The bread most known and consumed by Brazilians is undoubtedly the French Bread. It is part of any Brazilian’s breakfast or afternoon snack. Despite its name, the French bread from our bakeries does not exist in France and, depending on the region of Brazil, it is called by another name.
The origin of the popular saying “The customer is always right” is attributed to the founder of Confeitaria Colombo, a resident of the Glória neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, who honored him by giving his name to one of its small alleys, Manoel José Lebrão (1868-1933).
The song ‘Água de Beber’ represents a treasure of Bossa Nova, a masterful creation by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, released in 1961. The English version of the lyrics was meticulously crafted by Norman Gimbel.
The song ‘Águas de Março’ is an iconic Brazilian music composition by Antônio Carlos Jobim, one of the greatest figures in Bossa Nova, regarded as one of the most influential Brazilian composers of the 20th century. Released in 1972, the song became a timeless classic and was immortalized in the voice of Elis Regina, one of the most talented and expressive singers in Brazil.
The Bossa Nova was officially born on July 10, 1958, when João Gilberto recorded the song ‘Chega de Saudade’ at Odeon studios. The arrangements were made by Antonio Carlos Jobim, who also directed the orchestra. “That new way of singing and playing by João Gilberto brightened everything up,” summarizes writer Ruy Castro.
Rio de Janeiro, bathed in golden beaches and embraced by imposing mountains, is a symphony of contrasts. On one side, there’s the vibrant hustle of urban life, full of colors, rhythms, and an infectious energy. On the other, the serenity of natural landscapes that frame the city, such as the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue, silent witnesses of time. The unique blend of cultures and the contagious joy of the carioca people resonate in the streets, in the captivating sambas, and in the passion for football. It’s a place where life unfolds to the rhythm of the waves and the beats of the heart of those who surrender to the magic of the Marvelous City.
The story of the poem begins in João Cabral de Melo Neto’s private press in 1949. This poem is what was then called a “plaquete” (or booklet). The publication consists of a single, long poem by Vinicius. Friends since 1942, when Vinicius visited Recife with Waldo Frank, the two diplomats from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs corresponded frequently during that time. It was a period when Vinicius was still in Los Angeles, and João Cabral was in Barcelona.
The song The Girl from Ipanema began when Tom Jobim asked Vinicius de Moraes to write the lyrics for one of his compositions. Vinicius was inspired by Helô Pinheiro, an 18-year-old girl they used to see in Ipanema, buying cigarettes for her parents or simply walking past Bar Veloso, where they spent time drinking whiskey.
The origin of the name “Brazil” is a complex story that dates back to the early encounters between Europeans and native peoples in the newly discovered lands. The word has its roots in the term “pau-brasil,” a valuable tree found in the region and exploited by the Portuguese. The exploitation of pau-brasil was so significant that it ended up giving its name to the country, which came to be called the “Land of Brazil.” This name was officially established with the arrival of the first Governor-General of Brazil, Tomé de Sousa, in 1549. The linguistic, cultural, and historical influence of these events continues to this day, making “Brazil” an iconic name that represents the nation and its rich heritage.
Brazil is a diverse country, not only in terms of geography and culture but also in its language. Brazilians have a wide variety of regional accents, which are shaped by different influences, such as cultural heritage, geography, and the history of each region. This linguistic diversity is a prominent feature of the country.
