A Viola Caipira Posted by polyana on Nov 8, 2010
I grew up to my dad listening to Brazilian folk music, especially “old school” sertanejo & forró (my mom was more of an 80’s rock and Roberto Carlos girl). One instrument that’s always stuck out to me in Brazilian folk music is the viola caipira. Unlike the “viola” you’re thinking of, the viola (pronounced vee-aw-lah)…
New Brazilian Soap Operas Posted by Rachel on Nov 5, 2010
There are two relatively new novelas out on Brazilian TV: Araguaia and Ti-ti-ti, both on the Globo network. Not only are Globo novelas among the most watched television programs in Brazil, but they are also a lucrative export: Globo soaps are translated and shown in countries around the world. So while these two shows are…
Isolated in the Amazon Posted by Rachel on Nov 2, 2010
The FUNAI, or the Fundação Nacional do Índio, is the Brazilian governmental organization in charge of protecting and advocating for Brazil’s indigenous populations. Created in 1967, the agency not only helps provide education and basic services to tribes, but also promotes the study and understanding of tribal populations and indigenous culture. Also, one of the…
President Dilma Rousseff Posted by polyana on Nov 1, 2010
Last night Brazilians elected their first female president and outgoing president Lula’s hand picked successor, Dilma Rousseff. Although it’s a pretty epic event for the country, these elections have been fairly controversial. While Dilma had never held an elected office before, José Serra never stays for a full term in the positions he’s held. But…
Recipe: Bolinho de Bacalhau Posted by Rachel on Oct 28, 2010
Today we’re going to learn how to make a delicious Brazilian snack called bolinho de bacalhau, or balls of fried codfish. We even have the help of a Brazilian chef in this great written and video recipe combo! Ironically, the chef in the video is from a fancy French restaurant in Sao Paulo, though this…
Que Beleza – Monobloco Posted by Rachel on Oct 26, 2010
While beleza can mean beauty in some contexts, it’s also a gíria that means “great” or “awesome.” In this fun song by the Carioca band Monobloco, you could roughly translate it as “ain’t it great?” or “isn’t it wonderful?” The lyrics are very simple and straightforward, so have a listen and read along! Lyrics –…
Oktoberfest em Blumenau! Posted by polyana on Oct 26, 2010
Now before you start to think this post belongs in the German Blog, don’t go too far because you’re in the right place. Oktoberfest in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, is an annual event that was originally created in the 1980’s to generate funds for the city after a severe flood took over most of the city…