ruled as such until 1945 at which time he was again a dictator.

The people of Brazil elected Vargas president in 1951 and he remained their president until he took his life in 1954. The country continued under a democratic government until 1964.

Another military coup in 1964 resulted in the military dictatorship over Brazil through 1985. The economy was almost completely destroyed and thousands of Brazilians were forced to leave the country or murdered during this time. Brazil's name changed in 1967 to Federative Republic of Brazil.

This traumatic time in Brazil history is relatively recent and there are still people alive today who lived through these terrible times.

We'd go to troca dineiro ("change money") to change our U.S. dollars to Brazilian currency and the values fluctuated so wildly that it was almost impossible to predict exactly what the money would be worth the next day! Soon after this they switched to the Brazilian Real, prounouced hay - al.

My husband is a musician and he absolutely loves Brazilian music. For this reason I have a special interest in the amazing and beautiful music created in Brazil. I will be devoting more to this topic soon!

How did the unique style of Brazilian music develop? The Jesuits brought music to the indigenous people of Brazil and what followed was a culturally rich history of musicians and composers. Throughout the years of Brazil history, many types of music were created and embraced despite the dictatorship rule that held the country in its grip for 21 years.

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by Fábio
(Santos, São Paulo)

Hi

First, sorry my poor english.

I liked this site with brazilian food and I would like add some dishes that you forgot it.

Pão de queijo - cheese bread - made with cheese MINAS CURADO, starch (but is not MAIZENA and just a different kind of maizena that exist here in Brazil), eggs etc... It´s delicious and eat them in Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Rio. But you can find it in whole Brzil.

Mandioca frita - fried manioc
Acarajé
Pastel
Empadinha
Coxinha
Cajuzinho
Paçoca
Paçoca salgada
Buchada de bode
Biscoito de Polvilho
Pamonha
Churrasco - brazilian barbecue - it´s made just with salt.
Churros
Galeto
Tutu de feijão
Mocotó
Risoles
Cuzcuz paulista
Cuzcuz nordestino
Peixe na telha
Peixe na folha de bananeira
Canjica
Olho de Sogra
Cocada
Cocada preta
Manjar
Couve Mineira
Romeu e Julieta - Minas Cheese with guava marmelade
Feijoada
Banana Frita
Goiabada cascão
Doce de abóbora com coco
Caldo de cana - sugar cane juice
frango com quiabo
tapioca - made with a kind of manioc flour with cocoa milk condensed milk, or cheese. Many flavors sweet or salted
galinha ao molho pardo
Carne com pequi
Many others.

Some regionals food.

http://issuu.com/agrofloresta/docs/alimentos_regionais_brasileiros

Thank you and sorry my english.

Our reply

Thanks so much Fábio for sharing this helpful information about Brazilian food! I so appreciate your message!

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When I lived in Brazil, my friendships with the Brazilian people were the highlight of my time there, and second only to the amazing and stunningly beautiful vibrancy of nature that surrounded us even in cities like Rio de Janeiro.

Here is a little background about the people of Brazil and what makes them unique.

The origin of the people of Brazil is primarily Portuguese, but their history also includes African slaves and immigrants from Italy, Germany, Japan, Spain, Syria, and Lebanon.

Who then is considered Brazilian?

The official definition of a Brazilian is anyone who is born in the country of Brazil.

The definition expands to include foreigners who have lived in Brazil and indicate they want to become a citizen by applying for Brazilian citizenship and also any child born outside of Brazil to a Brazilian parent.

Brazilians are primarily Roman Catholic, but there are a few other religions practiced in the country of Brazil, including Protestant, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Baptist, and Spiritism.

It's not unusual to meet someone in Brazil and be invited to his or her home for refreshments. I found this quite humbling while I was living and traveling in Amazonas, some of the poorest regions of Brazil.

Even in the poorest of homes, where it was clear that people hardly had any food at all to eat in their homes, I would be invited to visit and share a meal.

The invitation was genuine and from the heart, and it really illuminated my own limitations! My grandparents lost everything in the Great Depression and so that family trauma ran deep.

Confronting such genuine generosity really changed me!

For example, an actual person rather than a computer makes wake up calls in Brazilian hotels and they always have a sunny disposition when they call!

The annual Carnival parade in Brazil is the most famous and well-attended holiday in the country. A significant percentage of Brazil's tourist income is earned during this holiday, which is hosted 40 days prior to the celebration of Easter.

Plan to spend time simply waiting or enjoying the unmatched beauty of the scenery while visiting Brazil. Brazilians approach life as it comes, whether it's a situation where a vehicle breaks down or the road is blocked, they will take it as it comes calmly and patiently.

The attitude is that things will move along when they move along, so why fret about it? You may find that you appreciate and learn from this quality, which opens up new possibilities that you may have missed otherwise!

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The Brazil national soccer team is the most famous and successful soccer team across the globe. The Brazil soccer team proudly represents their country under the management of the Brazilian Football Confederation.

The talent on this team is unmatched by anyone else in any league across the world.

Brazil's soccer team is known for their athletic ability, choreography of plays on the field, and perhaps most of all, and the flair with which their famous players execute each and every game.

Brazil is the only soccer team to win 5 World Cup championships, with the hope of winning a sixth in 2014 when they host the FIFA World Cup games. Brazil also proudly holds three titles in the FIFA Confederations Cup.

They've been one of the teams to watch every since the 1960s. As of 2010, they are ranked 4th by the FIFA.

Brazil is regarded as the country of football. Soccer is so popular in Brazil that sometimes it's referred to as the second religion of the country. When people think of soccer, they automatically think of Brazil!

This is by no means a complete list of the talented players who have impacted the game of soccer while playing for Brazil, but they are some of the most recognized name in the sport.

Brazil's famous soccer team has a new coach who hopes to coach them to victory in the 2014 FIFA World Cup on their home turf. His name is Mano Menezes and is known and respected for his skill at resurrecting teams who are struggling in their sport. He replaces Coach Carlos Dunga.

Brazil is the proud host of the 2014 FIFA World Cup! They hosted it once back in 1950, but lost the World Cup title on home soil, so they are hoping to make history in four years as the world watches these historically exciting soccer games. Brazil has already begun to prepare for the 2014 tournament - they are rebuilding several parts of the stadium Maracana in Rio de Janeiro and adding new and improved features such as an expanded roof onto the stadium.

