Brazilian Culture 101 for your Working Holiday Adventure

More than a game, football is a national religion

Football is very important aspect of Brazilian life for many. It’s the only sport worth watching and talking about in Brazil. People are really passionate about it. And when it’s not football, it’s a variant, like beach volley or altinha, another beach-and-ball game born in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazilians play football, watch football and support their team. Flamengo, one of the Rio de Janeiro-based clubs, reportedly has the most fans in the world—almost 40 million in 2020.

Local teams matter

Brazilians may be more passionate about their local team than the national one. They are very attached to their club and will stand by it no matter what. Again, and this is not anecdotal, it seems that every single Brazilian supports a specific club. If people start talking about football, you will probably be asked who you’re cheering for at home. Awkward moment ahead if you just say “the national team” or worse, if you don’t care about football at all! 

Surprisingly, Brazilians sing more passionately during their local team’s games than during the national team’s games. And they aren’t particularly enthusiastic when it’s time to sing the national anthem.

The world stops for games

Local and national games alike are big events. In fact, many businesses close during national games, even banks and schools, so that everybody can focus on what matters—football! 

On a practical note, don’t try to tackle anything urgent on game day. Even when the 90 minutes are up, many people take the rest of the day off to celebrate or dry their tears!

Fans hardly stop chanting during games, especially when local teams are playing. And no need to head to the stadium to witness football passion, you can see it in the street as well. You may even spot fans praying in bars, rosary in hand. A player scored a goal? Get ready for at least ten loud minutes of fans hugging, cheering, falling to the ground, etc. It’s… quite an experience!