Travel guide
Brazil

The 12 keywords Brazil

1. #Alegria

It is a word often chanted during carnival and festivals. In spite of the problems linked to poverty and the violence that ensues, it is indeed a feeling of permanent happiness that seems to inhabit the Brazilian soul. All it takes is a few glasses of beer or caipirinha or a few chords of samba to bring this nature to life

2. #Amazonia

It is in this region that the future of the planet and the political future of Brazil is at stake. It is the green lung of planet Earth and one of the most important hot spots of world biodiversity. Finally, it is the heart of the struggle between the Eros of humanity and the Thanatos of globalized agriculture defended by multinational firms.

3. #Amerindians

The cacique Raoni made the world discover the unenviable fate of the first inhabitants of Brazil: the Amerindians. Today, there are 305 indigenous peoples with 900,000 inhabitants, compared to 5 million in 1500. The reserves represent 13% of the Brazilian territory, and 1.5% outside the Amazon. Unfortunately, their daily life is often miserable.

4. #Cachaça

Among the discoveries not to be missed, the epicurean traveller will discover a local alcohol that is often available in a "festive" form, the caipirinha. This is cachaça, a Brazilian rum with multiple arms and flavours. Less well known than rum, this alcohol is also obtained by distilling sugar cane in "stills"

5. #Café

Another element associated with Brazil. It is the country of coffee. The plant at the base of this universal beverage is not native to Brazil, but it has contributed to the design of certain regions during the coffee cycle, in the interior of the states of Rio and São Paulo and to the election of many statesmen. The cafezinho is an institution in Brazil.

6. #Favelas

Indissociable from urbanization and social segregation in Brazil, the favelas are known as "grey areas" where the State is absent. Since their appearance more than a hundred years ago, the favelas have marked the city. Violence is certainly present, but they are also social laboratories and dynamic territories

7. #Feijoada

This local stew is now part of the Brazilian culinary heritage. Like the Portuguese cassoulet or cozido , it is a typical popular dish made of vegetables (black beans) and non-noble pieces of meat (pork). Restaurants usually offer it on Saturdays and it is an opportunity for friends to meet and exchange

8. #Football

It is a sport that is inseparable from Brazil. Some say it is a religion, with the Maracana stadium as its main temple. During World Cup tournaments, an entire nation unites behind the Auriverde team. The rest of the year, however, it is the local or regional derbies of the Brasileirao that monopolise the discussions and passions.

9. #Kilo and bufê

Why these words here? Very quickly, the traveler will see in some restaurants prices displayed by the kilo. Brazilian specificity, you can fill your plate in self-service and have it weighed. The buffet or bufê consists of eating whatever you want for a fixed sum. Very popular, you can find cheap kilos and very chic ones

10. #Religion

Brazil is a mystical country where religion is prevalent in every place and environment. Christianity, but also animism and Afro-Brazilian cults have shaped the soul of the country in a subtle syncretism. The spiritual accompanies the difficult daily life. Here, as in Morocco, when people plan to meet again, they add "se Deus queser".

11. #Samba

The samba (O samba, a male word for Brazilians) is the expression of the Brazilian soul, as the tango is the expression of the Argentine soul. Formal and informal places are dedicated to it in Rio and elsewhere. The Pedra do Sal, the Samba do Trabalhador, the Lapa clubs or even small groups on the street corner honour this musical art

12. #Violence

Violence is inseparable from Brazilian society. It is undoubtedly the result of violent colonization against the indigenous people, of slavery and of current inequalities. The military regime from 1964 to 1986 generalized and legitimized it and it escapes the control of the recovered democracy. We live with it while trying to preserve ourselves from it...