They have a long way to go, but when it's time for the 2014 World Cup tournaments, visitors to Brazil will have the opportunity to enjoy not only the games, but also to see Brazil's beautiful countryside and cities.

Pele, one of Brazil's most famous and talented soccer players, celebrated his 70th birthday on October 23, 2010. Despite his retirement status, he is still very involved in supporting and cheering for his beloved team and is affectionately called the King of Football in Brazil.

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The Brazilian pepper tree is a plant native to Brazil that has spread to other places. It is appreciated for its many benefits, yet is also considered an invasive species in some places.

It is also known as the Christmasberry tree or Florida holly, but there are many things about it not commonly known. Other names that it can go by include: American Pepper, false pepper, aguaribay, among others.

The pepper tree is part of the same family as poison ivy or poison sumac. Just like its relatives, it can also cause an allergic reaction to people who are sensitive to the plants. There may also be problems with the respiratory system when the plant is flowering.

The false pepper tree is actually more of a shrub than a tree. It can grow to around 30 feet in height and can live over 30 years. The trunk is short and is hidden by the branches. The leaves are a reddish color and are les than an inch long.

The flowers are white and form in clusters about 2-3 inches long. The pride of the plant is the fruit, tiny green berry-like objects that turn red when ripe. The plant begins to flower in September until October and the berries mature in December and January, which is where it gains its nickname Christmasberry tree.

The tree is native to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, but has spread to other tropical places, including areas of the southern United States and Africa. It was brought to many areas because of its beauty as a landscape plant. In some areas, it has become a nuisance because it is so easy to grow and reproduce.

In spite of the allergies the pepper tree can cause, it has been used for many years as a healing remedy. The bark is saved, along with the seeds, fruit, and even the leaves for use to cure and improve many illnesses.

Folk remedies include making a liquid tincture from the bark as a stimulant and tonic. It has also been used as a diuretic and for the treatment of tumors. Remedial healers have used it topically for gout, syphilis, as well as cases or rheumatism.

Other folk healers recommend the leaves and fruit to be added to baths to help heal open wounds or ulcers on the body. An interesting fact of the leaves is that when they are placed in hot water, they jerk and twist as if they were alive and moving. This happens because the oil is being released.

Indigenous people in other countries where the false pepper tree is found naturally use it to cure all sorts of illnesses. In Peru, the plant is used as a laxative and as an antiseptic. South African people steep the leaves and make a tea to heal colds faster. The dried leaves are used in Argentina for respiratory and urinary infections.

The tree is still a popular plant today in herbal treatments in many countries. It is used in Brazil for the following health problems:

While it has not been proven to do everything advocates of the pepper tree claim, it has created an interest in the scientific community. Scientists have conducted research that shows there are some beneficial properties of the plant.

Scientists have shown that it has displayed antifungal actions against certain bacteria. Patents have been issued in the United States for its use as a topical application. Some research has shown the possibility that it could have positive results with cancerous tumors.

The pepper tree is also used in cooking because of its high oil contents. It has a spicy scent with a strong aroma. The berries are used to make syrups, vinegar, and beverages because of the spicy flavor. It can be added to wines and used as a pepper substitute.

It can be added to meat dishes such as lobster or pork; it also adds a unique taste to desserts. It is often called red pepper or pink pepper berry.

The fruits are harvested during the winter season in their native areas, which is May through August. They are either air dried or freeze dried to preserve them.

The pepper tree can take over its surroundings because of its widespread and aggressive growth capabilities. It covers over 700,000 acres in Florida where it is not even native. The problem with such domination is that it forms such a dense canopy to shade the area that other species cannot survive.

The pepper tree not only lives in terrestrial areas but also in aquatic places. It reduces the number of other natural species that live within the same area. Because of this, many places have banned the sale and moving of the plant to other areas.

One of the issues with the plant in the areas where it is prevalent is that it can cause sinus congestion, headaches, and eye irritation. There have also been reports of birds and animals dying when they have eaten the leaves and fruit of the plant.

Once the pepper tree has been introduced into an area, it is very difficult to get rid of. It can grow back even after a fire or other devastation. There are chemicals that will kill it and prevent regrowth. You can also dig it up by the roots, but you must make sure all of the roots are removed or it will come back.

There has been a great deal of controversy about the benefits and the problems with the Brazilian pepper tree. Many locals who harvest the plant find numerous benefits to having it. One cannot deny that it is a fascinating flora to look at and understand. The Brazilian pepper tree is just one plant that has made a name for itself beyond its country of origin.

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Brazilian songs and music are the heart and soul of Brazilian culture. Music is heard in the streets, shops, homes, businesses, schools, and churches. It's part of every family celebration, every festival, every special occasion, and can even be heard played on the streets of Brazil for no particular reason other than to be enjoyed.

You may hear jazz on one street corner and samba on another. One café might have live music featuring bossa nova while another may feature Brazillian rock. The diversity of the music in Brazil is one of the most exciting features of the country!

Brazil is home to many styles and types of music including MPB, samba, bossa nova, frevo, choro, brega, jazz, maracatu, forro, Brazilian rock, and a very heavy metal sound of music, axe. Each has it's own sound and rhythm that makes it unique from other types of Brazilian music.

There are many other types of Brazilian songs and music that are indigenous to specific regions of Brazil as well. Examples of these would be Capoeira, Repentismo, Afoxe, and Eastern Amazonia styles.

The native people living in the rainforest have their own versions of Brazilian songs and musical style. They make music using some of the oldest instruments known in Brazilian history like rattles, whistles, horns, drums, and flutes. If you listen carefully, you can pick out the sound of rain, wind, and animal sounds that you would hear in the rainforest.

Here we would like to share with you some of the most uplifting and spiritual songs of Brazil. Some of these are extremely popular in the mainstream, whereas others are simply beautiful in lyric and song.

