Brazil

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Brazil (pronounced /brezil/; Portuguese: Brasil [braziw]), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: República Federativa do Brasil), is the largest country in South America and the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population.

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of over 7,491 kilometers (4,655 mi). It is bordered on the north by Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and the French overseas department of French Guiana; on the northwest by Colombia; on the west by Bolivia and Peru; on the southwest by Argentina and Paraguay and on the south by Uruguay. Numerous archipelagos form part of Brazilian territory, such as Fernando de Noronha, Rocas Atoll, Saint Peter and Paul Rocks, and Trindade and Martim Vaz.

Brazil was a colony of Portugal from the landing of Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500 until its independence in 1822. Initially independent as the Brazilian Empire, the country has been a republic since 1889, although the bicameral legislature, now called Congress, dates back to 1824, when the first constitution was ratified. Its current Constitution defines Brazil as a Federal Republic. The Federation is formed by the union of the Federal District, the 26 States, and the 5,564 Municipalities.

The Brazilian economy is the world's eighth largest economy by nominal GDP and the ninth largest by purchasing power parity. Brazil is one of the world's fastest growing major economies. Economic reforms have given the country new international recognition. Brazil is a founding member of the United Nations, the G20, Mercosul and the Union of South American Nations, and is one of the BRIC Countries. Brazil is also home to a diversity of wildlife, natural environments, and extensive natural resources in a variety of protected habitats.

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TRAVEL TO BRAZIL, GO FOR THE THRILL

by Frank Johnson

Brazil is the largest and most dynamic South American country, bordering all but two of the continent's other nations. In Brazil, wild Amazon adventures can be coupled with stimulating city sights and leisurely beach escapades. Brazil's Portuguese colonization along with its participation in the Atlantic triangle slave trade with Africa produced a fusion of cultures that is celebrated today in the form of fantastic food, unmatched festivals, eclectic music beats and a diverse national identity that is finally being embraced.

When Portuguese settlers arrived in 1531, the native population that existed was relatively small and decentralized compared with other indigenous empires on the continent. They were quickly enslaved on sugar plantations but soon replaced by Africans. Today, their small surviving populations live mainly hidden in the interior of Brazil's thick jungles; however, their influence in art and abundance of intricate handmade crafts are unavoidable, especially inland. The history of Brazil's entangled interior is also touched by African slaves who escaped the coastal plantations and built secret settlements. Quilombo dos Palmares was the most impressive of these settlements; with a peak population of 30,000 inhabitants and over 200 buildings, the town functioned independently for nearly a century until a bloody battle with the Portuguese erupted in 1694.

Eco-Sensations

Brazil's expansive terrain is endless with natural wonders. Nearly forty percent of the world's remaining tropical rainforests is part of Brazil's Amazon and Atlantic forests, which are home to over 2.5 million species of insect and one-fifth of the world's bird species! The notorious carnivorous piranha lingers in numerous quantities in the Amazon River's waters, along with the fascinating Boto, the largest species of river dolphin. The mysterious Anaconda snake also lurks in the river's basin; but have no fear, they are generally harmless to humans. At the Argentinean border, Iguaçu Falls embodies the extent of Brazil's beauty with over 275 different waterfalls merging together into one harmonious rush of thunder with a vast number of scenic trails winding around the cascading cliffs and lush estuaries. Another aquatic phenomenon occurs 10 kilometers upstream from the city of Manaus where the dark waters of the Negro River join the yellowish Solimoes River without blending for a few kilometers. This dual colored waterway is the beginning of the Amazon River.

Carnival, and That's Not All

Though some claim that the festival of Carnival is the best time to visit Brazil's liveliest city, Rio de Janeiro, this pulsing metropolis is booming with life all year long. The dense population provides unrelenting entertainment while the beautiful beaches tend to be the ultimate draw. The urban centers of Sao Paulo and Brasilia, the official capital, are also teeming with nightlife, activities and history. Remember when you travel to Brazil that the southern urban regions experience a (very) mild winter during the months of June to August and the peak of summer is in January. The northern tropical regions are steadily warm year-round.

