What Is Brazil Famous For

1. Brigadeiro

While exploring Brazil, it’s a must to try out its food specialties. Fast forward to dessert–brigadeiro, anyone? A brigadeiro is a popular and traditional dessert served during festive events throughout Brazil. It is created by mixing condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. The mixture is then molded into small balls, covered in chocolate sprinkles, and then formed in cupcake liners.

Being easy-to-make and bite-sized, brigadeiros naturally became trendy among bakeries and snack shops that it was incorporated into other equally delectable recipes such as cakes, ice cream, and bread. These sweet balls are the sweetest introduction to Brazil that you can get.

2. Christ the Redeemer Statue

What is brazil best known for? If there’s one thing that first comes to mind when we hear of Brazil, it is this famous statue of Jesus Christ by French sculptor Paul Landowski and engineer Heitor da Silva Costa popularly known as Christ the Redeemer. It is located in Rio de Janeiro, one of the best places to visit in Brazil, and it has been serving as a symbol of Christianity among Brazilians since 1931. This marvelous tourist destination in Brazil is very popular for visitors and Christian devotees around the globe. The Brazilian government makes sure that it is well-maintained and it has undergone several restoration efforts during its lifetime as it is exposed to strong winds and erosion.

3. Soccer/ football

Brazilians are quite proud of their football, in fact, it is one of the several things associated with Brazil. Football is the most played sport in Brazil and it has been tied to the country’s national identity. Fun fact, more than any football team in history, the Brazil national football team has the most number of wins in the FIFA World Cup football tournaments. That’s how much they take their football seriously. Notably, Brazil is the sole country that has participated in all World Cup competition since the beginning. Names like Pele, Kaká, and Neymar are just a few of the famous names in the history of football worldwide and they are the pride of Brazil.

4. The Amazon Forest

Another thing Brazil is famous for is The Amazon Forest. Covering a huge fraction of northwestern Brazil, the Amazon rainforest is known as the largest of its kind. It is famous for its marvelous biodiversity and distinct physical features. It is so huge it stretches to some parts of Peru, Colombia, and other South American countries. Throughout the Amazon forest, you will encounter thousands of rivers and untouched vegetation. On record, there are 2.5 million species of insects, tens of thousands of plant species, and two thousand mammal and bird species combined, and another few thousand species of fishes and marine animals. Aside from that, it is also home to a wide range of tree species.

5. The samba dance

Samba is a popular dance in Brazil. It is a rhythmical, lively, and upbeat dance accompanied by Samba music that was originally created by the Afro-Brazillian natives. At present, it has also gained popularity among other Latin American countries. Its genre is often incorporated and said to be inspired by Angolan music and rhythm. Samba is so popular in Brazil that almost all Brazilians know how to do it, and in almost all occasions and festivities, you can witness graceful samba dancers everywhere.

6. Historical sites

Brazil boasts of amazing heritage and vibrant culture and traditions. As you explore the country of Brazil, you will encounter a lot of remarkable historical sights in the country and it is a must that you visit most of them, if not all. You should see the man-made Arcos da Lapa in Rio de Janeiro that carries fresh water to the city straight from the Carioca river. Marvel at the beauty of the 16th-century architecture Montserrat Fort in Salvador, Bahia. You can also worship at the historic Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim in Bahia which features beautifully painted ceilings. There are so many historic destinations in Brazil that it’ll take you days to explore them all.

7. Brazilian coffee

Do you know that Brazil is the largest exporter of instant coffee globally? Brazil is so big on coffee that you should not miss authentic homegrown and locally brewed Brazilian coffee while in the country. Its tropical rainforest produces the best coffee beans in the world because of its natural climate and steady temperature with a fair amount of rain and moderate sunlight. Authentic Brazilian coffee is noted for being bittersweet, smooth in texture, low in acidity, with a nutty and chocolate-y taste. Make sure to try their coffee while in Brazil and see the difference.

8. Beaches

Not only is Brazil popular for its remarkable landmarks and colorful celebrations and festivities, but it is also acknowledged for its beautiful and breathtaking beaches. If you are a traveler in search of exotic beach destinations, then Brazil is definitely the country for you. You can visit the Santos Beach in the town of Santos or Ilha de Tinhare in the secluded and beautiful town of Morro de Sao Paolo or Praia do Forno in the village of Buzios. You should also experience the warm waters of the Ipanema beach which is the country’s most popular tourist destination as of present time. Don’t forget about the Copacabana and Baia do Sancho beaches which showcase lovely blue waters and amazing fine sand.