This song sung by Marisa Monte is called Borboleta, which means little butterfly.
Borboleta

The song Aquarel or Watercolor sung by Toquinho & Vinícius is sweet and uplifting. The lyrics talk about drawing and painting beautiful scenes like a sun, seagull, and clouds. It has a soft, lilting melody that is easy to listen to.
Aquarel or Watercolor

De volta pro meu aconchego is a romantic song sung by Elba Ramalho. The title means Back Home. The song talks about returning home after being away from a loved one and how she feels when she looks into his eyes again.
De volta pro meu aconchego

Edson & Hudson sing a song called Foi Deus or It Was God that will touch your heart. The lyrics talk about how God gave him the love of his life. So very romantic!
Foi Deus

Tom Jobim is one of Brazil's most popular piano players and it's no wonder when you hear him play! Nice background music to enjoy while entertaining or relaxing.
Tom Jobim

This song called Agua de beber. Tom Jobim plays more of a jazzy, fun song in this video.
Agua de beber

Do you have a daughter? You'll love this beautiful song called Minha princesa or My Princess sung by Brenda Calypso. The lyrics talk about a mother's love for her daughter and it's really precious.
Minha princesa

Magdalena by Elis Regina is a beautiful song that really shows off this singer's abilities. The lyrics talk of love and relate feelings of love to nature.

Gilberto Gil has long been one of Brazil's popular singers. In this video he sings a song called Aquele Abraco. Unfortunately, lyrics in English weren't available, so just listen and enjoy!
Aquele Abraco

Words to the Wind or Palavras ao Vento is a heartfelt song sung by Cassia Eller, one of Brazil's most favorite musicians and singers. Her voice is lower than some women singers, but has a beautiful soothing sound. This song speaks of love, passion, and the hope that neither will ever end.
Palavras ao Vento

Before his death in 1990, Cazuza was a very popular blues singer. He has a beautiful voice and blended with the blues music as accompaniament, his songs are easy to listen to and even tap your foot to if you like.

Do you love dramatic singing - the kind that makes your heart rise and fall with each note? You'll love this amazingly talented woman's singing. Her name is Ida Miccolis. You won't soon forget her voice!
Miccolis

Brazilian songs are filled with meaning and this is one you can tap your foot to, dance to, or clean your house in record time to! It's fun, uplifting, and makes you smile. It's called Carrapicho.
Carrapicho

Cadu sings a compilation of many soft, easy listening songs accompanied by a guitar in this video. Beautiful!
Cadu sings

You could dance to this! Vocals, drums, and a great rhythm make for a fun and festive environment with the background music of Samba Do Brasil by Ey Macalena.
Macalena

This is called Brazilian Trance Dance - features the saxophone and brass instruments. Nice vocals too!
Brazilian Trance Dance

Brazilian songs and music can solicit feelings of excitement, joy, and passion as you listen to them. Music has been woven into the very fabric of Brazilian history and culture for over 500 years, so it's no wonder that new and exciting sounds of music have emerged over the centuries.

Interested in expanding your musical horizons? Check out the various sounds of Brazilian music and you're sure to do just that! You may find yourself listening to more and more of it as you discover talented Brazilian artists, both with excellent singing voices and excellent musical ability on instruments.

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One of the things that make a country unique is the food, and brigadeiros are one of the most popular Brazilian dessert recipes.

While Brazil is known for many desserts, such as Cuscuz branco and Bolo de Rolo, one of the most well-known is the brigadeiro. Food is as much a part of the culture of a country as any other tradition, and you can learn a great deal about the people by what they eat.

Brigadeiros are a simple treat that was created in the 1940s. It was first made by the wife of a brigadier, which is where it gets its’ name. Brigadier Eduardo Gomes was in the Brazilian Air Force. He had become famous for helping to end a coup by the communists on Rio de Janeiro in the 1920s. He later ran for the Presidency in 1946 and his wife created brigadeiros as a treat for the fundraising events during his campaign.

The legend has it that people asked if others had tried the “Brigadeiro’s candy” and the name stuck. It was a simple candy made with only three ingredients during a time when other food items were in short supply because of the war. Fruit and nuts had been the Brazilian people’s favorite sweet treats, but they were in short supply because of the difficulty in importing.

It was during this time that Nestle was introducing chocolate powder and condensed milk, which are two of the three ingredients used in traditional brigadeiros. The fact that it was simple to make and was named after a famous war hero is part of the reason it has become known as the national truffle of Brazil.

Today, the candy is popular at birthday parties, especially for children. Women join together to make them for a party, while children stand by, hoping to sneak a few unseen. The same recipe for the brigadeiro candy is often used as icing for cakes, except you would have to shorten the cooking time so that it would be spreadable.

Brigadeiros are the most popular candy in Brazil and can be found at weddings, formal parties, as well as birthday parties and casual get-togethers.

The recipe is quite simple and only requires three ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Different variations have been created since the original and may change the flavor by adding or changing ingredients. Some bakers even add an egg, while others use coffee powder to make coffee flavored brigadeiro candy.

You cook the ingredients over low heat until the right consistency is achieved for the batter to be rolled into balls. This should be when you can separate the batter with a spoon and it takes a few minutes to go back into place. Then you will want to refrigerate it to cool completely before you roll it. This can be as quickly as 30 minutes or as long as 3 or 4 days. This allows you to make the batter ahead of time and wait until the last minute to assemble.

When you are ready to create the candy, you will take get some of the batter in a spoon. The size of the balls depends upon the cook’s preferences since there is no standard for everyone to follow. You will roll it into a ball and place on a plate. You can decorate it with chocolate bits, caster sugar, or grated coconut for additional flavor.

While it is easy to make brigadeiro candy because of only using three ingredients, it does not mean that no skill is required. The difficult part of the project is getting the right consistency when you are cooking it. If you cook it too long, it will be tough. But if you do not cook it long enough, it will not roll into a ball. Many cooks have developed their own tricks to making a perfect batch

There isn’t a special secret to making these delicious treats; it just takes time and practice. Once you have made a few batches, you will become proficient at them. If you are making them for a party, get some other cooks together. One batch makes about 20 balls; it will be more fun to have a brigadeiro-making party.

People all over Brazil and around the world enjoy the simple sweet taste of the brigadeiros treats. You can appreciate the candy more by knowing its history and how it relates to the culture of Brazil.

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You can learn a lot about Brazil’s culture and the people by visiting an authentic Brazilian restaurant when you are in the country.

It is not only about the food they serve, but the atmosphere.

Is it loud or quiet in the restaurant? Do people talk while they eat? Do they hurry through their meal or linger over their food? For many cultures, eating is about more than just food; it is a way of socializing and relaxing.

It can be helpful to know what foods to expect when you eat in a Brazilian restaurant. Brazil is a large, culturally diverse country and food varies by region. The Portuguese influence is seen in the sugar and citrus fruits used in desserts.

The Brazilians also developed their love of sweets from the Europeans. They use eggs and spices such as cinnamon for their desserts. However, they also use non-sweet ingredients such as parsley and garlic.

