Archive for October, 2008
Feliz Dia do Saci! Posted by Rachel on Oct 31, 2008
Today is Saci Day in Brazil, which celebrates the Brazilian folkloric figure Saci. The Society of Saci Observers chose October 31st on purpose to coincide with Halloween, since they want to promote Brazilian folklore and ensure that Brazilians celebrate their own culture. Saci Pererê, as he is known, is a mythical figure in Brazilian folklore…
Brazilian Profile: Ruy Barbosa Posted by Rachel on Oct 30, 2008
Ruy Barbosa is one of Brazil’s great figures and all-around renaissance men: he was a writer, philosopher, lawyer, politican, diplomat, and translator. Born in Salvador in 1849, he grew up in Bahia, where his teachers recognized him as a great mind and talent. He went to São Paulo to study law, and began his law…
Brazil in the News Posted by Rachel on Oct 29, 2008
Today we’re going to look at some of the world headlines about what’s going on in Brazil: Economic crisis hits as Brazil builds, LA Times Ex-Militant Concedes Loss in Election for Rio Mayor, New York Times Lula setback in Brazil city poll, BBC Brazil’s ruling coalition gains city halls, Miami Herald Brazil oil delays may…
Indigenous Leader Receives Human Rights Prize Posted by Rachel on Oct 28, 2008
Brazilian indigenous leader Almir Suruí received an award from the International Society of Human Rights this week in Geneva, Switzerland for his work in the Amazon. The leader of the Suruí tribe located on a reservation in Rondônia state, Almir is also the coordinator for the Etno-Ambiental da Coordenação das Organizações Indígenas da Amazônia Brasileira…
Hen Adopts Seven Puppies in Rio Grande do Sul Posted by Rachel on Oct 27, 2008
In the rural town of Santa Cruz do Sul, in the southernmost state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, a surprised woman found that one of her hens had adopted seven abandoned puppies. Though the woman has begun feeding the puppies, the hen has made herself responsible for the puppies’ well being. She nestles them…
Brazilian Fruit Series: Part VI Posted by Rachel on Oct 24, 2008
Today we’re going to look at the jaca, known in English as the jackfruit. Jackfruit originally comes from India and Southeast Asia, where it was cultivated up to 6,000 years ago. Now it is commonly found in tropical climates throughout the world, including tropical regions of Brazil. This fruit grows on a jaqueira, a jackfruit…
The International Humor Festival Arrives in Rio Posted by Rachel on Oct 23, 2008
The International Humor Festival began this week in Rio de Janeiro and will run until November 23rd. The festival features expositions at two venues, Centro Cultural Correios and Espaço Cultural Oi Futuro, as well as debates and theater productions. The festival will also honor several Brazilian cartoonists, including Luís Fernando Veríssimo, Laerte and Angeli (cartoon…