Straggling across half of South America, Brazil has captivated travelers for at least 500 years. It is the largest country and the only Portuguese-speaking country in Latin America. It has a history of being a colony of Portugal from the landing of Pedro Alvares Cabral in 1500 until its independence in 1822. Now, Brazil is a federal republic which is world’s tenth largest economy by nominal GDP and the ninth largest by purchasing power parity. In 1950, Joao Doria, a famous Brazilian advertiser , made an advertisement with the following slogan "It’s not just on kisses that you prove your love" and thus, is the way Brazilian celebrate Valentine’s day. It’s considered as a day for lovers to exchange gifts, cards and prove their love in various ways.
The exotic location called Brazil has a diversity of wildlife, natural environment and extensive natural resources. The Brazilians celebrate the Valentine’s Day in a very big way. Unlike in the United States or any other countries, Brazil does not celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 14th of February. They celebrate the Dia dos Namorados (Day of the Enamored) on June 12th. It has a diversified, colorful culture which has influenced the whole Latin American culture in some ways. In Brazilian language, Valentine’s Day is called as ’the Dia dos Namorados’ which means ’Day of the enamored’ or boyfriends’/girlfriends’ day.
Valentine’s Day Traditions in Brazil
The citizens of Brazil spent this day with their friends, family and relatives. The day is seen like a 'get together’ day for beloved people. People usually celebrate the day by exchanging gifts, flowers and chocolates. It guides people in an ambience of love, happiness and celebration. Most of the Brazilian houses which range from a layman’s house to a minister’s house get decorated in an exotic way on Valentine’s Day. It’s usual routine that people invite their friends or relatives to their home for a grand dinner. They cook special meals and chocolate cookies for their beloved.
Valentine’s Day celebrations in Brazil feature various genres of musical concerts, colorful samba dance, sports and music competitions and lives performances by popular rock bands and singers. Music being the nectar of a Brazilian soul, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with lot of musical concert all over the country. The Music of Brazil embraces various regional music styles inspired by European, African and Amerindian forms. After 500 years of history the Brazilian music developed unique and original styles like samba, choro, brega, forró, frevo, sertanejo, maracatu,Brazilian rock, axé,Bossa nova and others. It influenced the ways which they celebrate every event including valentine’ day.
Terrific night parties and events with grand music are the usual menu of celebrations on Valentine’s Day in Brazil. These parties and shows are very popular among both local crowd and tourists. Brazilian restaurants and beach resorts attract people all over from the world to Brazil. Beach resorts offer rare and fine quality cocktail drinks collection on the day and special fun games will be played. The Cake shops of Brazil never keep a low profile and they offer attractive new dishes for the day.
