Archive for 'Culture'
Religious Trends in Brazil: RioGringa Reports Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 28, 2008
Today I point you to a terrific post by RioGringa about religion in Brazil, specifically the trends related to religious affiliation over the past few decades. Among the highlights: Catholicism is on the decline, Candomblé (the afro-syncretic religion) is gaining a substantial white membership, and Atheism is on the rise. As Rachel (RioGringa) writes: Despite…
Ballet of Santa Teresa Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 2, 2008
This terrific organization gives socially at-risk children in Santa Teresa and the surrounding favelas a rare and valuable opportunity. Since 1999 Vania Farias has made it her mission to provide free ballet classes, daily snacks, activities and transportation to events outside the community. The Ballet continues to grow, and is seeking the resources to physically…
Meu Nome Não É Johnny Posted by Transparent Language on Dec 12, 2007
Upcoming Brazilian movie promises to be exciting and polemic. On the heels of Tropa de Elite comes another movie that deals with the drug trade in Rio’s posh Zona Sul neighborhoods. Meu Nome Não É Johnny tells the true story of João Guilherme Estrella, a well-liked ‘playboy’ (rich kid) whose personal ambition and intensity lead…
And the Winner Is… Posted by Transparent Language on Dec 10, 2007
Parabéns Leanna for scoring a perfect 20/20!! First of all, I have to say that I was extremely impressed by both the volume and quality of the responses that came in from all of you lovely readers out there. A true testament both to the vigor with which you all pursue knowledge of the Portuguese…
City of Men (Cidade dos Homens) Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 16, 2007
For those that enjoyed ‘City of God,’ this new movie is a must-see. City of God, directed by Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund, and based on the book of the same name by Paulo Lins, was released internationally in 2002. Though the movie was criticized, mainly by Brazilians, for glorifying and exposing the violence of…
Samba School: Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 13, 2007
There are over a dozen major samba schools (escolas de samba) in Rio de Janeiro. G.R.E.S. Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel is a terrific example of one of the major schools. Located in Samba City near downtown, Mocidade grew out of not a samba school, but in fact a local soccer team: A escola…
CéU Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 1, 2007
Great new record from a Paulista singer named CéU From the Six Degrees Records website: Just when you think that Brazil must surely have exhausted its supply of irresistibly jazzy, funky, sexy, soulful electro-pop singer-songwriters, someone like CéU comes along and makes you think that maybe that particular well is bottomless after all. I came…