Brazilian Ethnic Tourism

Ethnic tourism consists of visiting locations where distinct ways of life can be observed and explored. The goal is to closely see small social groups in their natural environment, with their particularities and traditions – and thus, learn from them.

This kind of tourism emerged in the world tourism scenario as a leisure option for people interested in leaning about different peoples, cultures and traditions. Moreover, it has been conquering more and more adepts around the world.

Brazil is one of the most sought after destinations for such trips as it holds over 600 indigenous reserves spread out nationwide. There are currently about 220 indigenous peoples here, who speak over 180 distinct languages, totaling about 370 thousand individuals. The major part of this population is distributed in thousands of villages, situated in the interior of indigenous lands.

Some Brazilian locations stand out when it comes to ethnical tourism. Such is the case of São Gabriel da Cachoeira, in the State of Amazonas, where one can find representatives of the tribes Piratapuias, Tucanos, Desanas, Banivas, Barés and Ianomâmis. Every year, there is a Cultural festival of the Tribes of Alto Rio Negro (Up river region) where their handicraft and cuisine are introduced to visitors and tourists during a joyous festivity. The preparations serve to teach the youth of the tribes, preserving ancient rituals.



In the Northeastern Region, the Potyguara serve as a good example among the indigenous peoples of the region. With an estimated population of 7,575 people distributed into 33 centers in three indigenous lands on the Northern Coast of the state of Paraíba. Its history of contact with the non-indigenous society originates from the beginning of colonization. Today, they strive to uphold the vigor of their ethnical identity by re-learning their native language, Tupi; and the realization of the Toré, a complex ritual that celebrates the friendship between distinct villages, strengthening the feeling of unison, and of a nation.

If ethnic tourism is your thing, do not waste time.

More on Brazil:
Brazilian Ecotourism - Fauna Watching
Recife - Pernambuco
Salvador - Bahia
Sao Paulo
Brazilian Ecotourism - Ornithology
Tom Jobim - Brazilian Music
World Heritage Cities

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