The Indians who lived in Brazil even before the Portuguese had their own influence on Brazilian food that is still seen today. They used manioc, which is a root vegetable like a potato. Brazilians use it to make farofa.

Farofa is ground up manioc and is used in place of flour in breads, cookies, cakes, and other recipes. It can also be toasted and sprinkled over rice and meat, as well as other foods.

The main staples of the Brazilian diet are manioc, rice, and beans. The national dish is Feijoada, which is a meat stew made with bacon, sausage, beef, tomatoes, and black beans. You will find this in many restaurants in Brazil.

One of the benefits of eating Brazilian food is that it does not rely heavily on wheat, and so is good for people on a gluten free diet, or those who are eating an anti-inflammatory diet for health reasons. That is just one of the reasons I love Brazilian food!

In large cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, you will find many restaurants with different cuisine. Like any other country, the larger cities will give you a variety of ethnic tastes, like Italian, Portuguese, Caribbean, and other flavors. They have everything from street vendors to expensive dining.

One thing to beware of is the rating system in Brazil. The only rating system is done by Quatro Rodas Guide and is not the most reliable. There is no nationally known rating system and the main food festival in Brazil does not give ratings.

Along the Bahia coast, there are restaurants that reflect the region’s cuisine. The foods feature manioc, corn, tropical fruits, and herbs. The signature dish is Comida Baiana, made with shrimp, fish, chicken and other flavors.

The Amazon has its own cuisine influenced by the local people. They mainly live on manioc, fresh fish, yams, beans, and fruit.

Travelers will find a variety of places to eat, depending on where they visit. You can choose from fast food stops, street vendors, coffee shops, and restaurants that charge by the pound. While you can research online for restaurant reviews, the best way to find a good local restaurant is to ask the people who live there.

The Northeast part of Brazil has food that is reflective of the culture in that area. They used to dry the meat that they raised to make it last longer and today they still make carne de sol “meat of the sun” and eat a large amount. You will also see African and Indian influences in the food.

The Amazon region in the north part of Brazil is populated by Indians who influence the food of the area. You will see dishes made with fish, root vegetables and tropical fruits. One well-known dish is the Caruru do Para, made with shrimp, okra, onion, and tomato.

I traveled in this region for several months and where I was there were very few fresh vegetables. Our main foods were rice, beans, and manioc root, with a little white spaghetti from the local stores.

There were some local greens that were cultivated but they were so rare that I never learned their name or location, and so these were a special treat.

Dishes in the Southeastern area are made with corn, pork, beans, chicken and cheeses. You will find Italian and German influences in the food. You will often see rice and bean dishes served in restaurants. In Rio, you will get black beans, but in Sao Paulo, you will enjoy red or blond beans.

Churrasco was originally created in Southern Brazil. It is similar to barbeque as it is meat cooked over an open fire. Today, most people do not cook their own charrasco, but go to restaurants that specialize in the meal.

Immigrants from Germany came to Southern Brazil and ate diets of wheat and vegetables, which has been incorporated into the traditional dishes.

Central Brazil uses fresh fish caught from the local rivers in many of their meals. This supplements the beef and pork that is popular throughout the region. They also enjoy the local crops of rice, corn, and manioc.

If you are traveling outside of Brazil and looking for some traditional Brazilian cuisine, you can find a good restaurant if you know where to look.

Many chefs have learned to create traditional Brazilian dishes for an authentic taste away from home. One of the best known chains of Brazilian restaurants is the Fogo De Chao, which are located in the United States along with Brazil. Another popular choice located in Europe is Guanabara in London.

Rodizio is a restaurant in the Netherlands that follows the Gaucho way of cooking meat. The restaurant is a barbeque place that uses the Brazilian flavors and methods to create their menu.

Melborne, Australia has a Brazilian restaurant where they carve the meat at your table. The place is called BlueFire Churrascaria Grill and Bar. You will find restaurants that serve Brazilian cuisine in North America, Europe, and many other places.

If you look online, you will find restaurant reviews to give you an indication of the quality of food in a Brazilian restaurant around the world. While most places strive to create authentic dishes, they may add their own flair. Be prepared for the food to taste different than Brazilian food made in Brazil!

Finding a great Brazilian restaurant in Brazil will tell you more about the people than just what they like to eat. You will experience the tastes, smells, and sounds that are authentic to the country.

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Anyone considering travel to Brazil need to understand Brazil visa requirements in order to successfully and efficiently acquire a visa prior to taking the trip.

We're going to discuss the several different types of visas that are potentially available along with other pertinent information you will want to know before you apply and for the application process.

United States citizens must have a visa in hand when traveling into Brazil. The country of Brazil also requires that their citizens have a visa in order to enter the United States. How about citizens of other countries?

Countries that do no require Brazilian citizens to hold a visa to enter their country do not require one to enter Brazil in most cases. It's possible that you may need a business visa or a tourist visa to enter Brazil without difficulty if you are not an U.S. citizen.

Some consulates will not accept any applications submitted by mail, but instead will only accept applications brought to the consulate in person. The type of visa for which you are applying may determine whether the application will be accepted by mail or will require you to submit it in person.

A third party such as a friend, travel agent, family member, or the representative of a visa service can, when authorized, submit a visa application in your place.

Visa application service outfits can be pricey, but can be well worth the investment if you are unable to appear in person to submit your application.

Brazil visa requirements are typically pretty straightforward, but there could be a few differences depending on the type of visa in which you're interested. The types of visas you can apply for include:

The purpose of a tourist visa is for visiting Brazil to see the sights, take tours of the country, visit family or friends, play recreational team sports, or to attend educational seminars as a participant or speaker.

Work visas are for those entering Brazil in a professional capacity - researcher, trade professional, scientist, professor, technician, intern, doctors, volunteers for a non-profit organization, and crewmembers on fishing boats or trainees for cruise lines.

Business visas are for those entering Brazil for the express purpose of attending meetings for professional reasons, discussion of exporting and importing products, or for those negotiating contracts with Brazilian business owners. The business visa also covers those entering the country with a film or media company.

Students enrolling at a Brazilian college or university will need a student visa. You'll also need an official letter from the university or college where you'll be attending in addition the general visa requirements listed above.

This type of visa is strictly temporary and is awarded to students enrolled in an Exchange Students Program, planning to spend their time in the program in Brazil.

