Brasil Observer #15 - English Version

www.brasi lobserver.co.uk

FREE ISSN 2055-4826LONDON EDITION

LEIA

EMPO

RTUG

UÊS # 0 0 1 5

JULY 17 – 30

MARCELLO CASAL JR./AGÊNCIA BRASIL

FULL TIMETHE WORLD CUP HAS COME TO AN END AND BRASIL OBSERVER

BRINGS REPORTS AND COMMENTS DIRECT FROM THE HOST COUNTRY

>> Pages 10, 11, 12 & 13

FESTIVAL FRINGEA month full of culture in Scotland’s capital>> Page 15

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE SOCIETY

LONDON EDITION

EDITOR IN CHIEFAna [email protected]

EDITORSGuilherme Reis [email protected] Kate Rintoul [email protected]

PUBLIC RELATIONS Roberta Schwambach [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS Alec Herron, Antonio Veiga, Bianca Dalla, Gabriela Lobianco, Marielle Machado, Michael Landon, Nathália Braga, Ricardo Somera, Rômulo Seitenfus, Rosa Bittencourt, Shaun Cumming, Wagner de Alcântara Aragão

LAYOUT wake up colab

[email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGN Jean Peixe

[email protected]

DISTRIBUTION Emblem Group [email protected]

PRINTER Iliffe Print Cambridge iliffeprint.co.uk

ACCOUNTING ADVISORY Atex Business Solutions [email protected]

BRASIL OBSERVER is a fortnightly publication of the ANAGU UK MA-RKETING E JORNAIS UN LIMITED (Company number: 08621487) and is not responsible for the concepts expressed in signed articles. People who do not appear in this expedient are not authorized to speak on behalf of Brasil Observer. The contents published in this newspaper may be reproduced if properly credited to the author and to Brasil Observer.

[email protected] [email protected] 020 3015 5043

SITEwww.brasilobserver.co.uk

1011

1213

14

1525

0809

2014 WORLD CUP

CONECTANDO

BRASIL OBSERVER GUIDE

PROFILE

2014 WORLD CUP

Brazil proves to be perfect host

German party in an outside the pitch

Science Without Boarders experience in the UK

Festival Fringe and much more…

Royce Grace

03

0405

06

IN FOCUS

BRAZIL & UK

BRASILIANCE

Important news from last two weeks

Brazil’s race to the presidency

UK supports literary festival in Brazil

16 - 17 20 - 2118 2419 22 - 23

The end. Yes, in only one month everything we had been ex-pecting for seven years has happened, the World Cup in Brazil. Already being spoken about as the Cup of Cups, the event made history and happiness for the foreigners who visited in the country, proving the pessimists who had doubted Brazil wrong.Brazil held the mega event and perhaps you, like me, wa-tched a spectacle of sport from a distance and also feel sorry not to have seen our team win at home. The trophy was definitely not ours. Now the drama of the games are finished, the discussion has to consider a lot of factors and whether we can really justify the billions spent on the event. In this edition we review the possible legacy of the cup, in a special from page 10. Of course some are already turning their attention towards the second major event this year in Brazil as the election campaigns step up a gear. In this edition’s Brasiliance sec-tion on pages 4 and 5, Wagner de Alcântara Aragão analyses the current political scene and gives more information about the 11 candidates running for the top job in Brazil, the President of the Republic.

Also in this issue, Rômulo Seitenfus interviews one of the best-known names in Jiu-Jitsu, Royce Gracie. Learn more about the history of fighter and his controversial opinion about the sport’s point system in today on pages 8 and 9. Last year we discussed the arrival of Brazilian students to the UK who were participating in the federal government Science Without Borders program. On page 14, at the end of the experience, Bruno Gomes tells us about his time here and what he taking with him when he returns to Brazil. Of course, as you already know, Brasil Observer Guide is full of culture, entertainment, fashion and tourism. This edition’s feature by Gabriela Lobianco, looks at the Edin-burgh Festival Fringe, one of the biggest arts events in the world which kicks off in the Scottish capital at the end of the month.

Don’t forget that you can keep in touch with all things Bra-zil through our social networks: facebook.com/brasilobserver or Tweet us @brasilobserver

E D I T O R I A L

MORE THAN FOOTBALLBy Ana Toledo – [email protected]

16|17GUIDE COVER STORY18NINETEEN EIGHT-FOUR19GOING OUT21NEW CANVAS OVER OLD22/23TRAVEL 24|25 MUSIC TO WEAR

3brasilobserver.co.uk

IN FOCUS

The most optimistic forecast is that the New Development Bank, the bank of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), will be operating by 2016. However, the his-toric agreement for the creation of the bank, which was due to be signed at the summit of BRICS presidents, which began on Monday 14 July in Fortale-za, Brazil, still has to be ratified, a process that, could take a year at best, according to Brazilian diplomats. Once confirmed, the countries will

still have six months to make the budgeting procedures and transfer the initial injection of funds to the bank. Equal distribution of the bank’s ca-pital, to ensure a balance of power between countries in charge of the financial institution, is considered es-sential. Each country should invest equally to the bank’s initial US$ 50 billion. This represents US$ 8 billion in guarantees and US$ 2 billion in cash from each nation. The total con-tribution will take seven years to be fully completed. While the act to create the vir-

tual anti-crisis fund, named as the Reservation Quota Agreement, was practically complete, politicians were still discussing the details, such as the location of the bank’s headquarters and candidates for the banks presi-dency. At the time of going to press, it looked as though a Brazilian would be chosen to serve as the first pre-sident and that the Chinese city of Shanghai, will become home to the bank’s headquarters. The stewardship of the bank will rotate with each president shall hold office for a ma-ximum of five years.Brazil wants the presidency because

it considers this a strategic position in defining the bank’s operating mo-del. The bank will approve loans for group members’ countries, opening up the possibility of the board to approve funding for non-members. According to sources involved in the negotia-tions, the new institution will have a fairly open mandate to use different funding instruments. The goals, howe-ver, will be restricted, because it will be a bank focussed on infrastructure projects and sustainable development.

BRICS presidents in Fortaleza

BRICS TO OPEN DEVELOPMENT BANK BY 2016

UK: 30 YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT TO PROTEST

On 9 July over 500 past and present Chevening Scholars re-presenting 118 countries gathered at Chevening House to mark 30 years of the UK’s most presti-gious scholarship programme and to invite more of the world’s bri-ghtest graduates to apply. The Chevening Scholarships

Programme finances successful graduates who have the poten-tial to become influential le-aders and decision makers to study postgraduate courses at British universities.The event was hosted by

Minister of State in the Fo-reign and Commonwealth Offi-ce, Hugo Swire. “This event shows how successful the Chevening Scholarships pro-gramme has been in building relationships for the UK with decision makers in businesses and Governments. Following the tripling of scholarships set out by the Chancellor in his Budget, I hope this event will encourage the brightest gradua-tes around the world to apply to study in the UK”. The event included an exhi-

bition of the GREAT campaign that promotes Britain as one of the best countries in the world to visit, study and do business with.

Chevening Scholarships are part of the UK government’s global educational programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The Scholarships are awarded to outstanding graduates with the potential to be leaders to pursue one-year Master’s de-grees in any subject at any of the UK’s leading universi-ties. The Scholarships are an important element in Britain’s public diplomacy effort and bring young professionals, who have already displayed outstanding leadership talents, to study in the UK. The objective of the Chevening is to support foreign policy priorities and achieve FCO objectives by creating lasting positive relationships with fu-ture leaders, influencers and decision-makers. In his Budget announcement

this year, the Chancellor Ge-orge Osbourne pledged to tri-ple the number of scholarships awarded to more than 1500 each year from 2015. Appli-cations for the 2015/16 pro-gramme open in August 2014. More information is available at www.chevening.org.

Without the presence of government representatives or institutions like the Pu-blic Ministry and the Lo-wers Association of Brazil (OAB), social movements spoke at a senate hearing to criticise the criminalisa-tion of protesting created by an amendment in the Criminal Code which pro-secutes demonstrators. The Code proposes to

increase the penalty for a crime related to patri-mony, and qualifies mur-ders committed at the demonstrations, providing penalty with imprison-ment of 12 to 30 years and increases by 50% the penalty for bodily injury committed under the cir-cumstances. Furthermore, the use of a mask, helmet or any other appliance or arrangement that hinders identification would be classes as an aggravating factor. Finally, any dama-ge to public or private equity that occurs during demonstrations can be in-vestigated by police, if approved, those charged with causing damage face

imprisonment from two to five years. The representatives of

social movements rei-terated their unanimous opposition to the code. The criticisms were based primarily upon the code’s infringement on freedom of expression and questioning the self-interest of gover-nments and private com-panies have in suppressing protest. “We are seeing a resurgence of various in-fringements of rights of political expression and activity,” said Lucas Bri-to, of the National As-sembly of Free Students. Brito cited the arrest of

19 activists suspected of involvement in violence in protests in Rio during the weekend of the World Cup final. According to Brito, “they are being arrested for having been mistaken for vandals. We are not thugs but politi-cal activists,” he said. For the student, the code is a repressive attempt to criminalise the action of social movements as ter-rorist actions.

MARCELO CAMARGO/AGÊNCIA BRASIL

4 brasilobserver.co.uk

BRASILIANCE

The World Cup has closed, and after the hangovers and feeling of disap-pointment subsides, people will turn their attention towards this year’s pre-sidential race. The first stage of the general election

will take place on 5 October and, if none of the candidates wins a 50% ma-jority, the election will go to the second round, scheduled for 26 October. The Superior Electoral Court (TSE)

has registered a total of 141,824,607 Brazilians eligible to vote, this figure is an increase of 4.43% more than the 135,804,433 voters of 2010. There are 11 candidates in the presi-

dential race, the highest number since the 1998 election (there were 12 that year), though only three have a real chance to be voted in. This trio is made up of current president, Dilma Rousseff; Aécio Neves, the senator from Minas Gerais, and the former governor of Per-nambuco, Eduardo Campos. Wide public support for the trio has been indicated in recent opinion polls. Even those who are sceptical about such surveys do not find reason to doubt that Rousseff, Neves and Campos are the only ones who can viably challenge to become president. After all, they are the three most

nationally known candidates and their coalitions are formed by the largest and most structured political parties. These candidates are given more time on radio and television, and will spend significantly more than others on their campaigns, with a combined spend to-talling R$ 738 million. Of this trio, Dilma Rousseff remains

the favourite. Opinion polls from various institutes indicate that only an unpre-dictable, unexpected event would remo-ve the current president in the second round. Some surveys even indicate that she may win in the first round.

