to overcome this, the capoeira fighting style was created to look like a dance, so that during down time the slaves could play music and practice acrobatic kicking techniques to the rhythm - when seen by the keepers, it would seem as if they were practicing a ritualistic dance, and so capoeira thrived.

it is one of rio de janeiro's primary cultural exports, as it is now taught globally, and people flock to rio just to learn from the greatest martial artists alive - the capoeira world championship is held annually in may in rio de janeiro, and over 40 countries compete for the title.

world day of thanksgiving (dia mundial de ação de graças) has been celebrated in november in brazil since 1949 thanks to the then brazilian ambassador who while in the united states was so impressed with the holiday he decided to bring it back to brazil.