Archive for 'Culture'
Beach Democracy Posted by Rachel on Jan 12, 2009
Though Brazil is a highly stratified society, one thing Brazilians pride themselves on is the democracy of their beaches. Unlike other locations like restaurants, clubs, and stores, the beaches are open to all, and all beaches in Brazil are considered public. The beach is supposedly a place where people of any social class can feel…
Celebrity Tips for Rainy Days in Rio Posted by Rachel on Jan 9, 2009
Rio de Janeiro is known best for outdoor activities, like the beach, Corcovado Mountain, the Sugarloaf, hang gliding, hiking, and more. But there’s no need to despair when it rains, since there are plenty of fun things to do indoors. Globo asked some local celebrities to give tips about what to do in Rio when…
Trendy Chickens Cause Controversy Posted by Rachel on Jan 5, 2009
A museum in Fortaleza, Ceará is in hot water after opening a new exposition which features live chickens. The exhibit’s creator, a mineira artist named Laura Lima, used human hair extension techniques to attach plumes from tropical birds to the chickens, giving them a peculiar look. The artist defended the exhibit, explaining that she wanted…
Madonna Madness Hits Brazil Posted by Rachel on Dec 12, 2008
Madonna arrived in Rio de Janeiro this morning, on the Brazil leg of her international tour, where she will perform several sold-out shows in Rio and São Paulo. She’s currently staying at the Copacabana Palace, where fans have gathered to try to catch a glimpse of the singer. Outside of Maracana Stadium, where the Rio…
São Paulo Wins Brasileirão 2008 Posted by Rachel on Dec 8, 2008
Brazil’s nationwide soccer championship came to a close yesterday when São Paulo FC won, beating Goiás 1-0. The championship included all Brazilian first division teams from cities across the country, and is arguably Brazil’s most important annual soccer event (aside from World Cup years). But the interesting thing about the Brasileirão championship is that the…
Grandma Calendar Girls Posted by Rachel on Nov 27, 2008
In the town of São Vicente in São Paulo state, the city government came up with an idea to promote wellness and fitness amongst senior citizens: a calendar of pin-up girls consisting entirely of elderly women. Twelve women were chosen from fifty-four candidates in an online contest, and the winners were photographed in athletic clothes…
Brazilian Profile: Elza Soares Posted by Rachel on Nov 24, 2008
One of Brazil’s greatest samba singers, Elza Soares is not only a Brazilian cultural icon, but a symbol of endurance and courage. Born in 1930 in the Água Santa shantytown in Rio de Janeiro’s Zona Norte, Elza grew up in extreme poverty. Her mother was a washerwoman, and sometimes forced her to nurse from a…