HARD FIGHT This does not mean that the campaign

will be peaceful. The expectation is that it will be as hotly contested as four years ago. Already the wave of rumours on the internet, especially on social ne-tworks has been spreading misinforma-tion and untruthful analysis. The power of negative gossip is immeasurable and it can be impossible to neutralise them. Rousseff will have to deal with criti-

cisms and even personal attacks during

the campaign and election process as she experienced in 2010. The situation then however, was much more favoura-ble to her. At that time, Rousseff was defending the legacy and represented the continuity of an extraordinarily po-pular president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Lula enjoyed popularity ratings of around 80% in opinion polls, which have never been seen before. Today, just 30% of voters evaluate

Rousseff’s government as ‘good or ex-cellent’. This represents a dramatic fall, until June last year, the evaluation the figure stood at 60%. While they were not in essence against the president, they had damaging consequences to her po-pularity. There are signs of recovery, but it is highly unlikey that they will return to previous levels. That said, Dilma Rousseff starts the

campaign with 37% of voters inten-ding to choose her, almost double that of Aécio Neves (20%) and nearly five times more than Eduardo Campos. Current polls show that a further 11% of voters are undecided, it is this fi-gure that can make a huge difference at the end.

PROJECTS AND POLICYDespite variances in opinion, it could

be argued that the three main presi-dential candidates represent projects with more similarities than differences.In regards to the economy, none of

the three candidates are proposing radical change. Each of them intends to main-tain the so-called tripod of economic policy - high interest rates, exchange rate controls and securing a surplus of public accounts. This inflexible approach is not without

its flaws. Rousseff inherited the policy from Lula, who in turn inherited it from his predecessor, Fernando Henrique Car-doso. While the Rousseff tried to loo-sen this system, she had to retreat in the face of market pressures ma. Neves (who hails from the party that first im-posed and upheld the tripod policy) and Eduardo Campos have stated they will maintain and even intensify this macroe-conomic policy. The most voracious criticism for this

WILSON DIAS/AGÊNCIA BRASIL

PRESIDENTIAL RACE HEATS UPThe election campaigns officially began on 5 July, but only now the World

Cup has finished will the public be focused on deciding who will lead

Brazil. With 11 candidates running for president is the highest since 1998

and the election promises to be competitive as 2010

By Wagner de Alcântara Aragão


THE PEOPLE THAT COULD LEAD BRAZILMore than 140

million Brazilians are eligible to vote DILMA ROUSSEFF

Candidate for the Workers Party (PT) Rousseff represents an increasingly centre-left profile (the party has traditionally been on the left) and party that has governed since 2003, when Lula first came to office. Rousseff is running with the same deputy as in 2010, Michel Temer, of the Brazilian Democratic Movement (PMDB). They have declared that they will spend R$ 298 million on the campaign.

AÉCIO NEVES

Candidate for the centre-right Party of Brazilian Social Democracy (PSDB). Ex-Governor of Minas Gerais (2003-2010) and currently a senator, Neves is seen as the chief opponent to Rousseff’s government. His coalition brings together right-wing parties and has said they will spend R$ 290 million on the campaign.

EDUARDO CAMPOS

Candidate for the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB), which, despite the name, migrated to the centre of Brazilian politics and even to the centre-right at times. Campos is the former Governor of Pernambuco (2007-2014) and was Minister of Science and Technology during the first term of President Lula. By 2013, the party was an ally of Rousseff’s government. Campos will have Marina Silva, as deputy. Silva was Environment Minister in Lula’s government and, in 2010, was a candidate for president for the Green Party (PV), winning 20% of the valid votes. They have declared to spend R$ 150 million.

PASTOR EVERALDO PEREIRA

Candidate of the right wing Social Christian Party (PSC). Has considerable popularity among evangelical worshipers and is garnering significant support from other evangelical leaders. Announced to spend R$ 50 million on the campaign.

LUCIANA GENRO

Candidate of the leftist Socialism and Freedom Party (Psol), who took over after the

pre-candidate, Senator Randolfe Rodrigues, abdicated during a dispute. Genro is also the daughter of the governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Tarso Genro (PT) and has said she will spend R$ 900,000.

EDUARDO JORGE

Candidate for the centre Green Party (PV). His background and experiences in office is related to the area of the environment. Declared to spend R$ 90 million on the campaign.

LEVI FIDELIX

Candidate of the far-right Brazilian Labour Renewal Party (PRTB). Also ran as a candidate in 2010 and will repeat the traditional party line of investment to large cities. Declared spend R$ 12 million on the campaign.

JOSÉ MARIA EYMAEL

Candidate of the right wing Social Democratic Christian Party (PSDC). Has run for president in 1998, 2006 and 2010 and declared spend R$ 25 million.

JOSÉ MARIA DE ALMEIDA

Candidate of the leftist Unified Socialist Party of Workers (PSTU). Also ran as a candidate in 1998, 2002 and 2010. Will spend R$ 400,000 on the campaign.

MAURO IASI

A university professor and candidate of the Brazilian Communist Party (PCB). Declared to spend R$ 100,000.

RUI COSTA PIMENTA

Candidate of the Workers’ Cause Party (PCO), party traditionally on the left, but that has taken a less extreme stance during Rousseff’s first term. This is his fourth candidacy, having run in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. He announced to spend R$ 300,000.

entrenched policy is being voiced by the left. However they have a near zero chance of gaining enough votes to take them into the second round and thus have a victory that could change the country’s economic system.None of the main parties are propo-

sing real change. In this election, it’s possible to say that not since the first election after the civil-military dicta-torship in 1989, has the overall poli-tical agenda determined from such a conservative point of view. What puts Rousseff to the left of her

two main opponents is of course the DNA and the traditionally leftist PT par-ty she represents, as well as the public policies for social inclusion created by Lula and accelerated by Rousseff. Du-ring her first term, a more developmen-tal focussed economy (with large public works and greater state financing of in-vestments in infrastructure) also give her ongoing candidacy a more progressive seasoning. However, such policies and greater state presence in the economy are often questioned, if not criticised by the right wing parties of Aécio Neves and Eduardo Campos.

RISE OF EVANGELICAL CANDIDATE

In the most conservative side of the spectrum, one name is gaining attention: Pastor Everaldo, the candidate of the Social Christian Party (PSC). Even be-fore the campaign takes to the streets, Everaldo begins the race with up to 3% of voters intending to vote for him, al-though his official application to run for office has not yet been approved. Pastor Everaldo has also received ex-

pressions of support from representa-tives of evangelical churches - among them Pastor Silas Malafaia, an influen-tial leader with a great capacity to mobilise voters. Thus, the election of 2014 will be the first since Brazil first stepped out from under the cloud of dictatorship in 1989 that evangelicals will put forward a candidate for presi-dential election, showing the potential to mark new territory. No matter how you intend to vote, the-

re is no doubt that there will be surprises during this year’s electoral process.


BRAZIL & UK

The 12th edition of the International Li-terary Festival of Paraty (FLIP, in Portu-guese), will which has established itself as one of the best events of the Brazilian cultural calendar will take place in from 30 July to 3 August. The event will see va-rious writers of different nationalities meet in the picturesque coastal city of the State of Rio de Janeiro to take part in a se-ries of talks and events. This year, Millôr Fernandes, the Brazilian writer, journalist, cartoonist, humorist and playwright will be honoured. As one of the most remarkable figures of

the Brazilian press, Fernandes’ comprehen-sive body of work will be celebrated in Paraty two years after his death, in March 2012 at the age of 88. Born in Rio and a master of humour, Fernandes’ work perfec-tly encapsulates the pirit and ambitions of FLIP. Circulating in several areas of kno-wledge, with diverse works including the translation of Shakespeare’s works, carto-ons, journalism and the haiku, he dissolved borders and promoted integration between arts, something that FLIP also aims to do. This edition will see the British Council

will have a presence at the event through their Transform program, which aims to develop the artistic dialogue between the UK and Brazil. Transform will be pre-senting the work of Mohsin Hamid and Antonio Prata, two authors that make use humour and construct portraits of themsel-ves which they have represented around the world. The British Council also supports three

other events at the main festivals’ sister event Flipmais. The first event is titled Tradução in translation and will see the writers José Luiz Passos and Sam Byers talk with translators Paulo Henriques Britto

DIV

ULG

ATIO

N

FLIP, which celebrates its 12th edition this year, has established itself as one of the major events on Brazil’s cultural calendar

BRITISH COUNCIL SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL OF PARATY

For the 2014 edition of FLIP, which will honour Millôr Fernandes, the British institution will support part of the official program

and Daniel Hahn on different aspects of literary translation, focusing on English and Portuguese. In the second, the British experimen-

tal theatre maker Tim Crouch recreate Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night as a brilliant one man show. Taking on the role of Mal-volio, the servant in this classic comedy, Crouch will deliver accounts of the story of bullying, shame and deceit which is part soliloquy and part disturbing rant. Finally, London poet and DJ Char-

lie Dark, a member of the trio Attica Blues and founder of Blacktronica, will be

collaborating with musician, composer and master of rhymed poetry Siba, from Per-nambuco State. The duo will bring distinct strands of spoken poetry to the stage and then discuss the nuances of this practice in Brazil and the UK.

FLIP IN THE UKOnce FLIP comes to an end in Brazil,

the countdown to the second edition of the English version of the festival will

begin. Once again Snape Maltings on the Suffolk coast, will host FlipSide from 3 to 5 October 2014.Liz Calder, the English creator of the

two festivals, announced event schedule at the Embassy of Brazil in London in May. Among the highlights are appearan-ces from the author Ana Maria Machado and singer Bebel Gilberto

g For more information on Fl ipSide and tickets please visit www.fl ipsidefestival .co.uk


Chamadas e SMS gratuitos e ilimitados entre Lycamobile UK

500 Minutos UK+

SMS ilimitados UK1GB Internet

Para adquirir envie 11044 para 3535

£10/30 dias

Confira as nossas tarifasquando você adere ao UK plan

Redes fixas Redes móveis4 19Portugal

Redes fixas Redes móveis1 9Brasil

Peça o seu cartão grátis em www.lycamobile.co.uk ou ligue para 020 7132 0322Lycamobile’s Special International rates for UK plans customers offer (“the offer”) is valid for calls from the UK to standard international landline and mobile numbers only and for customers with the £10, £15, £20, £30 or £40 UK plans (not the £5 or £7.5 plan). Promotion valid from 06-04-2014 to 31-07-2014. Lycamobile UK Plan (‘the offer’) inclusive allowances are for calls and texts from the UK to standard UK landline (starting 01,02 or 03) and other UK mobile numbers, and for mobile internet usage in the UK. Other usage will be charged at standard rates. Mobile Internet allowance for the UK PLAN 5,7.50,10,15,20,30,40 includes 50MB, 500MB,1GB, unlimited,2GB,3GB,5GB respectively. Allowances are valid for 30 days from the date of purchase. Unlimited usage is subject only to a variation of speed from 4G/3G to 2G for usage beyond 10GB per month per SIM. 4G availability is subject to handset model and location. Calls are rounded up to the nearest minute for the purpose of calculating remaining allowances. A customer may have only one offer on their account and may not buy another during the 30 day validity period. Any remaining allowance after 30 days will not be carried over into the next 30 day period should the customer repurchase their bundle. Lycamobile reserves the right to replace or amend the offer or these Terms & Conditions or to withdraw the offer at any time on reasonable notice. Note that promotional credit (credit which Lycamobile has given to customers for free) cannot be used towards purchasing a bundle. The offer is for non-commercial, private, personal use only - Lycamobile reserves the right to withdraw or suspend the offer or to disconnect you if we suspect that offer is being used for commercial purposes, for conferencing, or if it is not being used in a handset (in a SIM box for example), if it is being used for tethering or if any reason Lycamobile reasonably suspects that you are not acting in accordance with this policy where we consider that the usage was illegitimate. Promotional period: the offer is valid from 01.04.2014

Recarregue o seu cartão SIM online ou nos seguintes pontos de venda:

Os clientes podem não disponibilzar da recarga eletrônica em todos os pontos de venda onde o logotipo da recarga aparece.

