How We Can Know More About The Brazilian Culture

The best way to know about the Brazilian culture if you experience it, however a Brazilian visit is not an every day activity, so first of all a take a look at our short guide to the Brazilian culture, to be aware about the basic aspects that contributes to the complexity of this culture. Weather you are planning to visit the country, or just wish to read a little bit more about it, this short quid will satisfy your interest and gives you some useful information that helps you learn a little bit more about Brazilia.

Culture

Being a very vibrant and complex culture, the Brazilian culture was shaped and developed due to a number of sources during the centuries. The Portuguese were the first Europeans who settled in Brasilia and began the colonial period. So due to the colonization by the Portuguese empire, The Brazilian language, religion, and legal system was highly influenced by the Portuguese culture. Many Portugal settlers married native women, contributing to the new race: mestizos. However the mixture of the other European and African and Asian culture's influence shaped the Brazilian language, cuisine, religion, dance and music.

Religion

Although Brazilia is said to be the one of the largest Roman Catholic country, at around 80% of the population, there are other religions as well. Catholicism was spread by the Portuguese Jesuits during the colonization period, by the mission of converting the native people. Duo to the immigration from the Northern European countries, Brasilia also witnessed the Protestantism; nowadays 15 % of the population declared themselves Protestant. The African slaves brought their own religion Candomblé, however according to the Catholic officials they were prohibited to follow their rituals and they had be converted to Christianity. Nowadays a high number of the African population practice The Catholicism and their own religious beliefs. Due to the religions freedom there are other religions practiced freely by: Jews Buddhist, Spiritists, and Muslims etc.

Language

Portuguese is the official language of Brasilia. Brazilian Portuguese is influenced by the Native American and African words. There are also minority languages that one can hear in the country due to the Amerindian groups and immigrants who speak their own languages.

Etiquette and Customs in Brazil

Hugging and backslapping are the most common greetings among friends. Men shake hands and women kiss each other on their cheeks, however if a woman would like to shake hands with a man, she should extend her hand first. If you are invited to a Brazilian family you should bring flowers or a small gift, orchideas are appreciated. If you decide to bring a small gift avoid the purple and black colors because those are known as mourning colors. If you have an invitation for a dinner arrive at least 30 minutes late, however you can arrive up to an hour late for a party. Brazilia is a country where casual dress is very formal.

Spanish Culture Has Been Influenced By Many Different Cultures

The Spanish culture has been influenced by many different cultures. Their main cultural influence has been the Roman, Celtic, and Iberian cultures. These influences have affected their art, cuisine, architecture and so much more.

Spainish official language is Spanish which is also called Castilian. Over 72% of the Spanish population speaks Spanish. The Ibero-Romance group considers this language to be extremely romantic. During the 15th century, the sounds of the consonants were readjusted to help adapt foreign words from the many different world languages into Spanish words.

The cuisine of the Spanish is divine. The main influence for Spanish food is seafood. The recipes for their food are numerous. Unlike the English food recipes, there are not many Spanish recipes that are common throughout Spain. Some of the Spanish cuisine recipes include jamon Serrano, embutidos and morcilla, chorizo (Spanish sausage), migas, several different types of stews, many different cheeses, paella, and tortilla de patata (tortilla espanola). Many of the Spanish recipes uses bases such as green beans, lentils, and chickpeas. The Spanish desserts that are famous throughout the world are rice pudding, churros, flan, custard, madeleines, and torrijas. A regionally famous dish called Fabada Asturiana is made with chorizo, morcilla, large white beans, pork shoulder, and saffron. These ingredients create a delectable stew.
Most Spanish foods are made using olive oil. Some of the other ingredients used in many of the Spanish dishes include tomatoes, beans, potatoes, and peppers. Buying groceries in the open market is still very much a tradition in Spain. However, there are some of the urban areas that are converting to shopping malls.

The Spanish culture has a special place in it for wine. The world's third largest wine producer is Spain. Rioja is the Spanish favorite when it comes to wine. It is full bodied and available in white and red. Most meals in Spain are accompanied by a glass of wine. The Spanish culture makes having dessert after a meal very traditional. These desserts are usually fruity or dairy. However, on special occasions you will find baked cakes or tarts on the table.

Many of the Spanish population are Roman Catholics. There are a few that belong to other religions. Spanish is one country that shows that many different religions can exist amongst each other. These religions include Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Many of the Spanish festivities are based around religion and generally around the Catholic religion. One big famous tradition is bullfighting. Bullfighting is seen as an art and sport across the country of Spain. There are animal activists who are not in approval of bullfighting. However, bullfighting is still well practiced across many parts of the country.

Spain clothing is seen in a general modern sense. They are conscious of their brands and designers but find quality is more important. Most teenage girls wear pants rather than skirts. True Spanish culture is a bit more conservative but is sure to include style in their wardrobe. Wearing conservative, mature clothing to church is highly advised as it is a sign of respect. Most business wear is seen as stylish and conservative as well. Many men and women are sure to include elegant accessories as part of the wardrobe.