The Most Popular Culture in Brazil, Ranked

Choose the culture you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:34
Cultural trends often shift as swiftly as the wind changes direction, and keeping a pulse on the most beloved cultural phenomena can provide insights into a country's heart and soul. For Brazil, a nation rich with diverse traditions and expressions, tracking what resonates with the people offers a unique peek into its cultural dynamism. This site allows users to cast their votes, contributing to a living document of Brazil's contemporary cultural landscape. By participating in this ongoing ranking, visitors not only learn about what captivates the interests of Brazilians but also play a role in defining it. Each vote helps paint a richer, more detailed picture of Brazil's cultural vibrancy. Whether you are a local seeking to support your favorite cultural expression or an outsider curious about the latest trends, your input is valuable here.

What Is the Most Popular Culture in Brazil?

  1. 1
    42
    votes
    Samba is the most popular music genre in Brazil, and it is often associated with carnival celebrations. It is characterized by a fast-paced rhythm and lively dance moves.
    Samba is a lively and vibrant dance that originated in Brazil. It is often recognized for its energetic and rapid footwork, hip movements, and lively music. The dance incorporates elements of African rhythms and Brazilian culture, making it a captivating and dynamic performance.
    • Origin: Brazil
    • Year of creation: Late 19th century
    • Music: Samba music
    • Timing: 4/4 time signature
    • Tempo: Medium to fast pace
  2. 2
    28
    votes
    Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Brazil, and the country has produced some of the greatest football players in history. Brazilians are passionate about football and support their national team with great enthusiasm.
    Football, also known as American football, is a highly intense and physically demanding sport played primarily in the United States. It involves two teams of eleven players each, aiming to score points by advancing an oval-shaped ball into the opponent's end zone. The game is known for its strategic complexity, physicality, and emphasis on both individual skill and teamwork.
    • Field dimensions: 100 yards long and 53.3 yards wide
    • Game duration: 60 minutes (divided into four 15-minute quarters)
    • Scoring methods: Touchdown (6 points), field goal (3 points), extra point (1 or 2 points), safety (2 points)
    • Playing surface: Grass or artificial turf
    • Positions: Offense (quarterback, running backs, wide receivers, etc.) and defense (defensive linemen, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, etc.)
  3. 3
    24
    votes
    Carnival is a major cultural event in Brazil, and it is celebrated in many cities throughout the country. It is a time of music, dance, and parades, and it attracts millions of tourists every year.
    Carnival in Puerto Rico is a vibrant and lively celebration that showcases the rich culture and traditions of the island. It is a month-long extravaganza filled with colorful parades, vibrant music, stunning costumes, and contagious energy. The streets come alive with the sound of salsa, merengue, and reggaeton, as locals and tourists join together to dance, sing, and celebrate the spirit of Puerto Rico.
    • Duration: Month-long celebration
    • Costumes: Elaborate and colorful costumes, often portraying historical, mythical, or cultural themes
    • Parades: Multiple parades throughout the celebration, featuring floats, dancing groups, and music bands
    • Music: Diverse range of music genres, including salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and traditional Puerto Rican rhythms
    • Traditional Masks: Use of traditional masks, such as the Vejigante masks, representing different characters
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    Capoeira is a martial art that originated in Brazil, and it is characterized by acrobatic movements, music, and dance. It is often performed during festivals and celebrations.
    Capoeira is a dynamic and expressive Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. It originated during the colonial era in Brazil and was developed by enslaved Africans as a method of self-defense and cultural preservation. Capoeira is characterized by its graceful and fluid movements, often performed to the rhythm of traditional instruments like the berimbau. It is often described as a game or a conversation between two participants, who engage in a series of acrobatic maneuvers, kicks, and sweeps.
    • Origins: Developed in Brazil by enslaved Africans
    • Movement Style: Graceful, fluid, and acrobatic
    • Music: Accompanied by traditional instruments like the berimbau
    • Non-Contact: Emphasizes evasion, dodging, and clever footwork rather than direct strikes
    • Roda: The circle where Capoeira is played
  5. 5
    21
    votes
    Brazilian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with influences from Portuguese, African, and indigenous cultures. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada, churrasco, and coxinha.
    Brazilian cuisine is a vibrant and diverse culinary tradition that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage. It combines influences from Portuguese, African, and Indigenous cuisines, resulting in a fusion of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. The cuisine varies across different regions of Brazil, offering a wide range of dishes and culinary styles.
    • Feijoada: A traditional black bean stew made with various cuts of pork, served with rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and orange slices.
    • Acarajé: Deep-fried balls of black-eyed pea dough filled with shrimp, onion, and spices, typically served with hot pepper sauce.
    • Moqueca: A flavorful seafood stew made with fish or shrimp, cooked in coconut milk, palm oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro.
    • Pão de Queijo: Cheese bread made from cassava flour and cheese, popular as a snack or breakfast item.
    • Feijão Tropeiro: A hearty dish made with beans, pork, dried beef, sausage, eggs, and toasted cassava flour.
  6. 6
    15
    votes

    Soap operas

    Casa de Saúde da Graça
    Soap operas, or telenovelas, are extremely popular in Brazil. They often deal with social issues and are watched by millions of Brazilians every day.
    Soap operas, also known as telenovelas, are a highly popular form of serialized television drama in Brazil. They typically consist of daily or weekly episodes, usually airing during prime time slots. Soap operas in Brazil are renowned for their dramatic storylines, complex character development, and emotional performances by actors. They often explore various themes such as romance, family dynamics, social issues, and moral dilemmas.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Frequency: Daily or weekly
    • Airing time: Prime time slots
    • Episode duration: Approximately 45 minutes
    • Number of episodes: Varies (typically 100-200)
  7. 7
    10
    votes