UK PLAN 10

LM_UK_Brazil_Observer_July_268x345mm.indd 1 30/06/2014 14:38


PROFILE

In an exclusive interview with the Brasil Observer in London, the UFC champion recalls the beginning of his career, discusses his disciplined method and criticises the

power of money over the sport

Text & photo by Rômulo Seitenfus

The best known name in the world of Jiu--Jitsu. This is how the Brazilian Royce Gracie has come to be known. Born in Rio, Royce made his fame in the United States and now travels the world teaching the things he has learned through years of dedication to the sport. Royce is a martial arts professional, who was recently in London to give a workshop at the Grace Garcia Jiu-Jitsu academy in Camden where Brasil Observer met him on the mat for this interview. While Royce is well known among lovers

of martial arts, here’s a little context for those unfamiliar. Royce Grace was practically born on the mat. He is the son of Grandmaster Helio Gracie, nephew of Carlos Gracie and his three brothers, Rorion, Relson, and Rickson are also known in the world of Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The family, in fact, developed the Gracie

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, that was based upon tra-ditional Japanese fighting taught by Mitsuyo Maeda but that developed to become a sport for promoting physical fitness and building character in young people. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu quickly found fans around the world with notable fights that gave rise to today’s billio-naire Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the largest mixed martial arts championship in the world. It all started in 1993 with UFC 1. The Gra-

cie family, who had built a strong audience in the United States, through teaching techniques of defence and attack, wanted to show the world that their method was the best. Royce Grace was chosen to represent the family on the mats, a role he took on with great suc-cess, knocking out opponents who were much heavier (by sometimes as much as 30 KG). Royce’s participation in UFC lasted until the

fifth edition. After this event, he and his fami-ly left the championship because they opposed the new rules that set a time limit and left the decision of winner to the judges. These rules went against Royce’s ideals, who felt he had accomplished everything he could in the sport and sold his part of the UFC at relatively ear-ly stage. Today, according to the organisation’s president, Dana White, the company is worth around US$ 3.5 billion. The fact the sport is now valued so highly

could be source of frustration, but this is not. At 47 years old, with his legs stretched out on the mat, Royce speaks his thoughts with the wisdom of someone who sees success of the sport beyond of financial bottom line.

Royce Gracie: son of Jiu-Jitsu


You were practically born on the mat. What are your earliest memories of martial arts?

I remember the trips to Copacabana to visit the gym with my cousins and my brothers.

And when did you begin to beat your opponents?

At 14 years old, when we can find that, al-though we are not as strong, we have tech-niques to fight against bigger men. The guys were bigger, but I was able to face them.

You consider yourself a full time athlete. Is it difficult to constantly maintain this discipline?

There are many people who say they are athletes, but in any kind of sport you are there as an example. Some football players go out and get drunk at night. What kind of athlete is this? I am professional, Jiu-Jitsu teacher all the time. I’ve never drank or smoked. I eat according to the Gracie diet, which is not re-ally a ‘diet’ but an eating habit in combination meals. I am here to serve as an example.

The Gracie method is adopted in many countries. What is the secret of it’s success?

We do it for us. Those who want to follow this track can. We try not to force our way of seeing the world, like our diet or the way we think. Many people think that Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling art like MMA, but it is not. It is pure self-defence. How will I defend myself from a stronger aggression coming from someone? To defend yourself against any kind of aggres-sion, you are need confidence. If you eat well, you do not get sick. If you do not get sick, your body and mind are healthy too.

You claim that desire is different from strategy. Is strategy the most important factor in competition?

The first thing in a competition is to know what you’re doing. If you do not know the ru-les, there is no point in being there. Then it comes to the fuel. You can exchange your car for a faster and stronger one, but with no fuel you are not going anywhere. So you have to have the right fuel, then comes strength.

Strategy is also critical. If you know your opponent you know what he will do. Many pe-ople confuse strategy with desire. What do you want in a fight? I’ll defeat my opponent and win. This is desire rather than strategy spe-aking. Strategy is to know what you will do to get the opponent out of the game.

How do you study the opponent?

By trying to known more about him than hi-mself. Looking them in the eye, deciphering the person, studying both their weaknesses and strengths, knowing how he uses the move-ments. You need to know everything.

Apart from training, what is the ideal preparation on the day of the fight?

Eating well. You cannot get sick on the day

of the fight. That day of the year you have to get up there and make it count. You cannot stay up there forever. You have to get up there on the right day at the right time. There is no use being up there and on download, this what can happen when you over train.

After several of your victories, you said that you wouldn’t celebrate because it was another day of work...

I trained to win, not to lose. I’m doing my job.

How do you deal with your losses?

You have to know how to win and know how to lose. When you lose you have to go home and think about why you lost. If it was becau-se you were tired, out of shape, is one thing. Another is strategy. You think and get back to work to repair the mistakes.

What is your fight philosophy?

You have to train. It’s no use being a philo-sopher without putting your foot on the mat. You can read all the books but if you do not train, there is no use.

A new federation of Jiu-Jitsu is on its way. What do you think of this?

It’s good because at the moment there is only one federation. It has plenty of space, lots of good fighters, many talents, many guys who are struggling, but who are not known. What’s the point of being champion of this federation, if no one would recognise him? So there is de-finitely room for another organisation. It has a lot of talent who sometimes cannot compete in a championship for financial reasons as they do not have sponsorship. Although it cannot be a business focused only on making money. When the federation becomes a business that is focused on money, it is bad for the athletes.

What is your opinion about the competition by points within the category?

This is not the Jiu-Jitsu that my father in-vented. I am against the competition by points. The general point is changing the martial art. Jiu-Jitsu was not made to score points it was made to defend. You have to know how to fi-nish the fight. Today it is a shame because the person gets closer and scores a point. What is being taught to the student? They are not teaching you how to punch. The mat was made so you can knock out the opponent.

Do you think this shift took place because of financial issues?

Yes. They want to earn money. They are not focused on the athlete. The competition is for the people who will never fight in the street like those before who trained their whole life and gained so much confidence in themselves that no one will mess with them. The compe-tition used to create an adrenaline rush. But when it gets focused on scoring a point, it is not worth anything to me. I will offend many people, but the Jiu-Jitsu that my father created was not meant to score points. It was based upon defines so that the winning opponent could finish the fight.

I am against the competition by points. The mat was made so you can knock out the opponent


BRAZIL WAS THE PERFECT HOST, BUT LEGACY REMAINS UNCERTAIN

2014 WORLD CUP

During the month between June 12 and July 13, if asked by someone from the overse-as about what was going on in Brazil, I could answer with a song of the Brazilian singer and composer Chico Buarque, “Meu Caro Amigo”. Created by Chico and Francis Hime in the format of a letter, the song was written for the playwright Au-gusto Boal, exiled in Portugal, who was always complaining about the lack of news from his friends in Brazil. It was 1976, the height of Brazil’s military dictatorship, and the process of reform promised by the cur-rent president, the general Er-nesto Geisel, was going very slowly. Roughly translating from Portuguese to English, at the chorus the lyrics of the song say: “Here on Earth peo-ple are playing football; there is a lot of samba, choro and rock’n’roll; some days it rains, another the sun shines; but what I want to say is things are dark”. And it was indeed.The year now is 2014, and

obviously a lot has changed. We no longer live under a dictator-

ship; we are enjoying perhaps the most spectacular moment of our young democracy, reborn in 1989. To the eyes of the world, we are that young man that has just reached maturity, has won a car, gets a girlfriend and goes around parading his new status of a grown man. However, the pimples on the face are still there, showing that there is still a long way to go. Elevated to the rank of being

host country of the World Cup, we set out to show to the inter-national community that we had achieved a new status in the or-der of things. At the same time, we opened our most noble and barbaric feelings, our qualities and our problems for all to see and hear. So the song of Chico still has a lot of meaning. What the world saw a gre-

at deal of football during this memorable month in Brazil. The stadiums were full to ca-pacity. Records were repeatedly broken on social networks. The bars and streets of the host cities from north to south of the country became celebration centres for visitors from over

200 countries. The interaction between fans was friendly. The overwhelming majority heaped praise on the Brazilian recep-tion and hospitality. On the pitch, there were many goals, amazing results and historical performances. And speaking of history, research conducted by BBC shows that the World Cup in Brazil was voted the best of all times by England fans, with 39% of the votes. Apparently, after all, we had, the ‘Cup of the Cups, as predicted by Presi-dent Dilma Rousseff. But deep down, what does

this all mean for Brazil? If we were to write a collective letter to for a friend or relati-ve oversees who we have not seen for ages, there are two options: we could boast about how our lives are perfect and full of unparalleled success, or tell the truth. And the truth, as we know, is not absolu-te, but fairer when based on facts. And the facts show that things are not dark, like they were for Chico said, but things aren’t a bed of roses either. While Brazil proved perfectly

capable of hosting a World Cup, going against the catastrophic expectations of both the native and international media, it now faces greater challenge: to build a permanent legacy, which will be much harder.Before the ball rolled in Co-

rinthians Arena for the opening game, the two areas that had been most criticised and fretted about were housing and securi-ty. Both issues have been dis-cussed in previous editions of the Brasil Observer: issuu.com/brasilobserver. Now the fans have gone back to their res-pective countries, housing and security have to remain the top concerns in the country.According to the human rights

think tank, Popular Portal of the World Cup and the Olympics, more than 150 thousand people have been removed from their homes because of works rela-ted to the two mega sporting events. In many cases, we see whole families being displaced from from urban centres, with no guarantee of fair compensa-tion. Neither the federal gover-nment nor the state and muni-

cipal authorities have confirmed this number, at most, they argue that many developments that re-quired removal were connected to the World Cup and Olym-pics. Regardless of this the pro-vision of housing remains a ma-jor issue in Brazil 5.8 million families do not have adequate habitation in Brazil and it is hard to see how the legacy of the World Cup can help them. With regard to public safety,

the legacy of the World Cup is contradictory. On the one hand, some of the massive investment made to ensure the safety of fans during the event (R$ 1.9 billion) could have longer term results, for example, the equi-pment used for the monitoring of federal highways and border regions, not to mention the trai-ning of police, who should be more equipped to do their job. But on the other, during the World Cup what we saw was increasing truculence of public security authorities when requi-red to deal with protests. The disproportionate use of force was evident, at almost all the ma-nifestations police numbers and

By Guilherme Reis

W O R L D C U P 2 0 1 4

To the eyes of the world, we are that young man that has just reached maturity, has won a car, gets a girlfriend and goes around parading his new status of a grown man


After one month of party comes the hangover?