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BRAZIL´S FAMOUS PLACES
 by Kashmira Lad

Beautiful sun-kissed beaches and a colorful, lively atmosphere; Brazil is a country that has all this and much more in store for you. The culture of Brazil is very diverse with many influences. This fifth largest country in the world has some of the most famous attractions for tourists from all over. In Brazil, there is something for everyone! Here is a look at some famous places in Brazil.  

Brazil’s Famous Places: Rio de Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro is amongst the most famous places in Brazil. A tourist has loads of things to look forward to in Rio de Janeiro. From the natural beautiful surroundings to the glorious music and celebrations, one can discover a whole lot of things. Out here, you can find the two largest forests of the world. One can also revel in the carnival celebrations, which includes parades and loads of music and dance. Copacabana, which lies in the Southern zone of Rio de Janeiro is most famous for its beach. This place is the hot spot especially during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

São Paulo: São Paulo is located in South Eastern area of Brazil and is also known as the richest city. This is also the most populated place. The São Paulo fashion week is one of the most celebrated weeks, which marks Brazil’s first entry into the world of international fashion. Apart from this there are many events that draw in huge crowds from various fields.

Santa Catarina: This state that lies in the Southern region of Brazil particularly attracts crowds for its beautiful beaches. Florianópolis is the city that probably remains to be the biggest attraction. One can find more than 500 gorgeous beaches out here. Besides, at Santa Catarina, there are plenty of events and themes being planned regularly throughout the year as a means of tourist attractions. Santa Catarina has varied climates to offer and this itself proves to be one of the reasons why people flock out here in large numbers.  

Fortaleza: Fortaleza is located in the Northeastern area of Brazil. Fortaleza remains to be a popular tourist destination that enjoys a warm climate throughout the year. The warm waters in particular are one of Fortaleza’s major attractions. Every beach over here has its own uniqueness. For example, Iracema is where people meet together to party till the next morning where as Praia do Futuro is one that is most recommended for surfing!

 Salvador, Bahia: Salvador is located on the northeastern coast of Brazil. The prime attractions of the city of Salvador are the sumptuous cuisine, the beautiful music and the grand architecture. This city also has the longest of coastlines amongst all cities in Brazil. The beautiful beaches are an ideal hotspot for people who want to explore the underwater life or even surf the large waves. Apart from the beaches, Salvador also has some of the best shopping malls for the shopaholics!  

Armação dos Búzios: This place remains to be one of the major meeting points for all the rich and famous people. The famous statue of Brigitte Bardot stands testimony to this fact. This peninsula is also known as Búzios. This area is actually a very sophisticated beach resort that has some of the finest facilities. From extravagant luxurious things to delectable cuisine, one can enjoy a very rocking nightlife out here.

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Major Cities of Brazil

By Manali Oak

Brazil, the fifth-largest country, occupying almost half of South America is also the fifth most populous country in the world. The Atlantic ocean on the east of Brazil has given it a 7,491 km-long coastline. Originally, a colony of Portugal and an empire since 1822, Brazil established itself as a republic in 1889. Currently defined as a Federal Republic, Brazil consists of 26 states and 5,564 municipalities. Most of the state capitals are the largest cities in their respective states. Brazil is characterized by a high level of urbanization, with nearly 8 out of every 10 Brazilians inhabiting cities. Here is a tour to some of the major cities of Brazil. Come along!

Major Cities of Brazil

Brasilia: Located in the central-west region of Brazil, Brasilia is the country's capital, since 1960. The architecture and town planning of this city has influenced many urban areas that developed in the 20th century. Interestingly, when seen from above, the shape of the planned part of this city resembles that of a butterfly. Brasilia is home for about 2,557,000 people. Many of the Brazilian companies are headquartered in Brasilia. This major city of Brazil finds a place in the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.