9. Caipirinhas

Another important thing you should try in Brazil is their Capirinha which is the country’s national cocktail mix. It is a mixture of cachaça, lime, and sugar. It is so popular in Brazil that almost all of the restaurants and bars in the country have it on their menu. Basically, its alcohol derived from fermented and eventually distilled fresh sugarcane juice. The drink is usually served in a large single glass that can be shared between friends. On the other hand, you can also ask for it to be served in a jar to be divided amongst your group for a more convenient setting.

10. The Rio Carnival

Another important celebration that makes tourists flock to Brazil is the Rio Carnival held annually, just a day before Lent. It is one of the top festivals in Brazil. It is so big and grandiose that it is considered the biggest carnival celebration in the world. Can you imagine two million people gathering together to dance, party, and groove to amazing and upbeat samba music? That’s what the Rio Carnival is. It also features a parade of glamorous floats, revelers, and a number of adornments from Samba schools. The Rio Carnival is so colorful, lively, and ecstatic that it is one for the books and you should definitely not miss it if you are planning a trip to Brazil.

11. Iguazu Falls

Also found in Brazil is the breathtaking Iguazu Falls. It is a number of waterfalls connected to the Iguazu river. Collectively, they make the biggest waterfall system in the world. The Iguazu river floats through Brazil as well as the Argentine side, forming a boundary that separates Argentina from Brazil. It is said that when the ex-United Stated first lady Eleanor Roosevelt first saw the Iguazu Falls, she involuntarily blurted out “poor Niagra”. It is so magnificent that tourists from around the world come to see it for themselves and are awed at its beauty.

12. Capoeira

Get all worked up while having a shot at learning this Brazilian martial art called capoeira. Combining self-defense, acrobatics, dance, and music, this martial art has evolved from being a native combat sport to a worldwide dance craze. You might be surprised however that this martial art was intentionally made to look like a dance routine by the slaves to disguise the fact that they are practicing fight moves. Today, capoeira is usually performed by participants in white clothing in a circle called ‘roda’ accompanied by singing and musical instruments while performing movements with only the hands and feet touching the floor.

13. Bossa Nova

Delve deeper into the Brazilian culture by knowing more about its music. One of the most popular Brazilian music genres is called bossa nova. Literally meaning ‘new tendency’, bossa nova derived from a union of Brazilian samba and cool jazz in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It leans toward a different beat placing more emphasis on the melody and less on the percussion. It is usually accompanied by a guitar, berimbau, drum, or a single-note piano accompaniment. Another trait that sets bossa nova apart from other music genres is its characteristic nasal vocal production which is a peculiar trait of the caboclo folk tradition of northeastern Brazil.

14. Brazilian night life

Aside from its beaches, festivals, and sports, Brazil still has so much to offer especially after sundown. Sprawled across the country are some of the finest bars and night clubs flocked by both tourists and locals. Sao Paulo, for instance, is one of the few cities in the world where nightclub parties last for 24 hours. You’ll surely love the Entertainment District, which has bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and other nightspots. Listen to authentic samba, Brazilian pop, and bossa nova at live music bars. Get drinks on the second floor and party in the basement. Work your moves on the dancefloor of mega nightclubs to DJ-spun music!

15. Picanha

If Americans have ribeye and Koreans have hanwoo, Brazilians have a great appetite for a beef cut called picanha. Also called the top sirloin cap, rump cover, rump cap, or culotte, picanha is known for the rich layer of fat capping the lean muscle of the steak. In most countries, this layer of fat is usually removed by the butcher. However, Brazilians cook picanha with the fat cap intact, basting the steak and keeping it moist and flavorful. They usually cook picanha by placing it fat side down over the coals and searing it for five to seven minutes. It tastes like sirloin steak, only more tender and more flavorful.

Amazing Brazil

Brazil is definitely a wonderful country packed with vibrant culture and traditions as well as fascinating heritage. It is an amazing escape from the routine urban life. In case you are now making arrangements for your Brazil trip and are getting ready for your next adventure, we hope this article helps you know more about what to expect in Brazil. Once you’ve chosen your hotel, be sure to check out all these uniquely Brazilian things. Don’t forget about the ultimate must-dos in Brazil too! Have a great vacation ahead.