Pangea: Travel Registry » music in brazil

Sao Paulo – Brazil’s Capital City

admin — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:35:49 +0000

São Paulo, the gateway to Brazil, is one of the world’s largest cities. Seventeen million people occupy just under 500 square kilometers. It is an urban jungle with a stretch of high-rise buildings as far as the eye can see. As the country’s commercial capital, one resident offered an apt description: “São Paulo works so that the rest of Brazil can play.”

Paulistanos (residents of São Paulo) work hard, and play even harder, inhabiting their city with a street-savvy, stylish energy. Bear in mind, the city doesn’t go out of its way to cater to foreign tourist; rarely will you find yourself amidst a sea of American, German and Australians. Instead, you will experience life undiluted and dynamic, as do its citizens. Spend your time shopping (people come from all over the world for São Paulo’s malls, markets, and shops) or attending performances (theatre or capoeira) or clubbing or eating in one of the city’s many delightful restaurants. From its humble beginnings as a mission on a hill in 1554, São Paulo has grown to become the continent’s biggest metropolis. Italian, Japanese, German, Lebanese, and Indian neighborhoods weave into the fabric of the city, connected together by a bustling transportation system. Art museums and galleries, parks, markets, bars, and dance clubs enliven the city, offering pleasing rewards for those who seek them out. It is a challenging, intoxicating and unforgettable city.

Bahia- The Real Brazilian Carnival

admin — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:28:48 +0000

Salvador da Bahia (generally known as ‘Salvador’) is the African soul of Brazil. It was the nation’s capital until 1973 when Rio took over as the political head. Sugar and tobacco comprised this small city’s economy in the 16th and 17th centuries, causing the influx of slaves shipped in from Africa. The descendents of these slaves preserved their cultural roots, resulting in a city infused with hypnotic drum beats, graceful dancing, fragrantly spiced delicacies, and an irresistible energy.

Once famous for its gold-filled churches and beautiful mansions, now it’s host to many an outrageous festival. One of the biggest and most impressive Carnival celebrations takes place in Salvador, with live music pulsing from enormous trucks. The Pelourinho (the now renovated city centre) offers the biggest collection of colonial baroque architecture in Latin America. There are loads of terraced restaurants, bars, and, of course, sublime beaches. Be sure to visit the Museu Afro-Brasileiro for the Candomblé Culture exhibition. The museum exhibits wood carvings, baskets, pottery and other artwork and crafts, tying together Brazilian and African artistic traditions. There is an extremely fascinating exhibit of photography, sacred objects and ceremonial apparel demonstrating the African roots of Brazilian Candomblé religion. Salvador is an ideal location for daytrips to nearby sites. It is the gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil’s “Lost World”, situated in the northeast of the Bahia state. The park, created in 1985, is a mixed landscape of wild rock formations, caves, crystal clear lakes, underground rivers, and the semi-arid Sertão. Spend time in another enormously popular nearby destination, Diamantina. If you’re there at the right time, you’ll catch the bimonthly vesperata in which musicians play old favorites whilst posted in windows and balconies around the charming square, Beco do Mota. Be sure to visit Ilha de Itaparica (Island of Itaparica) or the beaches further north.

Rio de Janeiro

admin — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:25:27 +0000

Rio, that lush, ocean-edge city, is the tourist capital of Brazil. Framed by waters dotted with islands, it is a city of memory, fantasy and allure – a cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city). It is home to world famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and to a nightlife admired around the world. The Cariocas (people of Rio) know how to enjoy themselves. If you visit the clubs, bars, theatres, and restaurants, not to mention the beaches, you will know why.

Christ the Redeemer, the statue on Corcovado Mountain at the edge of Rio, overlooks one of the most densely populated cities on earth, and is witness to a spirited people thriving on dance, drink, beach, sport, and sun. In the daytime, the fifty-nine beaches that spread along Rio’s coast cater to people of all shapes and sizes. At night, the Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Lagoa beach districts pulsate with irresistible beats. Everyone finds something appealing about Rio: from visiting ritzy neighborhoods to hiking the surrounding mountains to beach lounging to taking a tour through one of the world famous favelas (slums). It is a city where you can leave behind your preconceptions, and open your heart and imagination to the vivaciousness of life.

Porto de Galinhas- Beaches with Coconut Palms, Blue Sea and Natural Pools

admin — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:22:44 +0000

A 100 km bus ride away from Recife Brazil, is Porto de Galinhas (Port of Chickens). Its curious name comes from the 18th century forbidden slave trade when “chicken” was the code to refer to the slaves stepping off the boats. Porto used to be an anonymous fishing village; today, it’s one of the most important tourist destinations in Brazil. Many locals still make a living from their catches of the day, as well as from the coconuts that abound in the palm plantations.

Porto is known for the best beaches in Brazil. Eighteen kilometers of white sand beaches stretch along the coast, speckled with resorts, and buffed by a permanent breeze. The centre of town offers a grid of streets lined with small houses, hostels, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can depart from the centre for boat or buggy trips to the Porto beaches.

Natal- A tranquil Oasis in Brazil

admin — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:14:18 +0000

The sunny beaches of Natal, 300 kilometers from Recife, have always been a tranquil oasis. In recent years, with improved infrastructure and information systems, tourism has dramatically increased. As in many towns in Brazil, Carnaval is a hugely celebrated event, bringing to the streets concerts, parties, and crowds of dancing people. During non-Carnaval time, however, there is still plenty for a visitor to see and do. Buggy ride in the sand dunes in the day and in the evening, watch a regional show of music and dance at the Centro de Turismo. There are bars, cafes and restaurants offering great food – you’ll be amazed at the many ways prawns (camarones) can be cooked and eaten!

Paraty – The Old Gold Trail

admin — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:11:57 +0000

Paraty is a quaint, historic seaside town four hours south of Rio. Once a stopping point along the gold trail during the 18th century. nowadays, it is rich with history and culture. The relaxed atmosphere of this town of 15,000 begs you to slow down and visit its historic centre as well as beaches (over 300) and islands (over 65). Meander along cobbled streets either on foot or by horse carriage. Park yourself at a cafe or restaurant, and while you enjoy a coffee or fruit shake or freshly baked cake, watch samba musicians play for their wives and friends. Visit many small shops and boutiques. Take boat rides to nearby islands; kayak in the sea; journey to the nearby waterfalls; visit a cachaça distillery and sample Brazil’s famous rum. Most people are sad to leave Paraty!