Rio de Janeiro: Literally meaning, 'River of January', Rio de Janeiro is the second-largest city of Brazil and South America. The city is the capital of Rio de Janeiro state. It was the national capital for two centuries and an independent nation for over 130 years. Rio houses Christ the Redeemer, a giant statue of Jesus, which is one of the new seven wonders of the world. Marcana stadium, the largest football stadium in the world and Sambodromo, a gigantic parade stand are some of the other important landmarks of Rio de Janeiro. The year-round carnivals and hotel-lined beaches are some of the tourist attractions of Rio. Ironically, it is also among the most violent cities in the world.

Manaus: Founded in 1669, as the Fort of Sao Jose do Rio Negro, Manaus developed into a town in 1832 and was named 'Manaus', meaning 'Mother of the gods' in honor of the nation of Manaus. Since 1848, Manaus has been formally recognized as a city. It is the second-largest metropolitan area in the Northern Brazil with a population of 1.71 million. Today, Manaus is the most influential city of Brazil.

Salvador: Salvador is the capital of Bahia state located on the northeastern coast of Brazil. Due to the happy-go-lucky nature of the inhabitants of Salvador and their active participation in celebrations and carnivals, Salvador is often referred to as the Brazil's capital of happiness. It is the third most populous city in Brazil, and its metropolitan area is considered as the wealthiest in the north-eastern region of the country. A major portion of Salvador's population has a Black African ancestry. Perhaps, this is the reason behind the influence of Africans on many aspects of Salvador's culture. Apart from being an important city in Brazil, Salvador is also the oldest city in Brazil.

Recife: It is the fourth largest metropolitan area in Brazil. It is located at the confluence of Rivers Beberibe and Capibaribe and is a major port in the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the presence of many rivers and bridges, the city has been nicknamed 'Brazilian Venice'. Recife is the second largest medical center of Brazil, a well-known educational center and an upcoming tourist attraction. The growth of electronics, foods and other industries in Recife, has made it the most important commercial center of Brazil.

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Top Tourist Attractions in São Paulo

Being the largest city in Brazil, Sao Paulo has a lot to offer in terms of tourist fodder. See below a list of attractions you have to visit on your trip there.

Ibirapuera Park
If you feel that this giant city makes you feel a little claustrophobic once in a while, this park will offer you some much needed breathing space in the form of an inner city oasis. The park is situated in the south central region fairly near to downtown. It is nearly 2km square in size which ranks it among the largest urban parks in Latin America. The landscape of the park was designed by Roberto Burle Marx whilst the majority of the buildings found within the park were designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Both of these men are renowned for their design work. Below is a list of features found in the park:

• Grand Marquise: the Modern Art Museum
• Cicillio Matarazzo Pavilion: home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the University of Sao Paulo. It is also the location for the Sao Paulo Art Biennial and Sao Paulo Fashion Week.
• Manoel da Nobrega Pavilion: served as city hall until 1992
• "Oca" - hut (due to its shape): the location for the air force and folklore museums
• Planetarium and Astrophysics School: the building itself is shaped like a flying saucer and was the first planetarium to be built in the Southern hemisphere.
• Ibirapuera Gymnasium
• Ibirapuera Auditorium
• Obelisk of Sao Paulo: symbol of the constitutional revolution

Sao Paulo Museum of Art
The museum is located on Paulista Avenue and its headquarters is well known for its architectural allure. It consists of hundreds of glass panels held up by two 74 meter lateral beams. It has become known as a symbol of modern Brazilian architecture. The museum itself was the first in Brazil to be interested in post-World War II art and is considered to have the best collection of European art in the Southern Hemisphere. It also has one of the largest art libraries in Brazil.

Sao Paulo Cathedral
Brazil boasts numerous breathtakingly adorned cathedrals and the sheer immensity of this one makes it one of the most renowned in the world. This is because it has been ranked among the largest Neo-Gothic cathedrals internationally. It is certainly the largest church in the city. Being built in the Neo-Gothic style during 1967 it shows off intricate design detail and marble work.