RIC

AR

DO

STU

CK

ER

T/C

BF

aggression far exceeded, that of demonstrators and invariably the end result was clashes between the two parties. Stories abound in relation to abuses of power, arbitrary arrests and cases where lawyers and journalists could not do their jobs. Thus, there is a big question about whether the World Cup truly brought bene-fits to public safety.Less doubtful is the legacy

for tourism, although even this is not definitive. A government survey showed that Brazil recei-ved one million foreign tourists from 203 different countries du-ring the World Cup - a number that exceeded initial expecta-tions, which were estimated at 600 thousand visitors from less countries. The majority of the visitors (61%) had not been to Brazil before and praised the infrastructure, services and tou-rism. The sectors evaluated best were hospitality and gastronomy, with 98% and 93% approval respectively. In the same survey, 95% of tourists said they in-tended to return to the country. Brazil now has a great opportu-nity at hand, because the stories

of these people will spread and automatically, many others will be interested in visiting the, es-pecially with the Olympics in Rio 2016. However, it cannot depend solely of the word of mouth. The country’s tourist sec-tor share the almost unanimous opinion that there is a need for more investment in promoting Brazil abroad by Embratur. In the end airports across the

country, passed the test. With total investments of R$ 8.78 billion, significant improvements were made. This increased an-nual passenger capacity to 67 million, an increase of 52%, which is an important legacy with the increasing domestic de-mand. Between 2005 and 2013, airlines gained 51.2 million do-mestic passengers, according with the National Civil Aviation Agency data. During the World Cup, 16.7 million passengers used the airport services in the country. The rate of delayed flights was only 7.46%, lower than both the European standard of 7.6% and the international standard which is 15%, accor-ding to data from Eurocontrol.

In relation to improved ur-ban mobility, the main legacy of the World Cup promised to the residents of the host cities, there is not much to celebrate. According to an investigation conducted by the O Estado de São Paulo newspaper, in the 12 host cities, 74 urban mobility works were delivered and 46 remain unfinished. Finally, the most important

thing of all less important thin-gs: football. The biggest defeat in the history of the Seleção in World Cups, 7-1 against Ger-many, and coming fourth place after the sufferable 3-0 against Holland created a consensus that reform of national football is necessary. This need is not new, as we showed in the report by Wagner de Alcântara Aragão in the Brasil Observer edition 13. But despite the sense of ur-gency, the chance of real change soon is unlikely. This is because together the three main actors responsible: the Brazilian Foo-tball Confederation (CBF), the clubs and Globo TV, make it almost impossible to transform the greater national passion.

The system in Brazil is highly flawed, as explained the journa-list Jose Antonio de Lima in an article published in the Esporte Fino blog: “The Electoral Col-lege that chooses the president of the CBF has only 47 votes: the 20 clubs of the Brazil’s first division and the 27 state federa-tions. Players, coaches, referees, amateurs and clubs of Series B, C and D do not have a say. In the last CBF election in April, Marco Polo Del Nero was elec-ted with 44 votes, an almost unanimous explained by the fact that both clubs and federations are required to act under the dominance of the CBF-Globo complex in Brazilian football.“The clubs in Serie A vote

in the election because they are hostages of Globo TV. After decades of catastrophic manage-ment, clubs accumulate huge de-bts and to survive, they largely depend on the money of tele-vision. With their regular pay-ments or advances, Globo keeps clubs under its control. In ex-change, the network retains the rights to broadcast the Brazilian Championship and their privile-

ges with the Brazilian national team,” he added. Add to this the scrapping of

the basic categories, geared al-most exclusively to serve the interests of businessmen who profit from the increasingly ear-ly selling of players to foreign leagues and there is no regular investment for athletes and citi-zens in the country, they are just marketed as products. All this directly affects the

average attendance of stadiu-ms. Brazil is only 18th place, with an average of 12,971 pe-ople turning per game. This is behind both Australia (17th with 12,990) and the United States (8th with 18,845), where there is no great tradition of football. This is why there is so much fear about what will happen to the newly constructed and reno-vated arenas, which cost a total of R$ 8 billion. So while the World Cup has

left behind a very positive spi-ritual memories, only time will confirm if the total investment of more than R$ 20 billion to host the competition was a truly good business for Brazil.

W O R L D C U P 2 0 1 4

12 brasilobserver.co.uk W O R L D C U P 2 0 1 4

By Rosa Bittencourt

After the German victory of 1-0 over Argentina the be-ach and streets of Copacaba-na, the ‘princess of the sea’, were taken over by Germans and Brazilians in celebration of Germany’s fourth title as best team in the world. While the Argentines were in the majori-ty, in their pain, the red, black and yellow colours dominated the party in the sand, bars and avenues of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous district. Inconsolable Argentines let

their emotions boil over in the neighbourhoods of Zona Sul. Many could not stand the te-asing of Brazilians with the ‘chant’ of the thousand goals of Pelé and started fights. Not even mocking Brazil who lost 7-1 to Germany, was enough to quiet the Brazilians jokes. Many military officers deployed in the area used pepper spray to break up the confrontations. This was very different to the

scene on the streets of Copa-cabana, before the start of the game, as tourists from all over the world were coming together in good spirits. This included a couple of Japanese students who had been travelling in

South America for five months, and in the month of ‘Copa’ had chosen to be in Brazil. Satomi Hashimoto and Satoshi Nishia-ma, both aged 22 and from Osaka, were cheering for Ger-many, simply concluding, “It’s the best team.” Two Mexican friends, psycho-

logist Dulce Sanchez, 25, and nutrologist Alexa Schiavel, 28, were divided on which team to support. “What we like most in this World Cup is the joy of the Brazilians and São Paulo and Rio. And today we want to see the best football in the field with the best of the World Cup,” said Sanchez, before they took their shoes off and disa-ppeared into the vast crowd on the sand of Copacabana. Two lookalikes of Maradona

and Messi paraded the Atlan-tic Avenue before and during the game, stopping often to let fans take pictures. The graphic designer Gilvânio Oliveira, 52, with his hair full of curls, was the spiting image of Maradona. “It’s become almost a second profession. I gave an interview for TV here in Brazil and abroad. And the affection of the public is rewarding,” said

the Brazilian from Ceará Nor-th-Eastern State who long ago came to live in Rio de Janeiro from Fortaleza. Actor and scre-enwriter Jefferson Melo, 24, also signed autographs as Mes-si. He hoped that Argentina would win. “It’s love that we receive. It’s a lot of joy with tourists here in Brazil and other countries. We have to celebrate.”Students Paulo Jardim, 15,

and Gabriel Mattos, 17, with the German flag on their back had adopted the country as a second team after Brazil’s exit, as did many Brazilians. “We are cheering for the best selection and no matter if they took us out of the World Cup. Germany has the best team,” they said. Another two young Brazi-

lian who had attended almost all the games broadcast by the Fan Fest, students Taina Men-del, 16, and Rafaela Malta, 17, living in Nova Iguaçu, said they had made many friends, were photographed often and the end decided to cheer for Argentina. With a flag in hands, they were taking selfies as the final game began on the screen of the cro-wded Fan Fest on the sand of Copacabana beach.

GERMANS CELEBRATE AND ARGENTINIANS

CRY IN COPACABANA

FERNANDO FRAZÃO/AGÊNCIA BRASIL

On one side, the joy of the winners; the other, the sadness of defeat; there were many Brazilian who were happy

13brasilobserver.co.ukW O R L D C U P 2 0 1 4

AGNALDO OLIVEIRA JÚNIOR/ PORTAL DA COPA

As soon as the whistle of Mexican Marco Rodriguez soun-ded, ending the biggest shame in the history of the Brazilian national team, a natural process in the search for explanations began. While some felt guilt, others looked for some solace or hope on which to cling. The very spirit of the football coun-try, five times world champion is at stake. In a nation where the runner

up is seen as the first loser, only the trophy matters. Add the natural pressure of being the host country. To be a hero or villain. Win and convince, deli-ght and honour the mantle. The burden was heavy and the tears streamed down the panic and nervous Brazilian players throu-ghout the World Cup. Any defeat would have ope-

ned room for all these ques-tions. But the shocking fall from grace, shattered the nation. The German organisation tore into Brazilian improvisation. Now Brazilian football will

have to look exactly to the example of his tormentor. In a recent study, the German con-federation was considered the most reliable institution in the world. The current achievement is entirely a testament to the model that hones young talent and high standards of trainers from north to southern Ger-many. The trophy held high by

Phillip Lahm at Maracanã ce-lebrates much more than the main title of the most attractive sport in the world. It is the first time that the unified Germany

has embraced to celebrate this feat. And the team is reflection of the strength and diversity of this new country. Start players Özil and Khedira with parents from Turkey and Tunisia had the freedom to practice Rama-dan. Half Ghanian, Boateng became the first black player to be a champion wearing the German shirt. This is Germany, a plural country that celebrates diversity as a way to prevent the atrocities of its recent past to happen again while also pre-serving positive traditions. In some ways it is fitting that the country would win in Brazil. Mercilessly beaten on the

field, Brazil gained a lot out of the experience. Now it is also possible to make a shift in the structure of the national football, which was always full of pride, but lacking in tactical and technical innovation. For this, many barriers, created by the backward thinking of lea-ders who have held power for decades must be broken. But what about the team?

Celebrated after the uncontes-ted victory over Spain in the Confederations Cup a year ago, the team invigorated by Neymar leave with only the shards of the World Cup. Whether you like the group of players or not, there is no alternative but to try to analyse the team. Brazil’s players wear the

shirts of the world’s top clubs. But the team always had to hear from critics that were too young and inexperienced. And maybe they really were. Scolari did not have confidence in vete-

rans like Kaka, Ronaldinho and Robinho, who some time age had rendered their skills as less than before. Unlike the cycle that preceded

this World Cup, the next four years in preparation for Rus-sia will be full of competitions. There are two disputes Copa America: next, year in Chile, and in 2016, in the U.S., in par-tnership with CONCACAF. The dispute to be on the next World Cup will begin shortly after the first of the continental games. Winners of the last three edi-

tions of the Confederations Cup, it might be good for Brazil stay out next time. Coincidence or not, these titles won a year be-fore the Cup somehow hindered the development of the work as players and the coach sat back on their laurels. After winning against Germany and Argentina in 2005, the team coached by Parreira made one of the worst preparations to compete in a World Cup in 2006. However, what the last three

World Cups over have in com-mon is the fact that the selec-tion had been decided a whole year earlier, leaving little room for change or flexibility. In 2006, players like Cafu, Rober-to Carlos, Adriano and Ronal-do arrived with terrible physical form and technique. In 2010, the people wanted for Neymar, but only Dunga was included. And now we’re stuck in a tac-tical system which has been ex-tensively studied by rivals and Scolari was unable to find alter-natives without having to chan-ge the way they played.

