Archive for 'Culture'
Graffiti in Brazil Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 20, 2008
This brand-new blog is full of terrific pictures of graffiti in Brazilian cities. Check it out! I always find it so interesting to see manifestations of American urban culture abroad.
Big Brother Brasil Madness Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 14, 2008
Many foreign TV shows are adapted in Brazil, everything from “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” to “Desperate Housewives.” But undoubtedly, the most popular foreign TV show adaptation has to be Big Brother. Each season, 14 contestants are chosen from across the country to live in a mansion in Rio de Janeiro. They can’t leave…
The Origins of Capoeira Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 12, 2008
Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian dance based on martial arts, has become famous world-wide in recent years, in part due to the athletic workout it provides, in part due to the beauty of the dance, and in part due to its cultural implications. Capoeira developed at the beginning in the 16th century, when African slaves were brought…
Brazilian City Spotlight: Walachai, Rio Grande do Sul Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 10, 2008
One of the most impressive things about Brazil is its regional diversity. In this series, we’ll take a look at just how different Brazil’s regions and even cities and towns can be. Walachai, pronounced “vala-hi” is a small town in the southernmost state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul. It’s located 100 kilometers from the…
Brazilians Immigrants Adapt to Microscopic Apartments in Japan Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 28, 2008
This year marks 100 years of Japanese immigration in Brazil, and all over Brazil there are cultural events, news specials, and happenings celebrating this anniversary. The first Japanese immigrants arrived in Brazil in June 1908, and brought with them cultural traditions that have become a part of Brazilian culture, most notably their cuisine. Globo has…
Beto Carrero World: Brazil’s Biggest Theme Park Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 24, 2008
If you ask any Brazilian child or teenager where he or she would most like to visit, the likely answer will be Disney World (affectionately known as “Disney,” pronounced “geez-nee”). In fact, many middle and upper class Brazilian teenage girls go to Disney World as a fifteenth birthday present from their parents. However, Brazil also…
Gente Boa Contest in Rio Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 20, 2008
One of Brazil’s most important newspapers, O Globo, is sponsoring a contest in Rio de Janeiro to pick Rio’s most popular figura, which translates best as a “colorful character.” For five years, the newspaper has had an annual competition to decide which Carioca (a person who lives in Rio) is the most popular colorful character…