BRAZILIAN CULTURE AND TRADITIONS                     

Brazilian culture is a clear reflection of its history and the origins of its people - from Portugal, Africa and South American. Brazilian festivals and most notably, its music, have deep roots in the heritage of its people.

Brazilian music is a very important part of Brazilian life and the country's annual celebrations. Within Brazilian songs, you can hear the influence of Spanish melodies and African rhythms. Among some of the most popular Brazilian musical styles is the Samba, a very lively, rhythmic and dance-oriented musical style. Some of the world's greatest musicians are Brazilians.

Both the music and the dance of samba are taught throughout Brazil at many different "samba schools". Children and adults study year-round the samba dance, then show off their dancing skills at Brazil's many festivals and at dance halls and auditoriums throughout the country. Most of the schools compete in samba dancing competition at the Sambadromo, an 85,000-seat auditorium in Rio de Janeiro. The Sambadromo competition follows a parade of samba schools during Carnival, by far the largest and most popular of Brazil's annual festivals.

Celebrated in the four days before the Roman Catholic Lent, Carnival in Brazil is a combination of a religious holiday and African-style celebrations. Millions of Brazilians spend a lot of time each year in preparation for Carnival. In addition to samba schools, Brazilians prepare for Carnival by building parade floats and creating elaborate and beautiful costumes. In addition to the parades and dancing competitions, many Brazilians celebrate Carnival in nightclubs. In Rio de Janeiro, where Carnival partying is the most pronounced, streets and buildings are decorated with colorful streamers and lights.

There are other holidays and festivals in Brazil throughout the year. Among them are St. John's Night in June that is celebrated with fireworks. On New Year's Day, fishermen along the coast celebrate Iemanjá, the African goddess of the ocean. Brazilian fishermen believe this celebration can affect the following year's catch.