By Antonio Veiga

WHAT DID WE LEARN FROM THE MINEIRAZO?

MA

RC

ELLO

CA

SAL JR

./AG

ÊN

CIA

BR

ASIL

Is Brazil still the country of football?


CONECTANDO

HOW TO PARTICIPATE?Conectando is a project developed by the Brasil Observer that aims to put into practice the concept of ‘glocal’ communication, helping a local story find a global audience of readers. You can be involved too, just send your story to us! Find out how to get involved by contacting [email protected]

Trying to describe a whole year of experience in a few pa-ragraphs is a complicated task. So much can happen in a year. Last September, when I put my feet on a train for the first time, I didn’t know what to expect of the UK or what I would feel by end of my time here. Now in the final weeks of my stay, answers remain distant. I could speak about the first

difference (and one of the main ones, by the way): the food. Born in Sao Paulo but with a heart in Minas Gerais, I am a lover of cheese bread and rice and beans, so needless to say I remain un-convinced by potatoes, even with the endless types and methods of cooking them here. Another idea that’s been hard to digest (excuse the pun) is having sweet beans for breakfast. In this res-pect, living abroad requires cre-ativity and a daily reminder that “everything is an experience”. Another point, and this is the

most obvious one, is the wea-ther. For the last year I’ve lived in the Northeast of England and, even though the winter was not so harsh, an extra jumper and umbrella became mandatory in-clusions in my backpack. When, still following the Brazilian spi-rit, I forgot to bring these ite-ms, and duly ended up feeling cold, I reminded myself patien-tly: “it’s all about learning”. I stubbornly believed that the lack

of sun would effect my outlook, just as many had told me I would before I came. Today, however, I cannot complain. I’m glad to say that the sun became a constant companion. Living in the UK has been

a unique experience. It is not difficult to adjust to health, edu-cation and transport systems that work. Or to the sense of secu-rity and British cordiality that thankfully people keep fighting to maintain. As a friend of my mother always said, getting used to good things is easy. Indeed, it is. Nevertheless, it will the people I met along the way that I will miss most here. I had the opportunity to stu-

dy and live at a College-based university, which provided me with constant contact with pe-ople from all over the world, and this not just a figure of speech. I met people from coun-tries that did not even know existed, lived with people who knew more about Brazil than me and I realised that we are all more alike than we imagi-ne. It’s amazing to realise that certain problems we think of as being typically Brazilian happen elsewhere and that we aren’t the only ones who have to deal with them. It may sound clichéd, but co-

ming here made me love Brazil more. Despite all our problems and unresolved issues that pre-

vent us from living with the dignity we deserve, despite cor-ruption and the apparent lack of hope for the future. Despite all this and much more, Brazil has one important thing I still cannot find elsewhere: the best people. Participating in a program like

Science Without Borders gave me the opportunity to realise a dream in the best possible way: alongside other people. Our small Brazilian community, whi-ch initially included 15 students, soon became like a family. The fact that we are from all regions of Brazil allowed us to better understand the realities that we have in our country and how they shape us, but also showed us that, despite all these geogra-phical and cultural differences, we are very, very similar. After nearly a year living with

the Brazilians I met here, I can say that I’ve changed. When I return home, it is certain that I will have a little bit of my heart in every corner of Brazil. From Timóteo or Viçosa, in Sao Pau-lo, to Florianópolis and Bagé In the south, these places will carry me a little.When I return I will be sure

that above all the experiences I had in the UK, the biggest lesson was to appreciate all the beauty that we have at home, rather than belittling it as we often do when we look to the outside world.

“Coming to the UK made me to love Brazil more”

PERSONAL ARCHIVE

BAKED BEANS, POTATOES AND PEOPLEA year ago, Bruno Gomes came to the UK to complete part of his undergraduate studies at

Durham University as part of the Brazilian government’s Science Without Borders program. Now as he prepares to return home, he tells us what the experience meant to him

By Bruno Gomesfrom Durham, England


Brasil Observer

GUIDE

ED

INB

UR

GH

FE

STIVA

L F

RIN

GE

SOC

IET

Y

UKstudy.com University Partners

INVISTA NO SEU FUTURO PROFISSIONAL!FAÇA A SUA GRADUAÇÃO E PÓS NO REINO UNIDOCOM A AJUDA GRÁTIS E HONESTA DA UKstudy!

CONTATE [email protected] | www.ofertasukstudy.com.br | UKstudyBrazil

The largest arts festival in the world arrives

once again in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh

and this year includes Brazilian attractions. With

over 41,000 events, this is a great opportunity for

cultural travel. >> Read on pages

16 and 17

O maior festival de artes do mundo aterrissa

mais uma vez na capital escocesa, Edimburgo,

trazendo neste verão atrações brasileiras do teatro e da dança; será

uma ótima oportunidade de viagem cultural.>> Leia nas páginas

16 e 17


As the largest arts festival in the world, the Ed-inburgh Festival Fringe draws thousands of artists from all corners of the globe to Scotland every summer. This famous festival is actually an amal-gamation of four major culture and art events: the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe Festival, the Film Festival and the Book Festival. The first edition of the smaller Fringe Festival was

was organised by eight local theatre companies in 1947, just after the war, with the purpose promoting culture and unity in society. In the years since then, the city has become host to thousands of plays, con-certs and presentations during the month of August. Usually, there are no less than 41,000 performances and 2,500 concerts in over 250 different venues and spaces around the Scottish capital. The event program includes everything from street

Maior festival de artes do mundo, o Fringe de Ed-imburgo atrai para a Escócia, todo verão, milhares de artistas de todos os cantos do globo. Esse famoso festival é, na verdade, uma junção de quatro grandes eventos de cultura e arte: o Festival Internacional de Edimburgo, o Festival Fringe, o Festival de Cinema e o Festival do Livro. No caso do Fringe (que significa marginalizado, em

inglês), a primeira edição foi em 1947, no pós-guerra, tendo como finalidade a promoção da cultura e da união entre a sociedade – e foi organizada por oito companhias teatrais locais. Desde então, a cidade se torna palco de inúmeras peças, shows e apresentações simultâneas durante o mês de agosto. Neste ano, ocorre entre dos dias 1º e 25. Normalmente, são 41.000 per-formances e 2.500 shows em mais de 250 cenários diferentes espalhados pelas ruas da capital escocesa. A programação do evento abrange desde artistas de

A MONTH FULL OF CULTURE IN SCOTLAND’S CAPITAL

UM MÊS DE ARTE NA CAPITAL DA ESCÓCIA

Edinburgh Festival Fringe brings together thousands of cultural attractions in the Scottish city for the month of August,

and this year includes Brazilian companies theatre plays

Festival Fringe de Edimburgo reúne milhares de atrações culturais na cidade escocesa entre os dias 1º e 25 de Agosto,

entre elas peças de teatro de companhias brasileiras

By Gabriela Lobianco

Por Gabriela Lobianco

DIVULGATION


performers to amateur or professional theatre compa-nies, with a diverse repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary. With comedy, cabaret, stand ups, dance, physical theatre and circus, children’s theatre, events, exhibitions, bands, musicals, operas, theatre, there really is entertainment for all tastes! The festival is also a showcase of fresh talent

and has helped launch big names in theatre, film and television, including Jude Law, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson. This means that the festival has also become a good environment for arts agents and managers as well as paying punters. If you are planning a trip to the festival, the first,

most important thing is to get a schedule with all the information about what is happening around the city (www.edfringe.com). And stay tuned, on social media and online as there are many free events to enjoy.

THE BRAZILIAN CONNECTIONIn this edition of the Fringe, some Brazilian com-

panies will perform as part of the International Brazil Scene, led by theatre producer Sergio Saboya. In May this year, Brazil’s Ministry of Culture

awarded R$ 850,000 to Brazilian companies to dis-seminate their national theatre abroad. As well as Edinburgh, some artists also attended a festival in Avignon, France. The Armazém company, a group from Rio de

Janeiro, are heading to Scotland with the play The Day Sam Died. The company are veterans of the festival, having been awarded a prestigious Fringe First Award, by The Scotsman newspaper, for their

2013 play Water Stain. This year’s play is based on the acclaimed unpublished text by Maurício Ar-ruda Mendonça and Paulo de Moraes - the latter also directing the play. In the play, three characters named Sam - a judge, a clown and a young anar-chist, expose private questions on social conditions and ethical issues. The Cia. Do Meu Tio company are responsible

for the presentation of the play My Uncle’s Shoes, in which an uncle teaches his artistic craft to his nephew. While the Mundano company will perform The Duel and Cia. Dos Atores present two presenta-tions, titled Maybe and Labor Actorial. It’s not all theatre though as Brazilian Afro-Sam-

ba, will be represented by Magary Lord in This is Brasil - the show. It is a theatrical dance perfor-mance and live music.

rua até companhias de teatro amadoras ou profissionais, com uma seleção de repertório diversificado que vai do clássico ao contemporâneo. Ou seja, apresentações de cabaré, comédia, stand ups, dança, teatro físico e circo, teatro infantil, eventos, exibições, atrações musicais, peças musicais e óperas, declamações, saraus, teatro clássico, entre outros. Um banquete de entretenimento para todos os gostos! Trata-se também de uma vitrine de talentos que revelou

grandes nomes do teatro, cinema e televisão da Grã-Bretanha como Jude Law, Hugh Laurie e Emma Thomp-son, que já se apresentaram por lá. E, por isso, acabou se tornando um dos ambientes para agentes e empresários das artes buscarem novos artistas para representarem.Primeiramente, o importante é adquirir um catálogo

com todas as informações sobre o que acontece ao redor da cidade. E fique atento, há muitas exibições gratuitas (www.edfringe.com).

CONEXÃO BRASILEIRANesta edição do Fringe, algumas companhias Bra-

sileiras se apresentarão como parte do projeto Cena Brasil Internacional, liderado pelo produtor teatral Sérgio Saboya. Em maio deste ano, o Ministério da Cultura repassou R$ 850 mil para companhias brasileiras divulgarem o teatro nacional no exterior – o que também possibilitou a ida de artistas para o festival de Avignon, na França. A trupe do Armazém Companhia de Teatro, grupo

do Rio de Janeiro, leva para a Escócia o show “The day Sam died”. A companhia é veterana no festival, já tendo sido premiada com o Fringe First Award, concedido pelo jornal The Scotsman, pela peça “Wa-ter Stain”, em 2013. O carro chefe do grupo neste

ano é a elogiada “O dia em que Sam morreu”, um texto inédito de Maurício Arruda Mendonça e Paulo de Moraes – este último também dirige o espetáculo. Na peça, três personagens com nome Sam – uma juíza, um palhaço e um jovem anarquista – question-am no âmbito social condições privadas, passando por questões éticas desses dois meios. Já a Cia. Do Meu Tio é responsável pela apresen-

tação da peça “My uncle’s shoes”, na qual um tio ensina o seu ofício artístico ao sobrinho. Enquanto a Mundana Companhia exibe “The duel” e a Cia. Dos Atores apresenta duas montagens: “Maybe” e “Labor Actorial”. Da companhia estrangeira Afro-Samba, represen-

tada por Magary Lord, “This is Brasil – the show” também poderá ser prestigiado. Trata-se de um espe-táculo teatral de dança e música ao vivo.

