Brazil Under Water Posted by Rachel on Nov 25, 2008
Over the past two weeks, southern Brazil has been hit with serious rainstorms, causing the most damage in Santa Catarina state. Last week, rainstorms in Rio de Janeiro caused flooding and chaos on the roadways. But the most serious problem is in the interior of Santa Catarina, where around 60 people have died in floods…
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…
Epoca’s Brazilian Blog Picks Posted by Rachel on Nov 21, 2008
This week, Epoca Magazine released a list of recommended international and Brazilian blogs. Let’s take a look at some of the Brazilian picks: Ah! TriNé, about marketing in Brazil Bichinhos de Jardim, an online cartoon series featuring talking insects Blog do Sakamoto, about human rights Brainstorm #9, about marketing and publicity Brogui, a collection of…
College Majors in Portuguese Posted by Rachel on Nov 20, 2008
In Brazil, a college major is called a graduação. Unlike American universities, Brazilian colleges allow students to graduate as lawyers, doctors, and other specialized careers from their undergraduate studies, which for these majors is sometimes more than four years of study. We’re going to take a look at some common Brazilian majors: Administração: Administration Arquitetura…
Brazilian Dance Series: Part I Posted by Rachel on Nov 19, 2008
Today we’re starting a new series about Brazilian dance forms. Forró is a type of dance that originated in the Northeast of Brazil, and is also known as arrasta-pé, bate-chinela, fobó, and forrobodó. Danced to the music of the same name, the movements have a variety of influences: indigenous ritual dances, traditional Dutch and Portuguese…
Carnival 2009 CD Release in Rio Posted by Rachel on Nov 18, 2008
Last night, this year’s top 12 Carioca samba schools met at the Sambodrome in Rio de Janeiro to reveal their songs and themes for the upcoming Carnaval in February 2009. This year’s themes include a homage to famous Brazilian writers, a Brazilian history theme, a homage to the 100 year-old Municipal Theater of Rio, an…
Brazilian Profile: Leandro Barbosa Posted by Rachel on Nov 17, 2008
At six foot three inches tall, it may seem ironic that Leandro Barbosa acquired the nickname “Leandrinho” (Little Leandro) while growing up in his native Brazil. But when he arrived in the US and began playing in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns, he got a new nickname: the Brazilian Blur. Leandro grew up in…