Everyday activities and practices have also been determined and influenced by the characteristic Carioca syncretism - Some pastimes date back to early indigenous civilizations, while other activities, habits and foods derive from European settlers and Afro-Brazilian populations.

Fishing communities have existed since before Portuguese colonization of Brazil, while the important martial art of 'capoeira' and many spiritual affiliations have their origin in African traditions.

Similarly, Rio de Janeiro has a great wealth of traditional national cuisine with roots in a variety of cultural backgrounds.