The Day Sam Died dramatizes the ethical choices that define the fate of six people who meet in a hospital


NINETEEN EIGHT-FOUR

ART BY BRAZILIANS ARTE POR BRASILEIROSBy Ricardo Somera

If you ask most Brazilians who is the main visual ar-tist in the country today, what you will get in response is a huge silence, or a joke about neo-pop artist Romero Brit-to. This seems a little odd, especially given that a trend report by the New York-ba-sed advertising agency JWT listed Brazilian contemporary art among the “100 Things to Watch in 2014”. So if anyone asks you that

question and you aren’t sure what to say, I thought it’d be helpful to give you a list of my five favourite Brazi-lian artists.If you want to recumbent

other artists that you like, send me a tweet and let’s talk: @souricardo

ADRIANA VAREJAO She has been one of the

great names in Brazilian contemporary art since the 1990s, but in recent years has gained more prominen-ce and international presti-ge. Referencing the body and history in her works in which she pushes the boun-daries of painting. You can see Varejao’s work in Lon-don now at her first solo exhibition in the UK, Car-nivorous, at Victoria Miro Mayfair, London, until 2 Au-gust. www.victoria-miro.com.

BEATRIZ MILHAZES Milhazes is one of the 10

most expensive living artists today. After her painting O Mágico was sold for US$ 1 million at an auction in 2008, six other works have been sold at that level. It’s a mixture of Brazilian joy with many colours. In her last ma-jor exhibition that I visited in Rio de Janeiro, I discovered more about the different pha-ses of the artist’s career and how simple elements such as candy wrappers can become art within a creative mind.

EDUARDO SRUR After the initiation of a law

that banned all advertising in public spaces in São Paulo, ar-tistic interventions in the city have grown and Eduardo Srur’s name has become prominent in this movement. A loophole in this law says that companies can sponsor works of artists on panels or premises. Those re-ceiving more attention for cre-ativity are always linked to the name of Srur. Many do not know it, but he’s probably the most visible artist in the city as no one needs to go to museu-ms to see his work.

OSGEMEOS No doubt these brothers are

our Banksy. Anyone who lives or has visited Sao Paulo knows how much they are loved. Their exhibitions in Brazil are always met with long queues (this is not common for Brazilian ar-tists) and they always deliver te-chnical and creative quality. The global recognition of the bro-thers was cemented after they were invited to paint the facade of Tate Modern in 2008.

VIK MUNIZ He is pop artist you need to

know about. A film about his work, Lixo Extraordinário was nominated for an Oscar and he is an interesting artist. Muniz’s works have been collected by major museums of contempo-rary art, like the Metropolitan, the Whitney and MoMA in New York, and the Reina Sofia in Madrid. Muniz is a Brazilian artist best known worldwide for his creativity and unexpected uses of materials. In addition to the fine arts, Muniz has develo-ped a project in Vidigal Favela to help teach children art and technology - he is talented ge-nius, with good a heart. If you want research more

Brazilian artists search for Ernesto Neto, Luiz Zerbini, Crânio, Jonathas de Andrade, Renata Lucas, Tunga, Rosân-gela Rennó, Rivane Neuens-chwander and Nelson Leirner.

Por Ricardo Somera

Quando perguntar para a maioria dos brasileiros quem é o principal artista plástico da atualidade no país, o que você vai obter como resposta é um enorme silêncio. Ou uma piada sobre Romero Britto. Esse fato chega até ser estranho – pois logo no ano em que o relatório de tendências da agência de pu-blicidade JWT lista a arte con-temporânea brasileira entre as “100 Things to Watch in 2014”. Fiz uma lista com os meus

cinco favoritos. Caso você conheça outros artistas me envie um tweet e vamos con-versar: @souricardo

ADRIANA VAREJÃOÉ um dos grandes nomes

da arte contemporânea brasi-leira desde a década de 1990, mas nos últimos anos tem ganhado destaque e prestígio internacional. Ela mescla re-ferência ao corpo e à história em suas obras e suas pinturas extrapolam o limite da tela com rasgos e volumes não usuais. Ela está com sua pri-meira exibição solo, Carnivo-rous, na galeria Victoria Miro Mayfair, em Londres, até o dia 2 de agosto. Para mais informações acesse: www.vic-toria-miro.com.

BEATRIZ MILHAZESEstá entre as 10 artistas vi-

vas mais caras da atualidade. Após o seu quadro O Mági-co alcançar US$ 1 milhão em um leilão em 2008, outras seis obras da artista já ultrapassa-ram esse patamar. Uma mistura de alegria brasileira com mui-tas cores. O abstracionismo e a técnica impressionam qualquer admirador das artes plásticas. Em sua última grande expo-sição que visitei no Paço das Artes, no Rio de Janeiro, pude ver quão tocante são as dife-rentes fases da carreira da ar-tista e como elementos simples como papel de bala podem se tornar elementos de arte dentro de uma mente criativa.

EDUARDO SRURApós o início de uma lei que

proibiu qualquer tipo de publi-cidade em espaços públicos em São Paulo, as intervenções ar-tísticas na cidade têm crescido e um nome tem se destacado nessa multidão: Eduardo Srur. Uma brecha nessa lei diz que as empresas podem patrocinar obras de artistas em painéis ou instalações. As que recebem mais destaque pela criatividade sempre estão ligadas ao nome de Srur. Muitos não o conhe-cem, mas provavelmente ele é o mais visto na cidade já que ninguém precisa ir a museus para observar suas obras.

OSGEMEOSSem dúvida esses irmão são

o nosso Banksy. Quem vive ou já visitou São Paulo sabe como eles são adorados. Suas exposições são sempre lembra-das pelas longas filas – isso não é comum para um artista brasileiro no Brasil – e pela qualidade técnica e criativa. O reconhecimento da dupla por todos aconteceu após a facha-da do Tate Modern ter sido pintada por eles em 2008.

VIK MUNIZEle é pop. Teve um filme

sobre sua obra – Lixo Extraor-dinário – indicado para o Os-car. Com obras nos principais museus de arte contemporânea do mundo, como o Metropoli-tan, o Whitney, o MoMA, em Nova York, e o Reina Sofia, em Madrid, Vik Muniz é o artista plástico brasileiro mais conheci-do no mundo pela criatividade e pelo uso inusitado de materiais em suas criações. Além das ar-tes plásticas, Vik desenvolve um projeto no Morro do Vidigal em parceria com o MIT para ensi-nar crianças em idade de alfabe-tização arte e tecnologia. Gênio, talentoso e com o coração bom. Se quiser mais artistas brasi-

leiros, procure por Ernesto Neto, Luiz Zerbini, Crânio, Jonathas de Andrade, Renata Lucas, Tunga, Rosângela Rennó, Rivane Neu-enschwander e Nelson Leirner.

(1) Adriana Varejão, (2) Beatriz Milhazes, (3) Eduardo Srur, (4) osgemeos and (5) Vik Muniz

DIV

UL

GA

TIO

N


GOING OUT

Mudança Doméstica e Internacional

Armazenagem e Empacotamento

Importação e Exportação de Frete Comercial

Serviço Especializado para Antiguidades

Serviço Aéreo, Marítimo e Rodoviário

Serviço Porta a Porta para qualquer lugar do Brasil

“Desde 1992 servindo a Comunidade Brasileira”

Horário de Atendimento: Segunda a Sexta das 08:00h às 19:00h Sábados das 09:00h às 12:00h

Escritórios em Portugal e Espanha: E-mail: [email protected]

Mudança segura e personalizada!

+44 (0)1895 420303 www.packandgo.co.uk

20 anos Aniversário em 2012 – Vamos celebrar!

Garantia do melhor preço. Entre em contato conosco

para mais detalhes.

EE1 0660 PackAndGo_50x254mm_w_Portuguese_Local.indd 1 31/08/2012 23:05

DIVULGATION

RADICAL GEOMETRY

From radical innovations in the use of colour and form to new materials like neon and interactive, kinetic sculpture, this exhibition will reveal some of the most original art of the last 100 years. This ex-hibition explores the art produced during a fifty-year period in distinct areas of South America. Highlights include artists from Brazil, Hélio Oiticica and Lygia Clark, who challenged the notions of art by remov-ing it from the walls of galleries and placing it in the hands of the viewer. On the picture: (left) Juan Melé’s Irregular Frame No.2, 1946; (right) Lygia Clark’s Machine – Medium, 1962. Photograph: Es-tate of Juan Melé, The World of Lygia Clark Cultur-al Association/Colección Patricia Phelps de Cisneros.

Where The Sackler Wing, Burlington House Tickets £11.50 >>www.royalacademy.org.uk

Until 28 September

Clube do Choro UK is the first UK based organiza-tion dedicated to spreading and involving people in the traditional Brazilian instrumental music known as choro! The heart of choro is the roda, or circle in which the performers sit facing one another, allow-ing them to maintain eye contact and facilitating the improvisation on the music. Everyone is more than welcome to bring an instrument and participation is encouraged! This month, the special guest is Cléa Thomasset from France.

The exuberance and energy of Brazil returns to Sadler’s Wells this summer as 38 performers from Rio de Janeiro bring alive the spirit that makes Brazil so unique in the smash hit Brasil Brasileiro. Famed for its sizzling, feel-good dance heritage, this is a country where the musical culture of Africa and Europe merge with dance to create the infectious rhythms of samba. Brasil Brasileiro features an incredible live band, and shows samba in all its forms: from the lightning footwork of the forro to the agility of capoeira and the groovy moves of batucada.

The Science Museum’s Lates is a free night for adults, no booking required, that takes place on the last Wednesday of the month. Lates are themed, spanning issues as far apart as sex, alcohol and climate change, but always contain sci-ence shows, a pub quiz, Punk Science comedy shows and the best silent disco in town (underneath real space rockets). Dubbed ‘drinking and thinking’ by visitors, Lates regularly attracts over 3000 adults each night, with DJs and bars on three floors of the museum. At this month’s Lates we travel to Brazil for Science, Samba and Football.