This is a special temporary visa. You'll want to confirm the requirements for this particular visa. See BrazilSF.org for information on missionary visas. Other types of visas include:

When planning your trip abroad, always factor in the processing time for your visa application. Don't cut it too close or you could lose money and opportunity if the visa application is denied or there is a problem with it prior to your departure date. Processing could take 2 days or it could take 15 days.

Consulates usually stipulate that all fees paid to them must be in the form of a money order from the United States Postal Service. Ask about this in advance.

You may need a work permit in addition to a business visa to enter the country legally.

Visas can be a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, depending on the reason you're visiting Brazil and the type of visa you've obtained.

Research thoroughly Brazil visa requirements so that the application process will go more smoothly and efficiently. You'll lose time and money if you're careless with any of the documents required or if you are slow to produce what is needed.

Take care to read everything you can on the topic so you're well prepared and not blind sighted at the last minute with any surprises. This way, you're more likely to obtain your visa in a timely manner and travel to Brazil when you had planned.

Helpful websites for detailed information about Brazil visa requirements:

passportsandvisas.com

brazilsf.org

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A lot can be learned about a culture through its music and that is true of Brazilian music lyrics. The lyrics and the rhythm allow you to see the style and character of the people who listen to it.

Brazilian music is passionate music; full of joy and celebration. Brazilians know how to enjoy life and it is demonstrated by the Brazilian music lyrics. However, the music of Brazil is not just one style, but many styles that have been changed and adapted by the various cultures that are a part of the country.

The music you hear today is a mix of the cultural diversity that has always been a part of Brazil’s history. You will hear influences from AmerIndian, African, and Portuguese heritages along with global sources to create a rich sound.

One of the best known styles of Brazil music is the samba, which has become famous throughout the world. The Bossa Nova is another style that has become recognized. Other styles that are not as well-known include:

The first instance of music in Brazil was by two Jesuit priests, who founded schools for the indigenous people with a music education focus. The people developed a strong fascination with European music.

While Brazil practices instrumental music in various styles, lyrics have also been an important part of the culture. The earliest composers wrote librettos for theatre comedies and later, lyrics and music for operas.

At the beginning of the 20th century, focus for musicians was on creating a Brazil style of music that was less European influenced.

Ernesto Nazareth was one of the most famous composers of choro music, which is often instrumental. It was a popular style of music in the early 20th century, but lost its mass appeal until it was revived in the 1970s.

Bossa Nova music has yielded the biggest Brazil international hit in “The Girl from Ipanema.” The music was written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and the Portuguese lyrics were written by Vinicius de Moraes. It became a big hit in the United States when English lyrics were added by Norman Gimbel.

The hit song made the charts in the US and the United Kingdom, as well as other countries around the world. It was inspired by a girl who lived in an affluent area of Ipanema and walked past a popular café by the beach. The lyrics made her a celebrity.

The song speaks about a golden teenage girl, who is beautiful and elegant. It is sad to see her as she walks to the sea because she carries a youth that fades, a beauty that cannot last, according to the writers of the song.

Jobim wrote many songs during his time that have become famous, including “Desafinado.” It has received worldwide attention and had English versions created.

One of the most famous songs to come from Brazil is “Aquarela do Brasil” that was written in 1939 by Ary Barroso. The title means “watercolor of Brazil” and is often just called Brazil in English-speaking countries.

The song was written on a rainy night, along with “Tres Lagrimas.” The song, a samba, strays from the traditional lyrics of sambas, which was the author’s intent. He is quoted as saying that he felt like another person when he wrote the song.

The 1950s saw a new style emerge called the bossa nova. The lyrics showed a romantic, soft side of Brazil that was becoming more prevalent at the time. Jobim was a leader of the music during this era.

During the late 1960s, a new form of music evolved called Tropicalia. The lyrics were political to reflect what was happening around the world. Two big artists at the time, Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil, were exiled to England by the military government because of their lyrics in their songs.

One of the big songs of the time was “Desparada,” a song about the dictatorship that was in effect at the time. It talks about political awareness as a call for people to get involved in what was going on.

“A Banda” was also a popular song of the time that talked about the hopelessness felt by society. A feeling of hope is also evoked by the lyrics as the song wavers between the two emotions.

Music is heard everywhere in Brazil. It’s played in businesses and homes, in stores and schools, and even in the street. It’s part of family celebrations and all of the festivals throughout Brazil.

There are many styles to Brazil music. Most people think of the dance music that the country is famous for, but you will also find a mellow sound from people like Luisa Maita and Gui Boratto.

Other famous musicians include names such as CeU, Romulo Froes, and Los Hermanos. Each one has their own unique style, but all are a representation of the music that is Brazil.

The most popular style of music you will hear on Brazil radio is called sertanejo. It is similar to American country music and uses a guitar, accordion, harmonica, electric guitar, bass, and drums. This style began in the 1920s and today, it has its own category at the Grammy awards.

In the early days of sertanejo music, the lyrics talk about the beauty of the land and man’s inner life. Today, they are more focused on women, drinking, and the heartbreak of betrayal.

One can learn much about the people of Brazil by listening to their music. You will understand who they are by studying the Brazilian music lyrics that show their inner thoughts and ideas.

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Many people think that Brazil language is Spanish, however Brazil is the only Portuguese speaking country in South America. These are some common Brazilian Portuguese phrases that can shed light on the unique and beautiful Brazilian culture, and some useful free Brazilian Portuguese lessons!

You'll find that Portuguese has a beautiful and lyrical quality that is quite fun to speak, once you get the hang of it. I always find that it helps me to feel more expressive and flowing, and so I try to speak Portuguese as often as I can!

Did you know that Portuguese is the fifth most spoken language in the world? Brazilian Portuguese differs slightly from the Portuguese spoken in Portugal and other countries, which is known as Continental Portuguese, similar to the difference between British English and American English.

Differences Between Brazilian Portuguese and Continental Portuguese

Here are just a few examples of the differences. The word for nickname in Brazil is apelido, and in Portugal is alcunha. A cup in Brazil is xícara , and in Portugal it is chávena . If you're looking for a bandage in Brazil you'll need to ask for an atadura, but in Portugal you'll need a ligadura. Trying to catch a bus? If you're in Brazil, you'll looking for an ônibus , and in Portugal you'll be looking for a autocarro. Got some pencils that need sharpening? In Brazil you'll need to find an apontador. In Portugal you've got a choice of three different words: apara-lápis, afia-lápis, aguçadeira The Brazil language word for bandage is atadura, and in Portugal is ligadura. When you answer the phone in Brazil, you say alô. In Portugal, you answer the phone with one of these greetings: estou,which means I am está lá , which seems colloquial, as the literal translation is is there! sim, which means yes estou sim, which means yes I am

The Brazil language of Portuguese is most similar to the Italian language, and also shares some similarities with Spanish. When I was traveling in Brazil, I found it possible to easily converse in Portuguese with other travelers from South American countries that spoke Spanish.

