Saint George's Day

📣 Traveler notes

Brazil is a vast and diverse country in South America, featuring varied landscapes from the Amazon and Iguaçu Falls to bustling cities and laid-back beaches. Its culture is a rich blend derived from European colonizers, African, Asian, and indigenous influences, creating a dynamic mix across the country.

• Brazil is a Portuguese-speaking country.
• Due to the casual approach to time, expect delays for social appointments, but adhere to scheduled times for formal events.
• When greeting, cheek-kissing is common among acquaintances, while handshakes are reserved for formal settings.
• Although family is central to the culture, be respectful of local political opinions and religious practices.
• Major national holidays include New Year's Day, Carnaval (dates vary), Good Friday (dates vary), and Tiradentes (April 21).
• In social settings, Brazilians are generally affectionate and talkative; initiating conversations in public is common and welcomed. Punctuality is highly casual for social gatherings (10-15 minutes late is normal), but always adhere to scheduled times for organized events like concerts and long-distance buses. When greeting, expect cheek-kissing (the number varies by city), while a handshake is suitable for formal contexts. Keep in mind that the country is Portuguese-speaking, not Spanish-speaking, and while overt racism is illegal and heavily penalized, any racially insensitive language or action is inappropriate.