| Culture of Brazil Brazilian culture is a Latin American culture of a very diverse nature. Its chief early influence was Portuguese culture, due to strong colonial ties with the Portuguese empire that spread the Portuguese language, legal system and other cultural inheritances. Other important influences came from other parts of Europe, the Native South American people (such as the Tupi), Africa and Asia. Although some countries pride themselves on the diversity of multiple cultures and their generally peaceful coexistence, the Brazilian idea of culture is one mixed unity. |
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Religion The religion of most Brazilians is Catholicism. In fact, Brazil is the largest country in the world whose predominant religion is Roman Catholicism. Many other beliefs over time have been incorporated into the Brazilian catholic belief system such as Spiritism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Ayahuasca, and Judaism as well as religious syncretisms, such as candomblé, umbanda, and macumba, that mix Catholicism with African tribal religions. A majority of the population are non-practicing Catholics and would actually be considered agnostics in many circles. Certain denominations of Christianity, such as Pentecostalism, Methodism, and the Baptist church have also gained a large following. |
| Carnival Carnaval, as it is known in Brazil, is an annual celebration held forty days before Easter and marking the start of Lent. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is known worldwide for the elaborate parades staged by the city’s major samba schools in the Sambadrome and is one of the world’s major tourist attractions. In other regions such as Bahia and Pernambuco (and throughout Brazil), Carnival takes on a unique regional flavor. Carnival celebrations here feature locally-originating traditions and music (such as axé and frevo). |
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