I did learn a little Spanish in high school, but promptly forgot much of it when I began speaking Portuguese.

I just LOVE speaking Portuguese, so I will also share with you some of my favorite resources that will help you learn Brazilian Portuguese phrases, so that you can feel "in tune" with the spirit of Brazil!

So much of Brazilian culture is communicated through the Brazil language, it is truly delightful to experience this by being in Brazil and speaking Portuguese!

Brazil language, like many other romance languages, uses the masculine and feminine forms of some words. This takes a while to get used to if you are not familiar with Spanish, French, Italian or other similar languages.

Saying Hello

Good morning - Bom dia

Good afternoon - Boa tarde

Good night - Boa noite

How are you? (formal) - Como vai?

Fine thank you - Bem, obrigado (men) OR obrigada (women) iterally means - How goes it?

How are you? (informal) - Tudo Bem? This literally means... everything good? The proper response is also: Tudo Bem!

Hi, how are you? (informal) - Oi, tudo bem?

Yes, everythings good, and you? - Tudo bem, e você?

É um prazer conhecê-lo - It's a pleasure to meet you

Saying Goodbye

Bye (informal) - Tchau!

Goodbye (formal) Até logo!

See you then - Até mais! (literally means, until more)

See you later - Até depois!

See you tomorrow - Até amanhã!

More Basic Brazilian Portugues Phrases

Where is ... - Onde está ...

What time is it? - Que horas são?

What is your name? - Como é seu nome? (formal) or Como é teu nome? (informal)

My name is ... - Meu nome é ....

Do you understand? - Compreende? ... or Entende?

I don't understand - Não entendo

How much does this cost? - Quanto custa isto?

This is a wonderful video where you can hear the beauty of Brazilian Portuguese and learn some common Brazilian Portuguese Phrases.

These are some of the most enjoyable ways to experience Brazil language and the culture of Brazil. You can learn a lot about how people share and communicate and express themselves by learning the colloquial expressions. In some cases I've included both the masculine and feminine forms.

Lindo maravilhoso! - (or linda, maravilhosa) literally means beautiful, marvelous, and is used to mean amazing, fantastic, really awesome, etc.

Que saudade! - Saudades does not have a direct English translation. It expresses a longing in the heart when you miss someone or something. Que saudade means ah, I really miss that, whatever you have "saudades" about.

É mesmo? - means really? and is used as a response when someone tells you something new. For example, if you say: "Eu estou aprendendo Portugues", which means "I am learning Portuguese" ... Your Brazilian friends says: "É mesmo?"

Fique tranquilo - I always loved hearing this! It means literally, stay calm or be calm, and it is a common way for Brazilians to help one another to deal with stressful situations. It conveys optimism and caring, and I've also heard "calma filha" which is literally, "be calm dear child".

Pois não? - This is a phrase you'll hear a lot when you go into a resteraunt or call a business that doesn't make any sense, translated it is "because no" ... but itreally means may I help you?.

Fala sério! - This means, you've got to be kidding! The direct translation is talk seriously!. Another related phrase is Não acredito! which means I don't believe it!.

Qualé a sua? or Qual é a sua? - means What is your problem?

Encher o saco - literally means to "fill the bag" (LOL!!) but it's meaning is to bother, to annoy

Tá legal, Tá jóia, Tá bom, Tá bem - Means It’s okay or It's Alright.

Um beijo! or .. Um abraço! - expressions of affection shared with friends. Women use um beijo with both men and women. Men use um abraco with other men, and um beijo with women.

Estar com a macaca - the literal translation is "being with the monkey"!! It means to be bad tempered

. . . pra caramba! - This is used at the end of a setence to magnify or exaggerate whatever is said. For example, if you say "I was late" ( Eu estava atrasado ), you can also say, "I was really, really late" ( Eu estava atrasado pra caramba!)

Já era! - Literally translated, "It was", however it means It’s gone, or it's over.

Estar no mundo da lua - literally means, to be in the world of the moon! It means to be absent-minded

Estar desligado (or desligada), literally translated is "to be disconnected", and means to be absent-minded. Another word you can use is estar distraído (or distraída) which means to be distracted.

quebrado (or quebrada) or exausto (or exausta) or acabado (or acabada) - these are all colloquial expressions that mean exhausted or very tired. Quebrado literally means "broken" and "acabado" literally means "finished".

Com certeza! - of course!

Não faz mal - no problem

legal, bacana - nice, great, cool

É isso aí! - That’s it!

Deixa pra lá! - Forget it!

Now, there are plenty of ways you can learn Brazilian Portuguese for free. You can go to Brazil, or visit an area where a lot of Brazilians live, and simply jump in. I call this the "sink or swim" method!

Of course, it is much easier if you know a little of the language first. That way you can at least begin a conversation!

My husband used to do this when he had some basic Portuguese skills, by visiting our local Dunkin Donuts! At the time there were many Brazilians working there, and they really enjoyed the opportunity to converse and were very patient with him. He had a lot of fun speaking, and made some wonderful friends!

I did find that I learned the most Portuguese when I was living in Brazil with other Brazilians. There weren't a lot of other Americans around so I had to learn about the basic words for cooking, cleaning, and other daily life and household tasks.

There are some wonderful free online resources for learning Brazilian Portuguese.

Learn Portuguese Now provides free online Brazlian Portuguese lessons and other helful free resources.

Sonia Portuguese has many helpful free online language resources ot help you learn Brazilian Portuguese.

Cafe Brasil Podcast is in Portuguese and will give you the experience of immersing yourself in Brazil language and culture.

Street Smart Brazil Blog has many useful and fun videos that will help you to learn Portuguese.

All this being said, I learned a lot faster when I did study a bit to understand Brazil language grammar and things like this. There is nothing like finding a good Brazilian Porutugese teacher to converse with you and help you to learn the language a little faster!

