Archive for 'Culture'
Orkut, the Brazilian Facebook Posted by Rachel on Oct 20, 2008
In Brazil, the most used social networking site on the Internet, which has become wildly popular nationwide, is known as Orkut (pronounced Or-coo-chee). It was created in 2004 by a Turkish Google employee and originally was marketed in the United States. Gradually, though, its two largest markets became Brazil and India, which make up 55%…
National Soccer Museum Opens in São Paulo Posted by Rachel on Oct 12, 2008
Last week, the official Brazilian National Soccer Museum opened in São Paulo, in a ceremony attended by soccer legend Pelé and the governors of São Paulo and Rio, amongst others. Maracana Stadium in Rio used to have a soccer museum, but poor attendance led to its closing, and the new museum hopes to attract domestic…
Festival do Rio 2008 Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 28, 2008
From September 25 to October 9th, Rio de Janeiro will host the annual “Festival do Rio,” an international film festival featuring some of the best films from Brazil, Latin America, and the world. Hundreds of films will be shown at nearly 30 theaters all over the city, including several free films at the Centro Cultural…
Origins of Portuguese Expressions Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 11, 2008
Today we’re going to look at a few Portuguese expressions and their origins in the state of Minas Gerais. 1. Lavar à égua This expressions means “to do well,” “to have success,” or to “enjoy oneself.” It originated in Minas Gerais during the gold boom, when horses and donkeys were used to haul the gold…
New Brazilian Film: Era uma vez Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 15, 2008
Called “Once Upon a Time,” this new film opened on July 25th in Brazil, and may be released abroad later on by Sony. It is a Romeo and Juliet story about a poor man who falls in love with a rich girl in Rio de Janeiro. It’s directed by the same director of “Dois Filhos…
International Capoeira Festival Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 7, 2008
Though capoeira, a Brazilian dance form that mixes martial arts and movement, is most prominent in Salvador, Bahia, it is now practiced all over Brazil. In fact, this August, Brazil’s big international capoeira festival is being held in a less likely place: Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais. From the 4th to the 10th…
Brazil Gears Up for the Olympics Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 4, 2008
This year, Brazil is sending the largest delegation of athletes in history: 277 in total, which includes 132 women. The delegation is hoping to increase the number of medals Brazil wins this year, up from the five gold, two silver, and three bronze in Athens. Projections estimate that Brazil could place 13th in terms of…