A habit that’s important to take note of in Brazil is how kisses are used as greetings. In some regions, it’s common to give one kiss, while in others, it’s common to give two. For example, in Rio de Janeiro it’s common to give two kisses, while in São Paulo, it’s more common to give one. In a few states, you may even find people who give three kisses! It can be really awkward if you go to give a second kiss and the person you’re greeting only is giving one.
So for reference, I found this handy Brazil kiss map from Treta based on an informal survey they performed, so you know how many kisses to give based on the state you’re in. In some states, they found interesting results, such as one kiss for locals and two kisses for outsiders.
When two men greet each other, they tend not to kiss to greet each other, unless they are family. Men tend to shake hands and give a little “bro hug” by slapping the other man’s back.
Do you agree with the map? Or have you found different kisses customs in a given Brazilian state or city?
Comments:
Wendy:
I haven’t found people doing a lot of kissing in Amazonas… after a few days of kissing because I’d gotten used to it in Sao Paulo, someone let me know that the guys in Manaus were thinking I was pretty damn flirty. After that I looked around and noticed no one was doing it.
Tim Case:
Florianópolis is only one kiss, and thank god if I don’t ever see three kisses because I already screw up two kisses.
Sissym:
Thanks for this valuable tip. Now I know how to behave. But please friends!!! gime me just three kisses more than these are too much ….
Bira:
hahaa 3 and 2 kisses is grandma stuff… like if you don’t give 3 kisses you’ll never get married… hahahaha i’m from SC and i don’t see people doin’ it for a long time.
Tata:
Adorei o Mapa do Beijo!! Bem assim mesmo, ótima lembrança.
Saudações