I've had several wonderful teachers over the years who have been so helpful to me. The first was Lee Riethmiller of the Intercontinential Language School. He's quite gifted and I think speaks 26 language fluently himself!! He created these hilarious "verb dances" with funny phrases you can't help but remember!

Our group used to attend classes together and to this day I can still remember one of the phrases I found most hilarious:

O pepino grita e caia de joelhos

Which means....

The cucumber screams and falls to its knees !!!!

LOL, so you can see why I've always remembered my first Brazil language instructor!! :-)

I also studied with several native speaking Brazilians both in the U.S. and in Brazil, and most recently my husband and I had some classes with Luciana over at Street Smart Brazil. She is fantastically gifted in being able to understand the different parts of the Portuguese language that are more challenging for English speaking people to grasp.

If you know of additional resources that can help you learn Brazil language skills, please do share here. I hope you enjoy learning Brazilian Portuguese!

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Manaus Brazil is a bustling commercial city located in the Amazon rainforest. It's the capital city of the Amazonas state of Brazil. Located next to two rivers, the Solimoes and the Negro, and only a short distance from the ocean, it's a busy port with ships exporting several products manufactured in the local area.

Manaus, also known as City of the Forest and Heart of the Amazon, was established in 1669. The official name was changed several times through the years, but it hasn't changed since 1856.

It ranks 12th in size of all the cities of Brazil, but ranks as the 2nd largest city in the Northern regions of Brazil. The nearly 2 million residents of Manau are within the city area of about 4 miles total.

Neighboring cities include Novo Airao, Presidente Figueiredo, Rio Preto da Eva, Iranduba, and Careiro. It's roughly 2,000 miles from Brazil's capital city of Brasilia.

Many people may not even realize Manaus exists and that could be because of its isolated location in relation to the rest of Brazil. The best way to get there is to fly or to go by boat given that you cannot reach it by road for several months of the year due to the rainy season.

Friendly, fun-loving, warm-spirited indigenous people make up much of the population of Manaus Brazil. They work hard to produce beautiful products to market to visitors to their city.

You can purchase everything from jewelry to baskets to local herbal medicines from the people of Manaus knowing that it was made right there by local artisans.

Manaus is no different than the rest of the country of Brazil in that they love their soccer or futebol teams! Just in the city of Manaus, they have two large soccer stadiums and eight pro teams.

Unfortunately, flooding is a way of life for these people because they live on the river, but at the same time, the river also provides the means to make a living.

The population of Manaus is much like the rest of Brazil - it has a large population of poor and a smaller population of very wealthy individuals.

The people are very aware that the Amazon forest is slowly being destroyed by deforestation practices and businesses coming into the rainforest. They're grieved by these developments and yet feel helpless to stop it.

Several local industries are thriving and include soap manufacturing, tourism, manufacturing of polyethylene stretch film, electronic equipment manufacturing, brewing, oil refining, Brazil-nuts, building ships, timber, motorcycle manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, styrofoam manufacturing, and chemical production.

The Amazon rainforest is a lush, green beautiful place, but you see very little green in Manaus unless you visit one of the four large parks that have been carved out between the buildings and roads of the city.

Park Sumauma - the smallest of the state parks in the Amazon, located North of the city

Park of Bilhares - one of the best places to visit in the south-central area of the city

Area of the green hill of Alexio - one of Manaus' and the Amazon's largest green areas in an urban environment

Park of Mindu - people flock to this park in center/south Manaus because of its beauty and diversity. You can walk on trails through the jungle, see local animal life, and walking on suspended bridges.

Manaus Brazil is home of several social and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

Beginning in February, there is the Amazonas Carnival where samba students put on a parade in the Convention Center.

May boasts two festivals - the Amazonas Opera Festival and the Music Festival in Ponta Negra.

The summer months of June and July bring three festivals to Manaus: Sao Pedro Fluvial Procession, Amazonas Folklore Festival, and Amazonas Jazz Festival.

The Elevation of Amazonas is celebrated in September, the Anniversary of Manaus or Boi Manaus in October, the Amazonas Film Festival in November, and finally on December 31st, a huge New Year's Eve Party on Ponta Negra Beach.

Mercado Adolpho Lisboa - cities' oldest market place

CIGS Zoo

Palacio Rio Negro - the White House of Manaus

Natural Science Museum

Federal University of Amazonas

Teatro Amazonas

Ponta Negro Beach

Trekking the Amazon Manaus

Meeting of the Waters

Amazonas Opera House

Justice Palace

Manaus Botanical Garden

Adolpho Ducke Botanical Gardens

Museum Seringal Vila Paraiso

St. Francis Church

Bar do Armando - night life

The climate is categorized as a tropical rainforest, which means there is a lot of rain for at least half of the year. It's extremely humid, so you should dress accordingly if you plan to visit. Manaus' winter season occurs from June to August, but even then the weather is warm. Average temperatures are between 86 degrees and 97 degrees Fahrenheit year round.

The majority of the people in Manaus practice Catholicism, but the remaining population of residents practice several different religions.

You can find, in addition to Catholicism, Manauenses who subscribe to religions such as Methodist, Islam, Judaism, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Baptist, Jeohvah's Witnesses, Candomble, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mormonism, and Assemblies of God.

Much of the land within Manaus, primarily in the area of Igarapes, is illegally occupied because government never really had strict land use and habitation rules on the books. As a result, there are large populations of people living in sub-standard poverty conditions.

Shacks are built over the water, which means they are at risk due to flooding and to waterborne diseases. An estimated 7,000 families reside in these shack communities.

So many people in one area equates to poor or lack of proper sanitation, raw sewage thrown into the water and surrounding land, no fresh running water, no electricity, higher rates of illness, and a lot of crime. Garbage is also tossed wherever it can go since there is no structured garbage collection system.

The only way to deal with these issues is to implement a plan to re-urbanize the entire city of Manaus Brazil. There was a project proposed in 2005, but I'm unable to find additional information as to whether or not it moved forward.

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The Brazil consulate is an important office for promoting and facilitating diplomatic relationships between countries. Brazilian consulates are located in several large U.S. cities in an effort to make their services available to the most people possible.

Consulates and embassies are mistakenly categorized as the same thing, but a consulate is really a scaled down version of an embassy. Both were created with the purpose of connecting countries in a way that allows people from two different countries to travel back and forth without too much hassle and to keep relations between two countries healthy and open.

The Consul, or Chief Diplomat, is the head of the consulate and makes all major decisions regarding tourists, migrants, expatriots, and the like.

