Typically Brazilian: 10 Things that Can Be Found Only in Brazil

A trip to Brazil is fun, a trip to Brazil is beautiful. But to really get to know a country and its people, you have to live there for a while. Such an experience is not possible on a vacation. So us immigrants from the Aventura do Brasil team will complement your vacation impressions with our experiences. Here are 10 things, that we think make everyday life in Brazil so special.

The life-affirming character of Brazilians is very refreshing. The people are open-minded and emotional. There is no grumbling culture, especially in the poorer classes of the population. They accept their own fate and make the best of it. Jokes are made even in the greatest of crises. They don't concentrate on the difficulties of everyday life but rather enjoy moments of happiness as they come. All problems are treated as if they could be solved. A solution is always found. In Brazil, this is called "o jeitinho brasileiro."

By far the most impressive phenomenon in South America's largest country are the lines. Brazilians form a line to send a letter, submit an application, buy food, play the lottery, order fast food, enter or leave an event room and so on. Often, as soon as the first line is cleared, people wait in a second, third or fourth line. Simply waiting is an everyday phenomenon in cities like São Paulo. Patience is the magic word here.

In Brazil, people like to communicate indirectly. People rarely use the word no, but prefer to use a negative yes. Detours are the quickest way to reach your goal. It’s better to express wishes or criticism subliminally. If someone agrees to meet you in the coming days, do not take their word at face value until solid plans are actually made.

Not just a cliché, but true: in Brazil, everything revolves around soccer. In addition to the national leagues, the top games from other countries are also followed with ardent interest. An absolute state of emergency prevails during every World Cup. That's when almost all interpersonal discussions revolve around the national team and the players are frenetically cheered on. Whenever the Brazilian national team plays, all shops, banks and schools are closed without exception. After all, everyone should be able to join in the excitement on screen.

Brazilians are very devout people. However, they’re not at all narrow-minded but extremely tolerant of those who think differently. Evangelical small churches are widespread and God is on everyone's lips. The phrase "Vai com Deus!" (Go with God!) is a common farewell. Afro-Brazilian deities, orixás, are worshipped above all in the Northeast and bear witness to the country's rich cultural heritage.

Brazilians love to share with friends and strangers. A beer, for example, is ordered in a large bottle, which is served in a cold bucket with iced glasses. Everyone helps themselves and an empty bottle is quickly replaced by a new one. This is good because, in Brazil, people drink their beer “bem gelado” (well refrigerated). Churrascos are popular Brazilian leisure events. These barbecues are very sociable. Large pieces of meat turned in coarse salt are roasted on the grill. The meat is cut into bite-sized pieces and everyone eats them together.

Every Brazilian family puts rice and beans on their plates every day. A fried piece of meat is usually served with it. The national dish, feijoada, also contains beans and meat. This savory stew is traditionally enjoyed on Saturdays while live samba is played in the background. Of course, the national drink, the caipirinha, a cocktail of sugar cane schnaps, limes, sugar and crushed ice cubes, shouldn’t be missing. As a refreshing and rich delicacy in between, many Brazilians indulge in açaí. It's a berry from the Amazon that is mashed frozen. The ice cream is garnished with fresh fruit and granola and then it's ready to serve.

It's considered unhygienic to bring food to the mouth with the bare hand. Even a hamburger would rather be touched with a napkin. Every table, whether in a restaurant in Manaus or in a bar in Florianópolis, is equipped with a napkin dispenser including toothpicks. Normally, a disinfectant gel or even small washbasins are also available to wash your hands before eating.

With so much culinary pleasure, you have to pay attention to good dental care. Brazilians do this in an enviable way. After every meal, they brush their teeth thoroughly. It goes without saying that your own toothbrush must always be in your bag at school and work.

Without music, nothing works in Brazil, whether in the car, in the bar, at home or on the beach. Melodies are heard, played and sung everywhere. There are countless styles. Many regions have their own characteristic musical styles. From Bahia there is pagode, axé and forró, while from the interior of the country there is sertanejo. Especially well known beyond the country's borders are samba and bossa nova from Rio de Janeiro. Artists such as Gilberto Gil or Tom Jobim and his multilingual "Garota de Ipanema" (Girl of Ipanema) have achieved international fame.

Perhaps you’ll find yourself nodding now and then to the beat of music during your next vacation in Brazil. In any case, culture shock can no longer hit the attentive reader. Join us at Aventura do Brasil in our deeper readings of the country. Brazil and its people are worth all our attention!