Warm Up
November 18, 2013
• What kind of education system do they have
in Latin America?
ABCs of Brazilian Culture
Appearance
• People in Brazil tend to be believers in the
idea that it’s always better to over dress than
under dress.
• However, they tend to be much more open
with their bodies compared to Americans.
• Brazil has a very vibrant fashion industry
• Brazil has the highest rate of cosmetic surgery
in the world.
Belief System
• Brazil is largely Catholic with many elaborate
cathedrals located through out the country
Belief System
• Folklore
– Brazil has an extensive collection of folklore
stories that are BASED upon historical events, but
usually have a mythological character
• Brazilian versions of werewolves, the Boogey Man,
mermaids, evil spirits
Communication
• Verbal
– Official language is Portuguese
– It is not considered rude to interrupt people when
they are talking
– It is customary to lightly touch or stand very close
to someone when you are talking to them
– Very direct
Communication
• Non-Verbal
– Look people in the eye (even on the street, or on
public transport)
– Men shake hands, women kiss both cheeks (left
then right)
– Never give a gift that is purple or black (colors of
mourning)
Dates
• 1500 - Portuguese land in the area and claim it
to the Portuguese crown.
• 1822 - Son of Portuguese king declares
independence from Portugal and crowns
himself Peter I, Emperor of Brazil
• 1888 - Slavery abolished.
Dates
• 1930 - After a revolt, Getulio Vargas at head of
provisional revolutionary government.
• 1937 - Vargas leads coup, rules as dictator
with military backing.
• 1945 - Vargas ousted in military coup. New
constitution returns power to states.
Entertainment
• Carnival
• Dance
– Samba
– Capoeira
– Forro
– Lundu
Food
• Lunch is the main meal of the day
• Lots of root vegetables
• Lots of fruit (mangos, papayas, guavas,
pineapple), even in savory dishes
• Lots of rice and beans
• Very little chicken, mainly beef, pork, and
seafood
Government
• 3 branches like the United States
• Became a Democracy in the 1980s
• Controlling party is largely moderate, but the
Communist party is strongly opposed to
current policies.
Housing