Patio do Colegio
This is one of the city's most important historical sites. It dates way back to the 16th Century. The Jesuit school and church hosts a museum documenting Jesuit action in Brazil as well as an exhibition of colonial artwork.

Villa Madalena and Pinheiros
This neighborhood is a swankier area to hang out in and offers top quality shops, museums and restaurants to stroll amongst. It is a wealthy area and boasts magnificent homes. Expect to pay more for your night out than you would in other parts of the city.

Sao Paulo Festivals
Apart from Carnival, which the whole of Brazil embraces, Brazil's largest city has a strong festival culture and includes the following events on its annual calendar:

• São Paulo Fashion Week - March and October
• São Paulo International Film Festival - October
• São Paulo Art Biennial - September through December

These are just a few of the many attractions of Sao Paulo that should be on your list of things to do when planning your trip to Brazil's megacity.
 

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for the latest passport information and requirements for obtaining a visa to Brazil.

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São Paulo Tour

São Paulo (Saint Paul, in English, in honor of St. Paul of Tarsus) is the largest economy among Brazilian and Latin American cities.  It has strong influence in commerce, finance, arts and entertainment and projects a significant cultural, economic and political influence both nationally and internationally.  Home to several important monuments, parks, museums and skyscrapers, it is considered an alpha world city according to the Global City economic system.  Between this year and 2025, São Paulo City is epected to have reached the second largest economic growth after New York City and Tokyo. 

Come to São Paulo and feel the warm hospitality of the paulistanos (people from city of São Paulo). For now, let´s take a virtual tour. 

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Big Events Ahead in Brazil

Brazil is hosting big international events. In July this year, thousands of youth from various Catholic countries around the world are flocking to join millions of their Brazilian counterparts during the World Youth Day. Next year, it´s another awaited moment for Brazilians and football-loving countries - the World Cup. In 2016, much bigger delegations of international athletes are coming for the Olympics. Welcome to Brazil!

video source: Brazil-National Geographic Traveler Blad771

Carnival in Brazil

The carnival has taken its roots from the ancient Greek spring festival of honoring Dionysus, the god of wine. The Romans adopted the festival, which later, the Roman Catholic Church changed to suit its own religious needs. The Brazilian Carnival is an annual festival, celebrated four days, preceding the Ash Wednesday. It has a religious flavor, as it marks the beginning of the fasting days of 'Lent'. Carnival literally means to remove meat, one of the important observance to be followed during Lent, while practicing repentance, to honor the death and resurrection of Christ. The Carnival is celebrated on different scales all over Brazil. A lot of time and effort is involved in its preparation. Each place has its own distinct style. Among the many interesting aspects of the Carnival, King Momos deserves a mention. He is considered as the 'King of Carnivals' and signifies the beginning of the festivity.


Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Rio de Janeiro, the cultural capital of Brazil, has parades since the 1930s. Presently, it holds the parade in a large permanent structure called 'Sambadrome'. The Carnival parade is full of participants from various samba schools. The parade serves as means to compete with other schools, resulting in a visual treat. The group or blocos as they are known, parade through the city telling short stories through their music, dances and costumes. The winners are announced at the closing of the carnival.
The Carnival is held at 'Pátio de São' Pedro Square in Recife, Brazil. It's unique in many aspects. They do not have any competitions, instead perform side by side. The Galo da Madrugada is the biggest carnival parade in the world. Their dance style is acrobatically influenced with frequent arm and leg movements. The main rhythms used are the frevo and maracatu.The Carnival is influenced by Rio de Janeiro and Bahia style. It fuses the themes and adds to it, its own unique music of drums and bands. The important carnival parades in Minas Gerais are mainly held in the historic cities of Ouro Preto, Mariana and Diamantina. The costumes and mask are of extreme importance, as they depict their own story. Their creation requires a high level of understanding of the roles they are meant to play. Like music, even the costumes are influenced by the African heritage. Fabrics of different textures, mostly adorned with feathers and sequins, are used. While designing such elaborate costumes, the freedom of movement to the dancers is an essential aspect. Carnival make-up, creates an enchanting persona. No carnival is complete without the Brazilian national dish, Feijoda, a pork and bean stew. Streets are full of food, cooked either in houses or restaurants. The cuisines differ from place to place with each adding its unique flavor to its carnivals. Dancers often eat light meals, but enjoy the full course after the parade is over. Drinks are equally important, to beat the heat. Brazilian soda 'Guaraná' and beer are the preferred choices.

