7 Similarities between Brazilians and Portuguese
If you are afraid to move to a country with a completely different language and culture than we have in Brazil, an exchange in Portugal can be a great idea. The similarities between Brazilians and Portuguese can give you a “ taste of home”, even though you are thousands of kilometers away. Want to know what these similarities are? Then check out this list that we have prepared!
Similarities between Brazilians and Portuguese
1. Both are very warm people
Abroad, people see Brazilians as a very friendly people, always with a smile on their face. Everyone who has been to Brazil at least once shares this universal opinion: the best thing about our country is our people. Although the Portuguese may seem more serious, they are just as warm as we are. Foreigners visiting Portugal are often surprised by the fact that the Portuguese are very friendly and helpful, always ready to share tips on where to eat and drink.
2. Coffee is a mutual passion
You know how coffee is a drink that permeates our entire culture, don’t you? But did you know that this brings Brazilians and Portuguese even closer together? Just like here, they always find time to take a break and have coffee. It can be pure, with milk, hot or cold – it doesn’t really matter as long as it tastes like coffee. They also have the habit of serving a cup of coffee after each meal, as if it were some kind of ritual, a very common custom – especially among the elderly – here in Brazil!
3. Meals can last a long time
You must have already attended family lunches that started in the morning and went on late, right? But this is not just our characteristic! Having a meal with Brazilians and Portuguese is not just sitting at the table and eating . In fact, it is like a tradition that cannot be done in just half an hour. The place we eat usually doesn’t matter – it can be a restaurant or at home. What matters is the connection we have at every meal. Both here and there, we have strong ties with family and friends, and it is common for a simple weekend lunch to last 3 hours (or longer!).
4. Summer is synonymous with the beach
It is no secret to anyone in the world that we Brazilians love to go to the beach. Even those who live in states that have no coastline in general go to the beach at some point (or even in the year). Like Brazil, Portugal has a very hot climate in the summer, with temperatures that can reach 39ºC on a sunny day.
There, you can also find very beautiful beaches, and they get crowded on weekends during the summer, just like here. The only difference is that we have summer at different times of the year, being in Brazil from December to March and in Portugal from June to September. During those days, you can put on your swim trunks or bikini, lay down your towel to tan and enjoy the good weather with some friends. For sure you will not be without company, because both Brazilians and Portuguese love to go to the beach. Just don’t forget to hydrate yourself and apply your sunscreen!
5. June is the season of São João
Festa junina is not exclusive to Brazil! As Brazilians and Portuguese are equally religious, June is the perfect month to celebrate some Catholic saints. And, in that case, you can celebrate the feast of São João (or June party), in both countries. In fact, this traditional street party is originally from Portugal and was brought to Brazil during colonization.
However, there are some differences. For example, it is common to see tissue paper hot air balloons during this party in Portugal, but here in Brazil this is prohibited and seen as a crime. However, both countries have bonfires, lots of food, dancing, fireworks and music. It is a great opportunity to see how the two cultures are really close and connected.
6. The Portuguese language
OK, this is an obvious similarity between Brazilians and Portuguese, but it is worth mentioning, especially for people who want to go abroad but do not speak any other language. The Portuguese spoken in Portugal differs a lot in terms of accent in relation to what we speak here in Brazil, but even so it is totally possible to understand a conversation with someone there. Apart from some particularities, such as names and expressions, the strands are very close and became even more so after the new orthographic agreement, signed in 1990 .
7. The Portuguese “sertanejo”
Have you heard of pimba music? No? Incredibly, it is a trait of Portuguese culture that unites Brazilians and Portuguese. That’s because pimba is a popular rhythm, with a rural root, and that has many lyrics full of puns and romantic themes.
Does it remind you of any musical genre here in Brazil? If you said “sertanejo”, you’re right! Like the sertanejo in Brazil, pimba music tends to rock parties in Portuguese lands and auditorium programs on Portuguese TV stations.