    Bossa nova

    João Gilberto
    Bossa nova is a music genre that originated in Brazil in the late 1950s. It is characterized by its smooth, laid-back sound, and has become popular all over the world.
    Bossa nova is a popular music genre and movement that originated in Brazil in the late 1950s. It is characterized by its fusion of samba rhythms with jazz influences, creating a smooth and laid-back sound. The lyrics often focus on themes of love, romance, and everyday life.
    • Date of origin: Late 1950s
    • Fusion of music styles: Samba and jazz
    • Rhythmic characteristics: Laid-back and smooth
    • Lyric themes: Love, romance, everyday life
    • Prominent instruments: Guitar and vocals
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Brazilian folklore is rich and varied, with stories and legends passed down through generations. Some of the most famous folklore characters include Saci-pererê, Curupira, and Iara.
    Folklore in Brazil refers to the traditional stories, legends, myths, and customs that have been passed down through generations. It encompasses a rich and diverse collection of beliefs, practices, and tales that reflect the country's cultural heritage.
    • 1: Brazilian folklore is heavily influenced by the indigenous cultures that existed in the region before European colonization.
    • 2: Portuguese settlers brought their own traditions and beliefs, which merged with indigenous folklore to create a unique Brazilian folklore.
    • 3: African slaves brought their rich mythology, religious practices, and folklore, which further contributed to the mixture of traditions.
    • 4: Brazilian folklore is diverse, with different regions having their own specific tales and characters.
    • 5: Popular mythical creatures in Brazilian folklore include the Saci-Pererê, a mischievous one-legged black boy with a red cap, and the Curupira, a forest protector with backward feet.
  9. 9
    10
    votes

    Brazilian jiu-jitsu

    Carlos Gracie
    Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art that originated in Brazil, and it has become popular all over the world. It is known for its emphasis on ground fighting and submission holds.
    Brazilian jiu-jitsu, commonly referred to as BJJ, is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. It was developed in Brazil and has gained worldwide recognition for its effectiveness in self-defense and mixed martial arts competitions.
    • Origin: Brazil
    • Year Created: early 20th century
    • Focus: Ground fighting and submission holds
    • Grappling Style: Brazilian jiu-jitsu is primarily a grappling-based martial art, utilizing techniques such as joint locks and chokeholds.
    • Self-defense: BJJ is known for its practical self-defense applications and emphasis on leverage and technique over strength.
  10. 10
    10
    votes
    Caipirinha is a cocktail that originated in Brazil, and it is made with cachaça (a distilled sugarcane spirit), lime, and sugar. It is a popular drink during carnival and other celebrations.
    Caipirinha is a traditional and popular alcoholic drink in Argentina, known for its refreshing and tangy flavor. It is considered a type of cocktail typically made with cachaça (a Brazilian distilled spirit), lime, sugar, and ice. The drink is prepared by muddling lime wedges with sugar in a glass, then adding cachaça and ice. It is usually stirred and served in the same glass.
    • Alcohol Base: Cachaça
    • Main Flavors: Lime, Sugar
    • Preparation Method: Muddling, Mixing
    • Glassware: Lowball glass
    • Serving Temperature: Cold

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Ranking factors for popular culture

  1. Music
    Brazil has a rich musical history with genres like Samba, Bossa Nova, Forró, MPB (Música popular brasileira), and Funk Carioca being quite famous. The popularity and impact of Brazilian music both locally and internationally should be considered.
  2. Dance
    Brazil is known for its traditional dances such as Samba, Frevo, and Capoeira, as well as contemporary styles like Funk Carioca. The presence and influence of these dances in local culture and global events should be taken into account.
  3. Carnival
    The Brazilian Carnival, held annually before Lent, is a major cultural event that showcases Brazil's diverse traditions and colors. The popularity and impact of the Carnival on local and global tourism should be considered.
  4. Food
    Brazilian cuisine is a unique mix of African, European, and indigenous ingredients and techniques. The popularity and widespread presence of Brazilian dishes like Feijoada, Moqueca, and Churrasco should be considered.
  5. Film and television
    Brazilian cinema and television productions, including famous soap operas (novelas) and films like City of God, have a significant impact on local and international viewership.
  6. Arts and literature
    Brazil has a rich history of visual arts and literature, with many well-known artists and writers contributing to the country's cultural landscape.
  7. Fashion
    Brazil is known for its unique fashion, with a focus on bright colors, bold patterns, and a mixture of traditional and contemporary styles. The presence and influence of Brazilian fashion in the global scene should be considered.
  8. Language
    The use of Portuguese, Brazil's official language, and regional dialects and native languages play a significant role in shaping the cultural fabric of the country.
  9. Religion and spirituality
    The majority of Brazilians are Roman Catholics, and Catholicism plays an essential role in the country's culture. Brazilian culture is also shaped by African religious traditions, such as Candomblé and Umbanda, as well as indigenous spiritual practices.
  10. Education and awareness of cultural heritage
    Properties such as museums, cultural institutions, and awareness programs promoting Brazil's diverse cultural heritage should be considered.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular culture in Brazil. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Cultura is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2026 views
  • 162 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Cultura once every 24 hours. The rank of each Cultura is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular culture in brazil

Brazil is a country rich in diversity, culture, and traditions. From football to music, art to dance, Brazil has a vibrant and colorful culture that is celebrated worldwide. When it comes to popular culture in Brazil, there are numerous aspects that come to mind. For instance, Brazilian music, dance, and festivals such as Carnival are globally recognized and admired. Additionally, the country's cuisine, literature, and cinema have also gained popularity in recent years. With so much to offer, it's no wonder that Brazil's culture continues to capture the hearts and minds of people from all around the world. In this article, we will delve deeper into the most popular aspects of Brazilian culture and explore what makes them so special.

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