Modern Brazilian Carnival originated in Rio de Janeiro in 1641 when the city's bourgeoisie imported the practice of holding balls and masquerade parties from Paris. It originally mimicked the European form of the festival, later absorbing and creolizing elements derived from Native American and African cultures.

In the late 19th century, the cordões (literally laces or strings in Portuguese) were introduced in Rio de Janeiro. These were pageant groups that paraded through city avenues performing on instruments and dancing. Today they are known as Blocos (blocks), consisting of a group of people who dress in costumes or special t-shirts with themes and/or logos. Blocos are generally associated with particular neighborhoods; they include both a percussion or music group and an entourage of revellers.

Block parades have become an expressive feature of Rio's Carnival. Today, they number more than 100 and the groups increase each year. Blocos can be formed by small or large groups of revelers with a distinct title with an often funny pun.  They may also note their neighborhood or social status. Before the show, they gather in a square, then parade in sections of the city, often near the beach. Some blocos never leave one street and have a particular place, such as a bar, to attract viewers. Bloc parades start in January, and may last until the Sunday after Carnival.

Mestre Sala e Porta-Bandeira,
a double executing typical performance and opening a samba school exhibition.

Blocos parade in nearly every neighborhood, but the most famous ones parade in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Lagoa, Jardim Botânico, and in downtown Rio. Organizers often compose their own music themes that are added to the performance and singing of classic "marchinhas" and samba popular songs. "Cordão do bola preta" ("Polka Dot Bloco"), that goes through the heart of Rio's historical center, and "Suvaco do Cristo" (Christ's statue armpit, referring to the angle of the statue seen from the neighborhood), near the Botanical Garden, are some of the most famous groups. Monobloco has become so famous that it plays all year round at parties and small concerts.

Samba schools are very large groups of performers, financed by respected organizations (as well as illegal gambling groups), who work year round in preparation for Carnival. Samba Schools perform in the Sambadrome, which runs four entire nights. They are part of an official competition, divided into seven divisions, in which a single school is declared the winner, according to costume, flow, theme, and band music quality and performance. Some samba schools also hold street parties in their neighborhoods, through which they parade along with their followers.

Carnaval time in Rio is a very interesting, but is also the most expensive time to visit Rio. Hotel rooms and other lodgings can be up to 4 times more expensive than the regular rates. There are big crowds at some locations and life is far from ordinary in many parts of town.

São Paulo style

Carnival parade in São Paulo, Mancha Verde Samba School

The carnival in São Paulo happens in the Sambodromo de Anhembi and also has some organized "soccer schools." This is the main difference between São Paulo carnival and Rio. The Carnival parades in São Paulo happen on Friday and Saturday night, as opposed to Rio's Carnival, which is held on Sunday and Monday night.

Bahia style

There are several major differences between Carnival in the state of Bahia in Northeastern Brazil and Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. The musical styles are different at each carnival; in Bahia there are many rhythms, including samba, samba-reggae, axé etc., while in Rio there is the multitude of samba styles: the "samba-enredo", the "samba de bloco", the "samba de embalo", the "funk-samba", as well as the famous "marchinhas" played by the "bandas" in the streets.

Carnival circuit of the city of Salvador.

In the 1880s, the black population commemorated the days of Carnival in its own way, highly marked by Yoruba characteristics, dancing in the streets playing instruments. This form was thought of as "primitive" by the upper-class white elite, and the groups were banned from participating in the official Bahia Carnival, dominated by the local conservative elite. The groups defied the ban and continued to do their dances.

