Monday, February 16, 2009

Brazilian Birthday Bashes - they're Beautiful and Brilliant and ... okay, I'll stop now

Birthday parties here are events. They're not just for kids - the whole family is implicitly invited when a child gets an invitation. (One time I tried to invite JUST the kids - it didn't work.)

There are always themes - usually a cartoon character or something (Cars, Cinderella, and Spiderman seem very popular.) Everything is coordinated - from the invites to the party hats to the cake to the decorations. There are lots of balloons and usually rented wall hangings made out of styrofoam with the character glued on top.

The party lasts for hours - often into the night. Everyone hangs out, talking and laughing and eating lots of fried "salgadinhos." And, of course, dancing. It's a BRAZILIAN party, remember? These people can dance.

They hardly ever have any games or organized activities - it's just free-for-all fun. The cake is only cut at the very end. (And don't try to leave early. You'll only hear, "No no! We're about to cut the cake! Stay, stay ...." Three hours later, you're still there.)

Lots of sugar, lots of people, lots of dancing - can you get much better?













13 comments:

Floyd said...

You forgot the clapping "Parabems para voce!"

Kazzy said...

That little birthday boy is sure adorable (as are the rest of you). It is nice to hear how much you are enjoying your experience in Brazil. A friend's daughter just spent 6 months in China and her blog was constantly filled with eye rolls and mockery. Thanks for your upbeat attitude! Are you learning lots of Portuguese? All four of my g'parents spoke it, so I took 4 semesters at BYU. :)

Jody Blue said...

That was so cool! I will be checking my Brasilian recipe stash to see if we have had any of the food you mentioned. Thanks for sharing!!

nikkicrumpet said...

Well that looks like a good time was had by all! And I could use some of that yummy food...my tummy is rumbling but I don't want to stop blogging long enough to get some breakfast lol

Lara Neves said...

I think we Americans could learn a little something from that...

Kristina P. said...

If Brazilian food is anything like at Tucanos or Rodizio, I would be all over it.

Mommadj5 said...

I love the pictures!! So good to see people I know and recognize - was this on Saturday? Did your little bro go also? Love to all and kisses to LP's best friend...

Barbaloot said...

Sounds like lots of fun...and lots of energy and work:)

J. Baxter said...

As much as I would love to attend one of these affairs, the thought of having to host one is exhausting. How do these people find time to party all day???

Aquaspce said...

Party all day! Love it :) No wonder they always seem so happy!

Debbie said...

That looks like a blast. I love the all day party!

Vanessa said...

MMMM, the food looks delish!

Joan Novark said...

We had a modified one recently in New Jersey (for our Brazilian-American daughter) and my husband insisted on traveling to Newark to bring back coxinhas, cheese bread and other Brazilian appetizers.

It was fantastico!