Bossa Nova

Bossa Nova is a style of Brazilian music that became very popular in the 1950s and early States. With the Record ‘Chega de Saudade’ by João Gilberto, bossa nova officially began a period that influenced the develment of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira). This fusiono f jazz with touch of classical music produced innumerable hits: ‘Garota de Ipanema’ (performed by João Gilberto, written by Vinícius de Moraes and Tom Jobim) is the most famous example.

Berimbau

Afro-Brazilian instrument mande from a dourd half with a long wooden arm and one string. The berimbau is a percussion instrument of Bantu origin, having a single string mounted on a gourd (resonance box). The string is struck with a small to the beat of "capoeira" dancing.

Bar, Brazinho

The bar and barzinho are common meeting places in Brazil. Some are fancier (barzinhos), others more modest (bares), but all have a laid-back atmosphere and often have live music, snacks and light meals. Note that some establishments or restaurants may refuse entry to men in shorts, bermudas or sandals.