By the 1970s, four main types of carnival groups developed in Bahia: Afoxês, Trios Elétricos, "Amerindian" groups, and Blocos Afros. Afoxês use the rhythms of the African inspired religion, Candomblé. They also worship the gods of Candomblé, called orixás. An Electric Trio is characterized by a truck equipped with giant speakers and a platform where musicians play songs of local genres such as axé. People follow the trucks singing and dancing. The "Amerindian" groups were inspired by Western movies from the United States. The groups dress up as native Americans and take on native American names. Blocos Afros, or Afro groups, were influenced by the Black Pride Movement in the United States, independence movements in Africa, and reggae music that denounced racism and oppression. The groups inspired a renewed pride in African heritage.

 

Pernambuco style

Street Carnival in Recife

The North East state of Pernambuco has unique Carnivals in its present capital Recife and in its colonial capital Olinda. Their main rhythm's are the frevo and the maracatu. Galo da Madrugada is the biggest carnival parade in the world, considering the number of participants, according The Guinnes Book of World Records. It means "dawn's rooster" and parades, as the name suggests, in the morning only. Frevo is Pernambucan-style dance with African and acrobatic influences, as it is fast and electrifying, often using an open umbrella and frequent legs and arms movements.

Unlike Salvador and Rio, the festivities in Recife, Olinda and Itamaraca do not include group competitions. Instead, groups dance and play instruments side by side. Troças and maracatus, mostly of African influence, begin one week before Carnival and end a week later. Some well-known groups have funny names, such as: Tell me you love me, damn eggymann (with a famous giant dancing doll that leads the group), Crazy Lover, Olinda's Underpants, and The Door. Held 40 days before lint

Minas Gerais style

Carnival parade of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais.

Minas also holds some important carnival parades, mainly in the historic cities of Ouro Preto, Mariana and Diamantina. They are held mostly by students' houses, which attract a majority of young people from the neighbor states. There are also other major parades in the region, such as the one in Pompéu.

Carnival in Minas Gerais is often characterized by blocos carnavalescos with varying themes and fantasy styles, almost always accompanied by a brass and drums band. However, Minas Gerais carnival was first influenced by the Rio de Janeiro Carnival (several cities have their own samba schools). Later some Axé groups from Bahia came to play in the state every carnival season.

The Carnival of the city of Ouro Preto is very popular by college students in the area. The city has a large proportion of students, who during the year live in places called Repúblicas (a rented house maintained and ruled by themselves). During carnival, the Repúblicas are literally packed with residents and many visitors coming from all over the country. The hills prevent traffic of heavy sound trucks, but don't stop people from feasting all night and day.

However, some view the Ouro Preto carnival festivities as a threat to the old and historical harmony of the region. According to one such person: the recent emergencet of industry from the surrounding localities, population growth and a spike in street traffic have jeopardize Carnival as older citizens remember it. One cause for alarm is the street carnival of Ouro Preto, which attracts thrill-seeking students from across Brazil. The students crowd the streets while playing loud and arguably disruptive music.

