Brazil Offers Delights, Diversions, Rich History
by daniela medina

Pride in heritage is evident at this year’s Brazilian Independence Day celebration in Manhattan.

In 1500, Pedro Alvares Cabral headed for India and instead landed in Brazil. Cabral claimed Brazil for Portugal and it remained its colony until 1822. In 1821, King Joao of Portugal returned to Lisbon leaving his son, Dom Pedro, in control of Brazil. In 1822 Brazil, times had changed. A new generation of Brazilians had emerged and they were unwilling to be bossed around by Portugal. Many sons of Brazilian landowners who had gone to study in Europe weakened King Joao’s power. One of these new Brazilians was a scientist, Jose Bonifacio de Andrada, who was Dom Pedro’s advisor. Bonifacio encouraged Dom Pedro to resist orders from Portugal and instead develop a parliamentary rule for Brazil. On September 7, 1822 Dom Pedro waved his sword in the air and shouted "Independencia Ou Morte" (give me liberty or give me death). These words are well known as the cry of Ipiranga. Dom Pedro became the first emperor at the age of 25.

Bonifacio was main developer of a plan for Brazil’s independence that avoided the bloodshed that was going on in other revolutions in South America.

In some respects, Brazil’s history has been a rather quiet one. No real or mythical ancient cities or kingdoms rose and fell in Brazil and it never had any traumatic revolution. The biggest misunderstanding is that Brazilians are Hispanics. Also, there’s a great deal of difference between Hispanic and Brazilian history. Brazil has a lively ethnic mix and colorful popular culture. Brazilian culture has been shaped not only by the Portuguese, who gave the country its religion, Catholicism, and language, Portuguese, but also by the country’s native Indians, the considerable African population and others from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Brazil is the largest country in South America. Its size–nearly 3 million square miles total—accounts for the diversity of its geography. Brazil is divided into 26 states and the Federal District of Brasilia. These divisions fall into five major regions: the north, northeast, southeast, center west and south. There are other big cities besides Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

As Brazil enters the 21st century, it faces huge social and economic problems that powerful politicians have deemed unworthy of their concern. Brazil has the capacity to tend to its wounds with the unique ethnic diversity of its citizens that has created a rich culture. Brazil’s recently elected president, Luis Enacio da Silva, or Lula, comes from a working class background and has addressed economic and social problems undermining Brazil’s strength as a nation. Throughout Brazil’s history, no citizens have put any faith in the politicians’ ability to solve any problems. Most Brazilians look for a quick fix or "Jeitinho," for daily economic difficulties and still manage to be happy citizens.

181 years have passed since Brazil’s Independence, and still Brazilians all over the world celebrate this important day. As far as New York is concerned, Astoria is where many Brazilians now feel at home, at least temporarily. Brazilians can be found throughout the neighborhood of Astoria, somewhat scattered, unfortunately, because many return to the motherland. They leave behind cuisine, sports and music, which become part of America society.

Authentic Brazilian cuisine can be found throughout New York City. A traditional dish, feijoada, black beans with pork, sausage stew served with rice, collard greens and slices of orange. Steak lovers try picanha Brazilian barbecued top sirloin on skewers which is not to be missed, usually served with side orders of rice, beans, salad, and fried yuca.

For drinks, keep in mind Brazilians don’t need Happy Hour. Caipirinha is the choice, a mix of cachaca which is an alcoholic beverage distilled from sugar cane, lemon on the rocks and a delicate touch of sugar. Guarana is the other choice, a soft drink made from an exotic fruit called guarana that can only be found in, Tcoholic, the Amazon region.

Besides eating well and healthy, Brazilians love to work out, dress well and go out. Soccer, sport in Brazil known as "futebol," is a national obsession. Even though soccer was introduced in England, Brazil is the only country to have won the World Cup five times. When there’s a soccer tournament Brazilians close schools and businesses. The whole country becomes a big party after a match.

Capoeira, Brazilian martial arts was started 400 years ago by slaves brought from Africa by the Portuguese. Slaves caught learning to defend themselves were killed, so they developed capoeira as a dance to hide their despair, and as a disguised form of self-defense. Nowadays it’s recognized as the second most popular sport beside soccer.

Jiu Jitsu, another sport, was introduced by Japanese immigrants in the beginning of the 20th century. The Brazilian connection happened when the Gracie family acclimated themselves to life in Brazil and accepted any and all challenges, well known as "Vale Tudo," or anything goes. The Gracie family created the roots of what eventually became known as Gracie jiu jitsu.

In Brazil, there’s a saying, "Everything ends in samba." Brazilians society recognizes samba as a way to express life through music. For hundreds of years Brazil has symbolized the great escape, igniting Western imagination like no other Southern American country. From the mad passion of Carnival to the immensity of the dark Amazon, Brazilians delight visitors with joy, energy and fantasy. For those who will visit for the first time or for those who are returning home, Brazil is waiting with open arms, a paradise both primordial and modern—the best of both worlds.

ƒƒƒ