Brazil has many traditions that are similar to our own in the United States. However, the traditions that we have in common are mostly religious holidays. Those traditions are not specific to Brazil's culture, though.
The biggest tradition here in Brazil is the festival of Carnival. Historically, it is a festival that is associated with the Catholic holidays of the beginning of Lent and Easter. However, Carnival has become a huge part of Brazillian culture for people of all religions to celebrate.
Carnival is celebrated all over Sao Paulo and in other cities in Brazil. People decorate their blocks based on a certain theme, and everyone comes out to dance in the streets. Street art and decoration is huge in the city, so I can only image what the streets look like during Carnival!
Carnival begins the Friday before Ash Wednesday and ends on Ash Wednesday. Unfortunately, that means that this year Carnival was in February, so I just missed it! But, I was still able to learn a lot about the tradition. My homestay dad thinks that it is a shame that we missed Carnival, and even said jokingly, "Brazil has two seasons: Carnival celebration and post-Carnival. People just spend the year here waiting for Carnival to come around!"