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Carnival

Brazil Travel: Experience Brazilian Culture on Your Brazil Vacation

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By Tim Anson

If you are traveling to the beautiful country of Brazil during your South America travel you are in for a treat. Brazil is a country with a wide variety of spectacular cultural activities and indulgences that should be experienced during your Brazil vacation. Whether you are traveling to the beaches of Buzios or staying the lively city of Rio de Janeiro be sure to indulge in the immense culture of Brazil. With amazing cuisine, creative handicrafts, and a wide variety of festivals enjoying the culture and people will be easy on your Peru vacation.
Indulge in the Arts:
Brazil has a rich culture, much of which can be seen in the painting, architecture, pottery and literature that comes from the country. You will see that most of the pottery produced in Brazil is intertwined with the country's culture, depicting the by the flora and fauna of the Amazon, the many religious figures, or simply the scenes from everyday Brazilian life.
Brazilian literature is famous; the country produces half of the literature in Latin America. Most of the literature is influenced by the country's historical periods, from early folklore to modern and contemporary depictions of today's world.
Experience the Cuisine:
Throughout the country you will find a diverse array of peoples, customs, and lifestyles as the different regions of the country have their own distinct subculture. This can be seen in the delicious Brazilian cuisine as well. Though all of Brazil is known for its spectacular meat dishes if you travel from north to south or east to west you will find a wide variety in the types of meats that are served. Travel north where turtle and alligator meat are served or head to the south where you can indulge in the gaucho-inspired flame-grilled meats. No matter where you are traveling on your Brazil vacation, come hungry so you can feast on the excellent Brazilian cuisine.
Celebrate at a Brazilian festival:
Festivals and celebrations can be found throughout the year in Brazil meaning during your Brazil vacation you are likely to be able to experience one of these fun-filled cultural activities. If you happen to be in Brazil for New Year's Eve, spend your night with the other two million people who flock to Rio de Janeiro for one of the most exciting celebrations in the world. Though the New Year's celebrations are popular the country is known for a different celebration, during the month of February the Country and especially Rio de Janeiro become the epicenter for Carnival celebrations. These crazy festivities start before Ash Wednesday and end the following Tuesday, giving you plenty of time to indulge in the cultural activities that will be found all over the city. Brazil has celebrations and festivals monthly, so check out what will be going on during the time of your Brazil vacation.

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Get the most out of your Brazil travel by indulging in the many cultural activities found throughout the country.

This article about experiencing culture on your Brazil vacation was written by a travel expert at Brazil For Less, specialist in great value Brazil vacation packages who can help you organize a fully customized Brazil vacation.

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Know the Santos City, Sao Paulo, Brazil

 By Luciana Lopes

The city of Santos, located in the coastal region of São Paulo, is in constant development. With six beaches distributed 8km of coastline, welcomes visitors throughout the year. In the port area, the city is the 18th richest in the country and has stood as the city's pre-salt.
Santos combines infrastructure and welfare, making it an excellent environment to live. With trade gaining more space, the city houses homes, upscale developments such as the new Way Orquidário Santos and others.
Come and see this beautiful city with his family and indulge in the most beautiful landscapes of the coast.
So Santos is located on an island, where the warmth, security and diversity of scenarios are allied to a rich cultural, historical and ecological, transforming the city into a unique destination that enchants and love.
And all this just 70 km from São Paulo, the largest Brazilian metropolis, close to major domestic and international airports, and easily accessible by modern highways.
Only sport typically Brazilian, tamboréu Santos was born on the beaches in the 1930s. Practically, only plays tamboréu in Santos, and when you see someone practicing the sport in another location, you can count that was taught by a Santos.
Santos was declared a free territory in 1886, two years before the signing of the Golden Law in 1888 by Princess Elizabeth.
The Quilombo district, on the mainland, refers to an old camp of runaway slaves, destroyed by Imperial Guard between 1830 and 1840, according to the minutes of the Board of Santos. The neighborhood has highlighted how the Quilombo Valley, an area of the Atlantic tumbled by Condephaat, where 36 families live, according to records from City Hall in September 2010. The entrance to the neighborhood is at kilometer 67 of the highway Canon Domenico Rangoni, 27 kilometers from the center of Santos.
On the streets XV November and Commerce, the Historic Center of Santos, is very common to find coffee beans scattered on the floor. This is because the product always falls cans of classifiers that circulate between offices coffee, installed along these routes.
The image of St. Catherine of Alexandria, existing in the first chapel that existed in Santos, was thrown overboard in 1591, during an attack by English pirates. Seventy-two years later, the saint was found by slaves on a network, on a fishing trip. The image, terracotta, can be seen in the Museum of Sacred Art Santos.
Beautiful and sporty, Santos is still a major cruise routes and excels in business tourism, with the most comprehensive complex event in Brazil.
Fall in love too. Santos is even a gift!

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