What are Brazil’s customs and traditions?

Brazilian customs and traditions are different, like the country has its own traditions and customs. Some of them may be completely different, or even incomprehensible to foreigners. So, let’s get to know the culture, traditions and customs of the Brazilian people! Ready?

Football is not just a game

As everyone knows, the Brazilian people are very attached to football. Brazilians are natural in the game and addicted to watching the games. During the World Cup, employers install TV screens in the workplace to try to keep workers at work.

The enthusiasm about football in Brazil can only be next to a religion! People can get emotional about their teams and sometimes become violent around this sport.

The Endless vacations

In Brazil, vacations are usually long and frequent holidays. Hooray! Many holidays easily turn into long weekends. It’s common for Brazilian workers to get 30 days of paid leave and 11 days of official holidays. This goes to tell you holidays are sacred in Brazil.

Many Brazilians prefer to take their holidays between December and February, when it’s the summer in the country.

Brazilian customs: The hands’ expression!

While talking, Brazilian body language is definitely something that many foreigners find it difficult to understand. Especially because some Brazilian hand gestures are not used in other countries, and maybe mean something else outside of Brazil.

For example, a thumbs up (which means in the American culture agree) is an obscene gesture in Brazil. So if you have a Brazilian friend, ask him to help you learn the gestures that Brazilians use all the time, in order to avoid problems and awkward moments!

Brazilian customs in eating

Because the country is the largest coffee producer in the world, the typical breakfast consists of a cup of coffee with milk (likely hot milk and coffee mixture), and a piece of French bread.

Brazilian children drink a mixture of coffee and milk at breakfast. Breakfast also consists of fresh fruits, jam, cakes, cookies and more. Usually served around 7 AM. One of the customs of Brazilians is not to touch food with their hands.

So, the next time you are in a bar or restaurant in Brazil, keep in mind that Brazilians do not eat with their bare hands! They use a knife and fork for everything, even food that isn’t meant to have a fork and knife. If you eat with your hands in front of the Brazilians, be ready to criticize.

Bathing and brushing habits

During your studies in Brazil, you’d know that Brazilians take a shower seriously. Good thing! The average Brazilian bathing time is at least twice a day. The weather is vicious, causing the Brazilians to bathe once in the morning and again at night.

In a humid summer, some Brazilians may bathe four times in a day. The Brazilians take a toothbrush with them, so they can brush their teeth up to four times a day. The typical Brazilian often brushes his teeth four times a day. This is associated with bathing activities. Brazilians have a craze to keep their teeth clean, which isn’t bad at all!

Brazilian family traditions

Along with football, samba, festivals and capoeira, the other most representative element of the Brazilian society is its family traditions. In fact, family is of utmost importance in Brazil, to the point that grown up children don’t leave their parents’ house until they get married.

Extended families remain close to one another and oftentimes, one of the children looks after their elderly parents.

Brazilian Festivals and Farewells

Lag or being late is part of the culture of Brazilians. For example, if a date is set at two in the afternoon, expect their arrival four or five in the evening. If you are planning something with a Brazilian person, expect them to not come on time. But don’t stress over it – it isn’t because they don’t care, but it’s because they are comfortable and don’t really notice how time flies!

Also, If you go to a party hosted by a Brazilian and want to leave, you will always find the host asking you to “stay a little longer” and that it is “too early to go.” You should expect this often and explain the reason for your leaving the party, it’s part of the cultures.

In addition to this, you have to say goodbye to all the guests at the party before you leave. That’s one of the basic Brazilian customs and traditions!

Brazilian people are very caring and thoughtful, because the Brazilian culture is built on friendship and trust. They usually like to talk and hear from others, and most importantly, if you have a Brazilian friend, you have a friend for life.

Conclusion: Brazilian customs and traditions

Now that you are all set with the Brazilian customs and traditions. Here’s my top 10 tips to success in Brazil, to ensure a successful and safe study trip. Get to know them, and my other article like:

How to register at a Brazilian university
Master’s and doctoral studies in Brazil
Learn Portuguese in Brazil.