Culture

Brazil is a diverse nation. Its culture is a mixture of African, European and Indigenous flavors. As the only Portuguese-speaking Latin American country, it's culture differs in subtle ways from the Hispanic heritage.

Its "national ethnicity" can be attributed to Brazil's melting pot, which has created a society that "knows itself, feels, and behaves as a single people." Unifying forces that have strengthened Brazilians' sense of national self-identity include the nation's multiracial society and its various religions, music, and dance, particularly the samba.

Brazilian people are very spontaneous, and known for their warm disposition and hospitality. They will make you feel right at home as soon as you arrive. Family gatherings are a big event on weekends. Brazilians love the outdoors. Soccer, car racing, volleyball, foot volley, biking, hiking, surfing, and other radical water activities are some of the nation's favorite pastimes.

Brazil has won four World Soccer Cup titles, three of which with Pelé, widely acknowledged as the greatest player ever. World-renowned auto racing champions Emerson Fittipaldi, and the late Ayrton Senna are also from Brazil. In tennis, Gustavo Kuerten (Guga) has become one of the top ranking players in the last few years.

In the music scene, famous Brazilians include the late Antonio Carlos Jobim, Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and many others in jazz and contemporary world music. The band "Sepultura," a heavy metal sensation in the U.S. in the early 90s is from Brazil.

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