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How Have Brazilians Added to the Quality of Life in Broward County?"
Melanie Monteiro
Seminole Middle School - 6th Grade
First Place
Brazilians have contributed quite a lot to
Broward County by bringing their businesses, cuisine, martial arts
academies, fashion, music, dance, religion, and general outlook of
life.
Brazilian businesses have thrived throughout Broward County;
however, they are most concentrated in Pompano Beach. Brazilian
businesses vary in nature: insurance companies, travel agencies,
medical and legal offices, restaurants, grocery stores, music and
book stores, martial arts academies, and clothing stores, just to
mention a few. It's not only the Brazilians who enjoy these services
or shopping at these stores, but also, people from all over the
county.
Brazilian cuisine is one of the most delicious in Broward County.
All around the county there are many Brazilian "churrascarias."
These are large Brazilian steakhouses where a variety of meats are
served "rodizio" style. In a "rodizio" restaurant the servers come
around offering an abundance of choices such as, beef, steak, or
pork, which you can either accept or decline. Other than "churrascarias",
there are also numerous restaurants throughout the county. These
sell true culinary delights! Some of my favorites include "pao de
queijo", "brigadeiro", "coxinha", and "pastel de queijo." Clearly,
Brazilian cuisine has expanded the variety of food choices in
Broward County.
In Broward County several schools offer after school programs and
transportation to Brazilian martial arts academies. One of the
styles taught at these academies is the Capoeira. Capoeira
originated in Africa and further developed in Brazil. Capoeira
includes acrobatic movements and despite it's holistic nature, it is
also a method of self-defense. Through Brazilian martial arts many
kids in the county have been exposed to yet one more aspect of
Brazilian culture.
Brazilian apparel and shoes are widely available all over Broward
County. Even at large department stores such as Macy's and
Dillard's, one can find high quality Brazilian leather goods.
Brazilian clothing is also very fashionable, and colorful ,and many
items contain beautifully detailed prints. In addition, Brazilian
supermodels are internationally in high demand in the fashion
industry, bringing further awareness to Brazilian fashion items and
accessories. Their image and advertisements are well know and
scattered throughout the county.
Brazilian music is very lively, especially the famous samba. The
samba is originally from Africa, but grew in fame in the hands of
Brazilian composers and musicians. They brought the samba to the "passarela"
of Carnival, which happens in February each year in Brazil. The most
fabulous, yet seriously professional, Carnival celebration takes
place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The tradition of Carnival first
started in 1641. Skilled Brazilian dancers dressed in exhuberant
costumes beyond compare, bring their talent, in body and in soul, on
the "passarela do samba." This is where the professional schools of
samba perform their art every year and parade for half of a mile.
Many Brazilians celebrate Carnival in Broward County as well.
The majority of Brazilians is Christian. While many are Catholics,
many others are Evangelical. They gather at their churches weekly,
where they practice not only their religion, but also form and
strengthen their community ties. All are welcome at these places of
worship, found all over Broward County.
Perhaps, the most important contribution Brazilians have made to
Broward County is their positive outlook on life. Brazilians are
always happy, in a great mood, and ready to make new friends. They
are welcoming to, and inclusive of, people of all different
cultures. Brazilians love to entertain and make all their guests
feel comfortable and happy in their homes! Their kindness and
optimism are fortunately contagious!
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Bibliography:
http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/2000/5/00.05.06.x.htm I
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian Carnival http://www.usadoio.com/styles/about-capoeira-more.htm |
