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Happy Iemanjá Day! Posted by Rachel on Feb 2, 2009
Today in the northern Brazilian city of Salvador is the Festival of Iemanja, the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea. Known as the queen of the sea, she brings protection to fisherman, pregnant women and children. The main celebration in Salvador takes place on Rio Vermelho beach, where thousands of worshippers dressed in white descend to…
Podcast: Shopping for Clothes Posted by Rachel on Jan 30, 2009
This week, we’re going to look at language to use when shopping for clothing, specifically men’s clothing. After you listen to the podcast, make sure you check out the BYKI list. Click the link below to hear the podcast. Clothing Podcast Estou procurando uma camisa polo e calças cáqui. A marca não importa, mas quero…
World Social Forum Kicks Off in Belém Posted by Rachel on Jan 29, 2009
This week, the northern Brazilian city of Belém is hosting the World Social Forum, a meeting of leftist groups meant to counter the Davos World Economic Forum currently taking place in Switzerland. 100,000 people from environmental groups, feminist organizations, non-profits, religious organizations, and other groups have flocked to Brazil to discuss global issues, the most…
Economic Crisis Hits Rio Carnival Posted by Rachel on Jan 28, 2009
The global economic crisis has begun to affect Brazil, with mass lay-offs and budget cuts. The latest victim of the crisis is Rio de Janeiro’s world famous Carnival celebration. First, price increases are hitting the samba schools hard. Materials used to create costumes and floats have are now much more expensive after a 7% increase…
NGO Focus: Projeto Beija-Flor Posted by Rachel on Jan 27, 2009
Today, we’re starting a new series where we look at grassroots NGOs operating in Brazil. The Projeto Beija-Flor, or the Hummingbird Project, is a part of the Children at Risk Foundation, created by Gregory Smith in 1993 in São Paulo. The purpose of the organization is to defend street children’s rights, to give street children…
Brazilian Profile: Guilherme Marche Posted by Rachel on Jan 26, 2009
Born in 1982, he’s become a millionaire at the age of 26 as a professional rodeo bullrider. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife and two children, where he runs a ranch and a steakhouse, as well as competing in rodeos. But surprisingly, this cowboy is Brazilian. Marche, dubbed Sabonete (Soap) as a child…
Beach Food in Rio de Janeiro Posted by Rachel on Jan 23, 2009
On the beach and boardwalk in Rio, you can get lots of different food from mobile vendors, including boiled corn, popcorn, ice cream, churros, sandwiches, Middle Eastern food, soda, and plenty of snacks. Now, several companies are introducing special carts to the boardwalk in Rio so you can buy a variety of food and beverages…