Culture & Traditions

Brazil has a beautiful mixture of cultures from around the world, with the strongest influences from Africa, Europe, and Indigenous Amazonian peoples. Regardless of ethnicity and where they live, a few common themes stand out, especially in Brazilians’ love of family, food, and music. Get to know the people of the cities and the Amazon on Goway’s Brazil Complete itinerary.

Most families are quite close and your new Brazilian friends may prefer to invite you to their home rather than miss out on a meal with their family to eat at a restaurant with you. Home cooking is considered to be better than restaurants, and it usually is. The quality can be world-class and you’re more likely to be served local dishes that you won’t find in other regions or cities.

Brazil pulsates with rhythms that have gone global, like samba and bossa nova. Pay attention to the music played in restaurants, on beaches and in people’s homes as you walk by and you’ll hear up to a dozen more styles. Sertanejo is country music popular with young people and axé is heavily influenced by Caribbean rhythms.

Perhaps the most iconic expression of Brazilian culture is the exuberant Carnival—a celebration that captures the essence of Brazil's lively spirit and exemplifies the nation's unique cultural identity. Cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador become epicentres of revelry. Samba-filled parties, colourful costumes, and a vibrant atmosphere flood the streets, and the festivities continue for days on end.

One of the most captivating aspects of Brazilian culture is its devotion to beach life. The long stretches of pristine coastline provide the perfect backdrop for this cultural phenomenon. Whether strolling along the golden sands or settling into a beachside seat, you'll immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Everyone comes together to revel in the sun and sea. Sunbathers bask in the warmth, swimmers embrace the refreshing waves, and people-watchers are treated to a colourful spectacle as they observe the diverse crowd passing by. Experience the best of Río’s famed Copacabana on Goway’s Copacabana Palace trip.

What is the visiting etiquette in Brazil?

If you enjoy getting to know locals when you travel, you may find yourself juggling invitations to several homes. It’s polite to arrive 20-30 minutes after the time you were invited for to ensure your host has enough time to prepare. There are flower sellers on street corners throughout major cities and smaller cities will have markets that sell bouquets, which are a safer gift than bringing drinks. Evangelical Christian denominations are growing rapidly in Brazil, and many forbid alcohol. If you want to bring a nice bottle of rum or wine, check first that it would be welcome.

What is Brazil best known for?

Brazil’s contributions to global music can’t be overstated but the country’s natural beauty catches more headlines. It’s hard to escape the fame of the Amazon, considering its global environmental importance. However, only about one in six international tourists go to the rainforest.

The most popular destinations are beaches, with São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro topping the list, especially during Carnival. When you’re in Rio, don’t miss hiking up to the Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer. On Brazil’s border with Argentina, you’ll find one of the natural wonders of the world, the spectacular Iguassu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984.

What are some Brazilian traditions?

The most popular Brazilian traditions for international travellers are the festivals and parades during Carnival. The parties start early and end late, especially in major cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador. Make sure you dress for the occasion by asking locals what they plan to wear to the celebrations and leave expensive items in your hotel safe to avoid being targeted by pickpockets.

Other important traditions are dance performances, athletic events and the art of capoeira, a martial art that blends dance with athletic prowess. Look for performances and matches when you travel and try to see one of each. If you’re lucky, you may get to watch a football match between Brazil’s beloved rivals: São Paulo’s Crorinthians and Rio de Janeiro’s Flamengos.

Many Brazilians are deeply religious, with the majority following Catholicism, Protestant evangelical denominations, Candomblé or traditional Indigenous Amazonian faiths. Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religion that includes African traditions influenced by Catholicism and Indigenous traditions.

What are Brazilians like socially?

Brazilians are talkative and friendly. They are also enthusiastically hospitable and love inviting friends and family to their homes. Brazilians go out for concerts and often choose restaurants based on the musicians who will play live there. Travellers should accept invitations to home cooked meals and to concerts for a true taste of Brazilian social life.

The climate in Brazil calls for casual clothing. As you interact with the welcoming locals, shaking hands is a standard greeting among men, while a friendly double-cheek kiss is a customary practice in informal settings.

What language(s) do Brazilians speak?

The official language of Brazil is Brazilian Portuguese. However, more than 200 Indigenous languages are still spoken in Brazil. Many of these languages have fewer than 40,000 speakers and are at risk of being lost entirely. The Memorial of Indigenous People Museum in Brasilia has a poignant display showing the languages already lost.