Brazil is a country with a driven, yet laid back culture known for its friendly, welcoming, and ethnically diverse people. Despite their hospitality, however, there are still certain cultural faux pas which can cause some uncomfortable interactions if you’re not careful. Here are 10 tips to help guide you through the national and regional do’s and don’ts of travel to this year’s Olympic host city of Rio de Janeiro…
- NEVER make the thumb-to-forefinger “OK” sign/hand gesture… it’s not OK in Brazil!
- Cariocas are people from the time-flexible, cultural capital of Rio de Janeiro; Paulistanos are people from the time-sensitive work capital, Sao Paulo. They don’t appreciate being confused with one another!
- NEVER wear a combination of green and yellow-colored clothes in Brazil… UNLESS you are going to a soccer game, or an Olympic event!
- The “figa” hand gesture (“I got your nose!”) means Good Luck in Brazil – Use it!
- Friends greet each other with 2 or 3 “air kisses” in Brazil. Be sure to reciprocate in kind!
- A red streetlight is merely a suggestion: pedestrians beware! Brazilians often drive with their headlights on during the day, and off at night.
- Caipirinha – the national cocktail – is made of cachaça, sugar, fruit, and ice. Caution: it goes down easy… and so will you!
- Most Rio samba music clubs are small, intimate venues, not like the massive street parties of Carnival.
- There are usually three shakers on the table in Rio: salt, pepper, and manioca (a shredded root, added to thicken and flavor sauces.)
- Missed Carnival? Missed the Olympics? You’ve still got time to get to Rio this year for its BIGGEST annual event: New Year’s Eve and the Festival of Iemanja, goddess of the sea, right on the beach!
If you follow these tips you’ll avoid an unfortunate misunderstanding and have a wonderful time in Rio. Enjoy your trip – or as the cariocas would say – Aproveite a viagem!
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