Where The Forge | Tickets £8 >> www.clubedochoro.co.uk

Where Sadler’s Wells | Tickets £55 >> www.sadlerswells.com

Where Science Museum | Tickets Free >> www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

26 July 8 – 27 July 30 July

C L U B E D O C H O R O U K B R A S I L B R A S I L E I R O B R A Z I L F O R S C I E N C E


NEW CANVAS OVER OLD

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF BRAZILBy Kate Rintoul

Over the last decade, the accelera-tion of growth in Brazil’s economy and the countdown to hosting two ma-jor world events had brought a new sense urgency and speed to architectu-re in the country.As Brazil takes it’s bow as World

Cup host, essentially ticking off one task on the country’s scalable ‘to do’ list and as economic growth plateaus, the hope is that now can be a time for more contemplation and conside-ration, which should not be confused with stagnation.This is the approach of Studio X in

Rio, part of a global network architec-tural research partnered with the Uni-versity of Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preserva-tion. Part learning space, part design studio and part public forum, Studio X brings together professionals, acade-mics, decision makers, students, and the general public to engage with current urban challenges. Rio-born architect, educator and

Studio X coordinator, Raul Corrêa--Smith, says “We want to create a two-way street with research while also inspiring the city through an ex-change of ideas. We want the people to come away with questions rather than solutions.” The current exhibition at Studio X

perfectly encapsulates these goals. Can-teiro features the work of students from Rio’s Pontifical Catholic University. They were invited to create a pavi-lion at the prestigious Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM) that would promote 89plus, a global initiative celebrating creative innovators born after 1989.Displaying great of awareness for

current architecture issues, ability to work to the brief and impressive pro-blem solving skills, the pavilion was to be constructed out of the wooden for-mwork used in concrete constructions around the world. The negative space in which the concrete is usually poured would the gallery, stretching the entire expanse of MAM’s grounds, culmina-ting in a workshop space.The use of formwork had several

practical and theoretical considerations. “The exhibition would have only taken place over two days and we didn’t have a large team of technicians, this meant we could use the staff who work with these components to build the space for us. The construction was very transitio-

nal, emulating the urban atmosphere in Rio but we also thought it would be interesting to observe the public’s reaction to seeing the museum beco-me a construction site.” By creating some mild provocation as people won-dered what was going on at one of the city’s most beloved public spaces, Darcy and the group hoped to kick--start a wider discussion.Unfortunately due to budget cuts, the

pavilion at MAM was never construc-ted. “Of course we feel frustration, we are young architects who haven’t built anything and this would have been a great opportunity to work with big names, but we also want to reinfor-ce the idea of critical design which is practical at the same time.” It is in instances like this that Studio X’s emphasis on discussion serves as a great platform. The current exhibiting features some of the plans and the beautiful architectural model of the unrealised project, blurring the lines between art and architecture and en-couraging people to think about how the city is changing and developing.So what do these two architects, at

very different junctures in their care-ers (Corrêa-Smith is a well establi-shed professor, designer and consultant while Darcy is entering his final year of university), see in the future of the Cidade Marvilhosa? Corrêa-Smith says, “Concerns are many and there is no simple answer. The discussions need to be broad and we need to consider Rio as a whole city. I hope that things like the BRT (the new Rapid Bus system) serve as more than systems of transporting people but can also become spaces to exchange infor-mation and expand the image of what the city can be.”Darcy expresses more equivocation,

“It is very complicated and anyone who tries to predict the future has been proved wrong because cities are always changing. I think it’s better not to dic-tate how things are going to be but to take a step back.” Perhaps this ‘stepping back’ nee-

ds to happen on a collective scale in Brazil. The rapid growth of the economy and the country’s infrastruc-ture in the last ten years has proved that there is no shortage of ambition and determination, but perhaps what is really needed is better clarity of thought on core questions like why we need new architecture and what good it can serve.


CONSTRUINDO O FUTURO DO BRASILPor Kate Rintoul

A aceleração econômica do Brasil na última década, assim como a con-tagem regressiva para sediar dois me-gaeventos esportivos, trouxe ao país uma sensação de urgência para seus projetos arquitetônicos.Com o final da Copa do Mundo – e

a consequente sensação de uma obriga-ção a menos dentro da longa lista de “a fazer” que o país tem para sustentar a imagem de crescimento econômico -, a esperança é de que agora pode ser momento para mais contemplação e consideração, o que não deve ser con-fundido com estagnação.Esse é a proposta do Studio X no

Rio de Janeiro, parte de uma rede de pesquisa em arquitetura em parceria com a Universidade de Columbia. Parte espaço de aprendizagem, parte estúdio de design e parte fórum público, o Studio X reúne profissionais, acadêmi-cos, tomadores de decisões, estudantes e público em geral para haja um maior engajamento em relação aos desafios urbanos da atualidade. “Nós queremos criar uma via de mão

dupla entre pesquisadores e, ao mesmo tempo, oferecer inspiração para a ci-dade através do intercâmbio de ideias. Nossa intenção é que as pessoas nos tragam mais questões do que soluções”, disse o coordenador do estúdio, o ar-quiteto e educador Raul Corrêa-Smith, ao Brasil Observer.A atual exposição no Studio X re-

presenta perfeitamente esses objetivos. Canteiro apresenta o trabalho de estu-dantes de arquitetura da PUC Rio. Eles foram convidados a criar um pavilhão no prestigiado Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM) para promover a 89plus, uma iniciativa global que celebra inventores nascidos depois de 1989. Exibindo grande sensibilidade para

com as questões atuais da arquitetura e capacidade para resolver problemas, o pavilhão foi projetado para ser constru-ído com peças de madeira usadas em construções de concreto. O espaço ne-gativo em que o concreto é geralmente derramado seria a galeria, se estenden-do por toda a extensão do MAM e culminando em um espaço de oficina.O uso dessas madeiras tem uma série

de considerações práticas e teóricas. “A exibição seria para apenas dois dias e não tínhamos um time de técnicos amplo. Isso significa que pudemos usar a equipe que trabalhou com esses com-ponentes para construir o espaço para

nós. A construção foi muito intermediá-ria, simulando a atmosfera do Rio, mas também consideramos que seria interes-sante observar a reação do público ao ver que o museu se tornou um local de construção”. Ao criar alguma provoca-ção nas pessoas que iriam se perguntar o que se passava no local, Darcy e o grupo queriam abrir um debate maior.Infelizmente, por conta de cortes

orçamentários, o pavilhão do MAM nunca foi construído. “Certamente nos sentimos frustrados, pois somos jovens arquitetos que ainda não cons-truíram nada e essa seria uma grande oportunidade de trabalhar com gran-des nomes, mas também queremos reforçar a ideia de design crítico que ao mesmo tempo é prático”. É em momentos como esse que a ênfase do Studio X no debate serve como ex-celente plataforma. A exposição atual apresenta alguns dos planos e o belo modelo arquitetônico do projeto que não foi realizado, ofuscando as linhas entre arte e arquitetura e encorajando as pessoas a pensar em como a cida-de se desenvolve. Mas, afinal, o que esses dois arqui-

tetos, em momentos bem distintos da carreira (Corrêa-Smith é um bem esta-belecido professor, designer e consultor, ao passo que Darcy está entrando no último ano da universidade), enxergam para o futuro da Cidade Maravilhosa? Corrêa-Smith diz: “As preocupações

são muitas e não há resposta simples. O debate tem que ser amplo e pre-cisamos considerar o Rio como uma cidade inteira. Eu espero que iniciati-vas como o Sistema de Ônibus Rápi-do sirva não apenas como sistema de transporte de pessoas por uma cidade, como também espaços para trocar in-formações e expandir a imagem do que uma cidade pode ser”. Darcy expressa mais ambiguida-

de: “É muito complicado e qualquer um que tenta prever o futuro aca-ba falhando porque as cidades estão sempre mudando. Como uma jovem arquiteta, penso ser melhor dedicar menos tempos com previsões e tomar um passo atrás”. Talvez esse “passo atrás” deva ocor-

rer de maneira coletiva no Brasil. O rápido crescimento da economia e da infraestrutura do país nos últimos dez anos tem provado que não há falta de ambição e determinação, mas pode ser preciso uma transparência maior quanto a questões sobre o porquê uma nova arquitetura é necessária.

The architectural model of the students’ unrealised art pavilion is the centrepiece of the Canteiro exhibition at Studio X

GR

AD

UA

TE

SCH

OO

L O

F A

RC

HIT

EC

TU

RE

, PL

AN

NIN

G, A

ND

PR

ESE

RVA

TIO

N, ST

UD

IO-X

GL

OB

AL

NE

TW

OR

K


TRAVEL

ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS IN BRAZILThe World Cup

has finished and the over-

whelming expe-rience among the estimated 600,000 for-eign visitors

to Brazil was a positive one, packed full of surprises and lasting memo-ries. From the

heartland of Brazilian inde-pendence and

an underappre-ciated corner

of the Amazon rainforest to an

island escape in the south, Alec Herron recommends three cities

that didn’t host World Cup

games.

OURO PRETO, MINAS GERAIS

The heart of the Brazilian gold rush, Ouro Preto’s previous wealth is demons-trated in its striking Baroque architecture. The winding, cobbled streets climb the steep slopes of this city built in the hills.

WHAT TO SEE

One of the wonders of the Portuguese colonialists is the impressive São Fran-cisco de Assis church (Rua das Mercês). The impact of this church is only further emphasised by the story of its architect, Aleijadinho, who continued working on the construction despite suffering from a crippling illness. The church is filled with beautiful hand-crafted sculptures, such as the traditional ‘Namoradeira’ which looks lustfully out of a lateral window and replicas can be bought at the nearby Mercado do Artesanato. The Museum of the Inconfidência in

Tiradentes Square has an English-langua-ge audio guide to take you through one of Brazil’s first major pushes for indepen-dence from Portugal in 1789. Not shying from the grisly reality of these failed re-bellions, the museum includes the gallows from which Tiradentes, the key antago-nist, was hanged for his part in the revolt.

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK

Ouro Preto’s state, Minas Gerais, is famed for its gastronomy: Chafariz (Rua São Jose) prepares a spread of regional dishes including the delicious Tropeiro Mineiro bean stew. At the family home--style restaurant Aleijadinho (Rua An-tônio Dias) you can sample the smooth and sweet variety of the drink Minas Gerais is most famous for - cachaça, with a cup of the expensive Safra Bar-roca. A coffee with doce de leite (a sugary fudge-like paste) is the perfect way to start to the day at Puro Cacau (Rua Direita).

FLORIANÓPOLIS, SANTA CATARINA

A popular tourist destination usually explored by young travellers for its surf and nightlife, Florianópolis is much more than a stop on the international party circuit.

WHAT TO SEE

Walk the longest three-hour route, take a shorter but less scenic 1-hour option or relax and relax on a boat ride to

reach Florianopolis’ most remote beach Lagoinha do Leste.Immediately to the south, Pantano

do Sul beach is lined at one end by seafood restaurants including Bar do Arante, where visitors are encouraged to leave a personal note attached to the wall. Across the island, stroll along the seafront at Ribeirão da Ilha and take in the colourful architecture of the Azore-ans who founded and left their mark on the island. If you want to try something physical that’s not as tough as surfing but more of a thrill than hiking, try sand dune boarding at Joaquina beach.


