this optimism can be seen at any time in rio, as people smile with ease, and hardly seem to worry. if a problem can be solved, 'why worry?', they say - and if it cannot be solved...why worry? they add. 

their overall well-being is reflected in a very distinct and entertaining sense of humor - cariocas love to laugh and even devote a yearly festival to their humor. two things can spoil a carioca's good mood - a loss by their soccer team, and a rainy day - especially on a week-end.

on par with music, soccer is an extremely important part of cariocas' lives - divided among four local clubs, most cariocas follow with attention the fate of their favorite team - cheering so passionately to make it a sport in itself.