International Women’s Day in Brazil is a holiday dedicated to valorização da mulher, or "woman appreciation." In this article, you’ll learn all about special traditions for Women’s Day in Brazil, some history behind the holiday, and relevant vocabulary! Let’s get started. 1. What is International Women’s Day? On Women’s Day, Brazil focuses on showing appreciation, respect, and love for women. This is an important holiday around the world, and the same is true in Brazil. Looking at the International Women’s Day history, the first celebration was in the United States in 1909. The Socialist Party of America hosted an event for women in New York, and the idea quickly caught on in Europe, which had its first Women’s Day in... Show more

Each year, Brazilians take it upon themselves to celebrate and pay tribute to the patroness of Brazil, Our Lady of Aparecida. This is a major religious observance for Catholics, who often make a journey to the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida on this day. In this article, you’ll learn about the Our Lady of Aparecida apparition, one of her most famous miracles, and the most common traditions associated with this holiday. At PortuguesePod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both and informative! 1. What is Our Lady of Aparecida Day? On Our Lady of Aparecida Day, Brazil pays tribute to its patron saint, who is sometimes also referred to as the Virgin of Aparecida or the Lady of the... Show more

Fathers are extremely important people, benefiting both their own children and society as a whole when they choose to act in this honorable role. On Fathers Day, Brazilians seek to honor and show appreciation for the fathers or father-figures in their lives, as much of the world does once a year. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of how Brazil celebrates Father’s Day, including the most popular gifts and traditions. At PortuguesePod101.com, we hope to make this learning journey worthwhile, and hope you take away something valuable! Happy Fathers Day! 1. What is Father’s Day? You’re likely familiar with the concept of Father’s Day, as it’s celebrated in just about every country. Father’s Day is a holiday for... Show more

Are you wondering, "When is Valentine’s Day in Brazil?" National Boyfriend and Girlfriend Day is the equivalent of Valentine’s Day in Brazil, a day set aside for lovers. On Boyfriend and Girlfriend (Valentine’s) Day, Brazil also keeps in mind St. Anthony of Padua, who is known for his teachings on love and marriage. Learning about National Girlfriend and Boyfriend Day will help you to see Brazil through a clearer lens, in terms of its culture and its take on a holiday you may already be familiar with in your own country. Any successful language-learner can tell you that this is an essential step in mastering your target language, Portuguese. And at PortuguesePod101.com, we hope to make this—and all—lessons both fun and... Show more

Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier (Tiradentes) is considered a hero among Brazilians, and thus has a holiday commemorating the day that he was hanged a martyr. Tiradentes was a large supporter of and actor in the Minas Conspiracy, which ultimately sought to end the monarchy and win independence for Brazil. Tiradentes Day is one of the most significant holidays in Brazil, seeing the high stakes that Tiradentes sought after for the country. As you read through this article, you’ll uncover layers of Brazil’s history and culture that are vital for your understanding! 1. Reading Practice: What is Tiradentes Day in Brazil? Why is the holiday Tiradentes celebrated in Brazil? Read the Brazilian Portuguese text below to find out (you can... Show more

Learn all the Portuguese New Year wishes online, in your own time, on any device! Join PortuguesePod101 for a special Portuguese New Year celebration! Can you relate to the year passing something like this: “January, February, March - December!”? Many people do! Quantum physics teaches us that time is relative, and few experiences illustrate this principle as perfectly as when we reach the end of a year. To most of us, it feels like the old one has passed in the blink of an eye, while the new year lies ahead like a very long journey! However, New Year is also a time to celebrate beginnings, and to say goodbye to what has passed. This is true in every culture, no matter when New Year is celebrated. So, how do you say Happy New... Show more

Do you know any ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Portuguese? PortuguesePod101 brings you easy-to-learn translations and the correct pronunciation of Portuguese Christmas phrases! Christmas is the annual commemorative festival of Christ’s birth in the Western Christian Church. It takes place on December 25th and is usually celebrated with much food and fanfare! However, not all cultures celebrate Christmas. In some countries, Christmas is not even a public holiday! However, many countries have adapted Christmas and its religious meaning to tally with their own beliefs, or simply in acknowledgment of the festival’s importance to other cultures. If you want to impress native Portuguese speakers with culturally-appropriate... Show more

There are plenty of destinations where you can get by with English, but sometimes you want to do better than just ‘get by’. Here are 6 reasons you should learn the basics of the language of your next trip destination. 1. You will be able to discover your destination better than other tourists. Getting by is one thing, but actually experiencing a trip abroad is quite another. No amount of guidebooks and online research can compensate for a basic lack of language ability. Speaking the language of your destination permits you to explore that destination beyond the regular tourist traps. Your language skills will not only allow you to dig into all the hidden gems of your destination, but they will also allow you to mingle with the... Show more