When people think of Brazilian culture, they generally think of samba or people playing soccer on the beach. They may imagine the rich and vibrant colour of the carnival. These are definitely part but not a total representation of what Brazil has to offer.
One of the reasons why Brazil has a rich cultural heritage is due to its past. As well as the native population there were also the settlers from Portugal who also brought slaves from Africa. To this day the official language remains Portuguese and the music of Brazil emphasizes the rhythms and traditions of African music as well as adding a flavor of its own.
What you may not be aware of is the importance of family in Brazil. Family units tend to encompass a large amount of the family. Unlike a lot of Western cultures the extended family is a key part of it.
This is also extended to the world of business. In some Western countries nepotism or preference for family members in working positions is not considered desirable. In Brazil there is generally the sense that the business will be better looked after in the hands of people who are part of the family and therefore will have its best interests at heart.
Knowing who you are talking to is a key part of Brazilian business culture. This means they tend to prefer face to face meetings as opposed to using the telephone or email. While discussion is important there is also an emphasis on getting legal details in writing and ensuring that all issues are covered in any business deals.
There is also a different type of etiquette involved in being invited into the home of a Brazilian person. For example if you get invited to dinner you will be expected to present the hosts with a present. Whatever you choose to give it should not be purple or black as these colours are associated with death and mourning. Handkerchiefs should not be given for the same reason. If you want to give flowers orchids are considered a traditional gift.
When you are invited it is customary to be late. If you are invited to a dinner party you should aim to be at least half an hour late. For a larger social gathering or party guests are generally expected to arrive an hour late. If you are unsure how to dress, it is advised to overdress as opposed to underdressing. How you dress is often part of how you express yourself and so you should not be afraid to find something interesting in your wardrobe!
When talking about Brazilian culture it is important to remember that like any country there are different areas and therefore a variety of people with different customs. For example the city of Sao Paulo has a lot of different cultural events such as theatres and opera. Look online for more information about cultural events in Brazil. It is worth finding out what events are happening in Brazil and what travel packages are available to the country.
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