Oyster restaurants line Florianóplis’ northwest coastal stretch starting at Sam-baqui. Many of the restaurants, such as Delicia do Mar (Rua Gílson da Costa Xavier), have a terrace with uninterrup-ted views of the sea. From the main nightlife and hostel hub of Lagoa de Conceição take a ferry boat to Costa da Lagoa and choose any of the exqui-site restaurants lining the coast of the island’s central lake, ask for a sequencia de camarão to try shrimps prepared in a variety of ways.

RIO BRANCO, ACRE

A little-explored corner of Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest, full of cultural deli-ghts, unique gastronomy and a base for a different touristic experience.

WHAT TO SEE

Sitting in the Amazon Rainforest, day trips from Rio Branco to see local wil-dlife can be taken with various tour operators. Still within the city borders, more nature can be witnessed at Chico Mendes Ambiental Park (AC-040), na-med after the assassinated environmen-talist from nearby Xapuri. Learn about the history of the Amazon region at the Quixadá Historical Centre (Estrada do Quixada).


Gameleira, the city centre riverfront, houses several lively bars and restaurants with colourful colonial architecture. The Copo Sujo, a lime and lager mix in a salt-rimmed cup is the local drink of choice. The healthy and delicious açaí berry is native to the region and can be eaten mixed with other fruit and sweets at Point do Açaí (Rua Dias Nartins).

(1) Ouro Preto, (2) Florianópolis and (3) Rio Branco


DESTINOS ALTERNATIVOS DO BRASILA Copa do Mundo ter-minou e a ex-periência dos estimados 600 mil visitantes estrangeiros que estiveram no Brasil foi avassalado-ramente posi-tiva, cheia de surpresas e momentos in-esquecíveis. Do coração do Brasil ou de um canto subvalorizado da floresta amazônica para uma fuga numa ilha do sul do país, Alec Her-ron recomenda três cidades que não foram sedes dos jo-gos da Copa do Mundo, mas que têm muito para oferecer aos viajantes.

OURO PRETO, MINAS GERAIS

Coração da corrida do ouro do Bra-sil, a riqueza passada de Ouro Preto é demonstrada em sua impressionante arquitetura barroca. Também marcada por suas sinuosas ruas de paralelepípe-dos e as encostas íngremes da cidade construída nas colinas de Minas Gerais.

O QUE VISITAR

Uma das sete maravilhas do mun-do de origem Portuguesa, a igreja São Francisco de Assis (Rua das Mercês) conta a história de Aleijadinho, seu arquiteto, que apesar de sua doença continuou a construção da igreja. Es-culturas artesanais, como a tradicional “namoradeira”, com olhar concupiscen-te, podem ser comprados no Mercado do Artesanato, em frente à São Fran-cisco de Assis. O Museu da Incon-fidência (Praça Tiradentes) conta um pouco da historia de um dos grandes impulsos do Brasil colônia para a sua independência de Portugal, que inclui até a forca na qual Tiradentes, anta-gonista da história, foi enforcado pela sua revolta.

O QUE COMER E BEBER

O estado de Minas Gerais é famoso pela sua gastronomia: Chafariz (Rua São José) estabelece uma variedade de pratos regionais, incluindo o delicioso Feijão Tropeiro. Na casa da família de Aleijadinho (Rua Antônio Dias), você pode provar uma variedade suave e doce da bebida mineira, sendo a mais famosa a cachaça Safra Barroca, que é vendida em uma garrafa de pedra sabão. Misture café com doce de leite e você terá o início perfeito para o seu dia, com um café mineiro na Puro Cacau (Rua Direita).

FLORIANÓPOLIS, SANTA CATARINA

Um destino turístico popular, geral-mente explorado por jovens viajantes que curtem pegar ondas e a vida no-turna. Mas Florianópolis é muito mais do que uma simples parada no circuito de festas.

O QUE VISITAR

Caminhe pela rota mais longa, cerca de três horas, para alcançar a praia mais distante de Florianópolis: Lagoi-nha do Leste. Imediatamente ao sul, a

praia Pântano do Sul está alinhada de uma extremidade a outra por restau-rantes de frutos do mar, incluindo o Bar do Arante, onde os visitantes são incentivados a deixar um recado. Do outro lado da ilha, vale um passeio ao longo da beira-mar em Ribeirão da Ilha, observando a arquitetura colorida, traços dos açorianos que fundaram e deixaram sua marca na ilha. Se você quer tentar algum exercício físico, que não exige tanto quanto o surf, tente a aventura nas dunas na praia da Jo-aquina.

O QUE COMER E BEBER

Muitos restaurantes, como o Delicia do Mar (Rua Gílson da Costa Xavier), têm terraço com vistas panorâmicas so-bre o mar. A partir da principal via noturna e de hospedagem, a Lagoa de Conceição pegue um barco para a Cos-ta da Lagoa e escolha qualquer um dos requintados restaurantes para pedir uma sequência de camarão e experimentar a variedade do preparo de camarões.

RIO BRANCO, ACRE

Um canto pouco explorado da Flo-resta Amazônica do Brasil, cheio de delícias culturais, gastronomia única e uma base para uma experiência turísti-ca diferente.

O QUE VISITAR

Passeios de um dia, que saem de Rio Branco e são ofertados por diversos fornecedores de turismo, e levam você para conhecer um pouco mais da vida selvagem da Floresta Amazônica. Ainda dentro das fronteiras da cidade, mais natureza pode ser testemunhada, visi-te o Parque Ambiental Chico Mendes (AC-040), uma homenagem ao ambien-talista assassinado nas proximidades de Xapuri. Saiba mais sobre a história da região amazônica, no Centro Histórico Quixadá (Estrada do Quixadá).

O QUE COMER E BEBER

O centro histórico da cidade, a Ga-meleira, abriga diversos bares e restau-rantes com arquitetura colonial colori-da. O Copo Sujo é a bebida local, uma mistura de limão e cerveja e com a borda do copo coberta com sal. O açaí saudável e delicioso é nativo da região e pode ser consumido misturado com outras frutas e doces no Point do Açaí (Rua Dias Nartins).

DIV

UL

GA

TIO

N


MUSIC TO WEAR

FOUR LOOKS, ONE DRESS

QUATRO VISUAIS, UM VESTIDO

By Marielle Machado

If you love prints and are always looking for a great mix of patterns than now is your time. We all know that the fashion world goes round and round and at the moment, the new cool is to wear just a single print, but from head to toe - it’s the classic ‘matchy matchy’ outfit.Okay, it’s already been a few

months since this trend exploded, but my interest in it increased a few days ago, when I saw on Insta-gram (follow us @musicaparavestir) the photos of the Spring/Summer collections for some of the UK high street shops. All of the brands had at least one photo of this co-ordinated look. So I went looking for inspiration online and got even

more excited about this trend. Of all the ways to wear a two

pieces outfit in the same print, the coolest combination has to be a crop top and a high-waisted skirt or trousers. So imagine my delight when I spotted this little beauty on ASOS during my daily scroll of online clothing shops. The print is a bit tacky and has a 90’s feeling, with a mixture of giant sunflowers and polka dots, which obviously caught my attention. I clicked on the link to see more and got an even better surprise. In one of the photos the model is wearing the dress, and on the other photo she’s wearing the same dress but like se-parates, a top and a skirt. Yes, it’s a genius idea: the dress has lots of buttons all around the waist so it

can be turned into two pieces when unbuttoned.I didn’t have to think any longer,

I was already sold. It is one of the most versatile things I’ve ever seen in my life: a dress that you can wear in four different ways!I’m so excited about the dress and

realm of possibilities it opens that I just had to share it’s magic with you. So here you can see the dress on its own (photo 1), then you can just unbutton it and adjust the skirt to get it separated (photo 2)! Then you can also come up with two other different outfits wearing only the top (photo 3) or the skirt (photo 4). It’s a brilliant, right? Imagine if

they started making them in diffe-rent prints, you could get creative with endless combinations!

Por Marielle Machado

Se você adora uma estampa e está sempre em busca de um mix mirabolante, mas sempre fica na dúvida se acertou ou não, está aqui a solução para os seus problemas! É que esse mundo da moda gira: agora o cool é usar uma só estam-pa, mas da cabeça aos pés – uma blusa e saia, uma jaqueta e calça... O famoso conjuntinho.Ok, essa tendência apareceu há

alguns meses, mas minha vontade de comprar um conjuntinho cres-ceu depois de acompanhar pelo Instagram (segue a gente lá no @musicaparavestir) uma preview das novas coleções de Primavera/Verão das fast fashion britânicas. Todas as marcas tinham pelo menos um

conjuntinho para chamar de seu.E aí fui buscando inspiração pela

internet. Dentre todas as maneiras de usar duas peças com a mesma estampa, a combinação mais legal é sempre com um crop top e uma saia ou calça de cintura alta.Pois bem, dando minha olhada

diária nas lojas de roupa online, me deparei com um vestido dife-rente. A estampa é meio brega e total anos 90, uma mistura de gi-rassóis gigantes com bolinhas – e lógico que, por causa disso, logo me chamou a atenção. Cliquei no link para ver mais e tive uma surpresa passando pelas fotos da modelo! Na primeira foto ela apa-rece usando o vestido, e na outra foto ela está usando o mesmo vestido, mas como blusa e saia

separados, um conjuntinho! Sim, é uma ideia genial: o vestido é cheio de botões na cintura e se transforma em duas peças quando desabotoado!Nem precisei pensar muito. Já

estava convencida e logo garanti o meu. É uma das coisas mais versá-teis que eu já vi na vida: um ves-tido que você pode usar de quatro jeitos diferentes. O vestido ficou assim (foto 1),

e é só desabotoar e ajustar a saia com os botões invisíveis para trans-formá-lo num conjuntinho (foto 2). Ainda dá para fazer outras combi-nações usando só a blusa (foto 3) ou só a saia (foto 4). Legal, não é? É uma ótima ideia fazer modelos iguais de estampas diferentes, e ser criativo nas combinações!

g Essa conversa continua lá no www.musicaparavestir.com.br

g The conversation continues on www.musicaparavestir.co.uk

1 2 3 4

brasilobserver.co.uk 25

*A LondonHelp4U oferece 100% de garantia em aplicaçõesde visto para o Reino Unido submetidas ao Home Office.Em casos de visto negado, o cliente terá direito ao reembolsodos valores pagos à agência, excluindo-se o valor do VAT.

Dúvidas sobre imigração e visto?Fale com quem está há mais de 12 anos no mercado

HELPING PEOPLE IS OUR MISSION.

HOW MAY I HELP YOU?

e oferece 100% de garantia em processos de vistopara o Reino Unido.

NO WIN, NO FEE!Na LondonHelp4U, nós conseguimos

o seu visto ou devolvemos os valores

pagos pelas nossas taxas*.

marque hoje mesmo umaconsulta com nossosespecialistas.

72, Wells Street - W1T 3QF - Próximo à Oxford Circus

020 7636 [email protected] /londonhelp4u

WWW.LONDONHELP4U.CO.UK

Documents

Brasil Observer #15 - English Version