A consulate exists to handle various tasks, but the most common one for which they are known is to handle the issuing of visas for traveling purposes. What else does a Brazil consulate do?

Process applications for various types of visas

Reviews of passports

Consular services - legalizing papers having to do with schools, colleges, or universities, school transcripts, and diplomas

Certified documents

Handle powers of attorney for any citizen other than Brazilian citizens

Provides detailed customs information - for plants, pets, and animals

Legalizes various other documents in addition to school documents - this way the documents are recognized as legally binding in Brazil

Marriage laws of Brazil for non-Brazilian citizens - the Brazil consulates can give you detailed information on the laws regarding marriage in Brazil if you aren't a legal Brazilian citizen

Cultural information - helpful for tourists and others visiting the country

Tourist information - gives helpful suggestions for travel agencies, information on currency exchange, resources for Brazil maps, and much more

Trade and business shows - the consulate can give you information on any trade shows happening in the country at any given time

Where are the consulates for Brazil located? This information could be very helpful to you if you're planning a trip to Brazil and need to have a visa and passport reviewed and approved. Once the consulate approves your documents and issues you a valid visa, you're all set to travel to the beautiful country of Brazil!

Consulate General of Boston

Consulate General of Atlanta

Consulate General of Washington DC

Consulate General of Chicago

Consulate General of New York

Consulate General of San Francisco

Consulate General of Houston

Consulate General of Miami

Consulate General of Hartford

Each consulate location has jurisdiction over a specific region of the United States, so if you're planning to visit one of the locations, make sure the one to which you're traveling handles your area of the country. Otherwise, you may have to make an additional trip to another consulate location.

Many consulates will only accept visa applications in person, so be sure to check the terms and conditions of submitting a visa application before sending it along. Typically any visa application submitted any other way other than in person is automatically tossed and rejected.

You must also have an appointment to submit your visa application, so be sure to make one before showing up.

People who work at the Brazil consulate and embassy will almost always have diplomatic immunity, which means they cannot be arrested or put into jail in the United States.

The consulates of Brazil reach out to both Brazilian and United States citizens by making available to them their services and any information they can provide to make traveling to the other country as smooth of a process as possible.

Consulates help to foster good relationships between the U.S. and Brazil.

Each consulate website includes driving directions, contact information, address, list of services available, office hours and days of operation, Brazilian holiday information, the weather in Brazil, and forms available for download.

The websites have all the information in two languages: English and Portuguese so that citizens from both countries can easily find the information they need when visiting the website.

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Are you planning a trip to Brazil, either for work or pleasure and need information on a Brazil visa? Getting a visa for Brazil is one of the first steps in planning your trip, whether you are looking for a tourist visa or a work visa.

The basic requirements are the same for the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Residents of the United Kingdom do not require a visa for Brazil. For the other countries, you will need a valid passport with at least six months left on it.

You will also need to fill out an application which can be found on the Brazilian embassy’s website in the country where you live. There are several consulate offices in each country; you will choose the one that covers your area.

The main requirements for visas remain the same; however, there may be additional documents needed for the individual consulate. For instance, the Atlanta consulate for Brazil requires a bank statement to verify financial responsibility.

You will also have to include a passport-style photograph. You must submit a copy of your itinerary, including city of entry and departure, flight number, and name of airline. The itinerary must be on letterhead of either the airline or a travel agency.

New Zealand residents can travel for tourism purposes with only their passport and do not need a visa, unless they will be working. Then they will require a work visa. Once they have arrived in Brazil, they will need to present their passport and proof of departure.

All countries must include payment of fees at the time of application. Australian residents will need to provide a bank statement or other proof of financial ability to pay if they are self-employed, a student, or retired.

Once your visa has been processed, you have ninety days to enter Brazil. You can stay up to ninety days at one time on a tourist visa, but it can be renewed while you are there for another ninety days. You have to contact the Department of Federal Police at least thirty days before it expires.

You can find the application for a visa for Brazil online. To find the website, visit the Brazil Consulate in the country where you live. Search for visas and read the requirements; you will find the website to complete your application.

You can also go directly to the website http://scedv.serpro.gov.br. It would be beneficial to visit the consulate website first to read through the information they provide on getting a Brazil visa. That way you won’t waste time with an incomplete application.

Another way to get to the application is by visiting the website of a visa service company or travel agent. They can help you prepare your application.

There are four sections to the visa: General Information, Documents, Occupation, and Addresses. Everything must be filled out completely in order to process your application. Once you have completed it online, you can print it out and sign it. It will take between five and twenty business days to process the application once it has been received.

If you are planning to do any kind of work in Brazil, you will need a work visa. Requirements are similar to tourist visas, but there are additional items that you will need to complete your application.

You will need to request authorization to the Ministry of Tourism in Brazil. This is generally done by the employer or business located in Brazil. Once you have been approved, the Embassy will process your visa application and you will be required to present the needed documents.

You will need to present a letter detailing the type of business where you are employed and what you will be doing in Brazil. This must be presented on the company letterhead by someone like a senior manager. If you are the owner and are going to Brazil, you must sign the letter in the presence of a notary.

A work visa can be valid up to ten years, depending on the country of issue. Visas for Canada are good for five years, and most US visas last up to two years. You can have multiple entries to Brazil on a work visa; however, you are limited to one emergency visa in six months. Emergency visas may be issued for technical services or other problems that need dealt with quickly.

Work visas sound complicated, but once you understand the process, they are not that different from tourist visas. It is essential that you know the difference and understand which visa for Brazil to apply for to get approved.

You can complete the application yourself for a Brazil visa; however, you may have to wait through long lines. You may also have trouble tracking your application; most consulates will not allow phone calls to check on the status.

One way to prevent these issues is by using a visa service. There are numerous companies online. They will charge a fee to handle your application; the only thing you have to do is fill out the online application and provide the needed documents.

A visa service can deliver documents to the appropriate embassy; they can expedite processing if you need a visa fast. A service also keeps up on any changes in visa requirements to make sure you have accurate information for processing your applications the first time.

Fees vary among Brazil visa services, so you will want to research your choices. Using a service can take some of the responsibility off your shoulders and let you begin planning the rest of the trip.

A trip to Brazil can be fun and exciting, regardless if the purpose is work or play. However, the requirements for obtaining a visa for Brazil are different, depending on your purpose. It is essential that you know the steps for getting the visa you need.

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