Fun and festivities in Brazil - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

One of the most significant annual events in the life of every Brazilian is, of course, the New Year. Especially vigorously and colorfully it is celebrated in Rio de Janeiro, on Copacabana Beach. During the celebration, people dressed in white and green try to attract good luck throwing white flowers into the ocean waters, hundreds of amazing fireworks are launched, candles on the beach are lit and wishes are made while jumping through the waves.

Some celebrants build small boats, in which they put flowers and other gifts - for example, fruits - and present this gift to the ocean. If the boat comes back, it means that the gift was not accepted by the ocean and you need to try again next year. This really ancient tradition existed long before the advent of Christianity. On New Year's Eve, it's important to eat at least a bit of lentil and seven raisins. Lentils symbolize strong health, while raisins attract wealth. If the first person a Brazilian meet after the New Year is of the opposite sex, it is a sign of good luck.

Christmas in Catholic Brazil is celebrated on December 25. Christmas celebration combines Portuguese, American and Mexican traditions. At the beginning of December, scenes of the birth of Christ are set in some houses, shopping centers, and other public places. These are houses with straw cradles symbolizing the birthplace of Jesus. There are theatricals on the life of a shepherd and his family. Children are waiting for good Papa Noel (Santa Claus) who brings beautifully packed gifts. On Christmas Eve, there are real feasts with fresh fruit, roast turkey, walnut pies, chocolate cakes, and lots of wine. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

During Easter week, Rio de Janeiro hosts a magnificent carnival. Thus, multi-colored Rio blossoms even more thanks to dancers in gorgeous costumes, skillful drummers, masquerade balls - and the audience is invited to join. Easter eggs are always chocolate, local shops are full of their varieties. October 7 marks the Independence Day, and Republic Day of Brazil is celebrated on November 15 . On this day, in 1889, Brazil was proclaimed as a republic. On November 15, military orchestras march across the country in honor of such an important event. Surprisingly, Brazil has its own Oktoberfest - and not one. The festival takes place in the city of Blumenau, a former German colony, and offers a unique blend of Brazilian and German cultures, music, and cuisines. Another Oktoberfest is held in Santa Cruz do Sul, a city founded by German immigrants.

Brazil is the best place for music lovers since every year it hosts music festivals of various genres. For example, the Amazonas Opera Festival taking place in the green city of Manaus in the Amazon Theatre. The theater is located right in the Amazonian rainforest. Opera music plays here continuously from March to May. And rock fans should not ignore Rock in Rio, a world-famous rock festival that has been held since 1985. It brings together legendary performers from all over the world. Queen, Scorpions, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and other big-named stars performed on its stage. Califórnia da Canção Nativa is a folk music festival that was first held in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in 1971. Through the music, people celebrate the culture of Gauchos - bold South American riders. This is not just a musical event but a song contest. In November, in São Paulo you can visit the Jazz Festival where international and national musicians gather.

Hell & Heaven is an annual musical LGBT event taking place in different parts of Brazil with the participation of DJs from all over the world. It is a true paradise of electronic music. Another annual electronic music festival, Ultra Brasil, is held in different locations as well. It is an international festival originated in Miami that has spread over more than ten countries around the world.