during the colonial era, the cod fish economy was thriving which provided a sufficient amount of food for the masses to eat - though cod is eaten all year round, it is definitely a core dish for the easter and christmas holiday derives from the portuguese tradition of not consuming meat for religious reasons.

also from portugal, and as part of the carioca's christmas feast, are the scrumptiously sweet and crave-worthy 'rabanadas' that are similar to what most english speakers identify as french toast - special occasions such as easter and christmas have no shortage of dishes for family and friends to enjoy, and birthdays are no exceptions.

at most birthday parties, there is a rich chocolate 'brigadeiro' present, which is more than enough to satisfy any sweet tooth - brigadeiro means 'brigadier' in english, which in theory is a high-ranking military officer, the sweet however is a ball of chocolate with sprinkles on top.