Father’s Day in Brazil

Posted on June 5, 2023June 5, 2023 by John Reynolds

Unlike the US and many other parts of the world, Father’s Day in Brazil is actually celebrated in August. Like Mother’s Day, it is not a public holiday; nevertheless, it is still celebrated nationwide with gift-giving and family activities. Read our article to learn more about how Brazilians celebrate Father’s day and why it takes place on the second Sunday in August.

Why Father’s Day is Different in Brazil

The official date for celebrating Father’s Day in Brazil was established rather recently. In the 1950s, a journalist named Roberto Marino and his colleague, Sylvio Behring, (not the jiu-jitsu expert!) named the second day in August “Dia dos Pais.” This date coincided with the feast of Saint Joachim, who is the patron saint of fathers and believed to be the biological father of the virgin Mary. This is in keeping with many of Brazil’s national holidays, which tend to align with the Catholic Christian tradition.

Interestingly, the original Portuguese Catholics who arrived in Brazil observed a feast in honor of father’s on March 19. This is the feast of St. Joseph, and it dates back to at least the early 15th century. Spain, Portugal, and Italy continue to celebrate Father’s Day on March 19.

It is not known exactly why Sylvio Behring and Roberto Marino chose a different date, nor why they had the authority to do so. The theory is that Marino wanted to boost newspaper sales and Behring suggested the feast of Saint Joachim as a marketing ploy. Whether or not this story is true, Father’s Day does happen to be one of the most consumer-driven holidays in Brazil, so perhaps Behring’s tactic worked!

How Do Brazilians Celebrate Father’s Day?

Father’s Day in Brazil is observed in similar fashion to other countries, with the day being dedicated to spending time with loved ones, eating good food, and giving gifts. Children will often prepare a homemade present at school on the Friday before Father’s Day. Written notes of gratitude are also common, as are cartões de Dia dos Pais (greeting cards). Some of the most popular presents include clothing and cologne for Dad.

If the family is Catholic, they may start the day with Sunday Mass. Then, a special lunch will be prepared, or the family may go to a favorite restaurant. The rest of the day is spent together, doing outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or grilling.

Like Mother’s Day in Brazil, Father’s Day celebrates multiple generations. Uncles, Grandfather’s, and Great Grandfathers will be included in the festivities.

Texas de Brazil Father’s Day Promo

While Brazilians have another couple of months to plan for Father’s Day, it is right around the corner here in the US. At Texas de Brazil, we know fathers and barbecue tend to go hand in hand. If your dad is a grill master, why not give him something truly special this Father’s Day?

Our online Butcher Shop features hand-curated grill packages of the most premium cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and lamb. Let Dad dazzle guests churrasco style style-we’ve even got aprons and a sleek gaucho knife to complete your Father’s Day meat box. Go online and use PROMO CODE: FATHERSDAY for a special discount.*

Feliz dia dos pais!

*Discount only available for purchases of $150 or more.

Mother’s Day in Brazil

Posted on April 10, 2023 by John Reynolds

Like the US, Mother’s Day in Brazil is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It is a day dedicated to honoring not just mothers, but also grandmothers, aunts, and any other mother-like figures deserving of recognition. While it is not an official holiday, Brazilians still consider Dia das Mães one of the most important celebrations, second only to Christmas.

How Do Brazilians Celebrate Mother’s Day?

As a predominantly Catholic nation, many families will start the celebration by attending Mass together. The rest of Mother’s Day in Brazil typically involves good food and time spent together. It’s no secret that Brazilians love the outdoors, so activities like barbecues and picnics are very common. Flowers are also a traditional gesture: you’ll find familiar favorites, like roses, mixed with more exotic blossoms, like orchids and hibiscus.

Of course, gift giving is also an important part of Mother’s Day in Brazil. In fact, this day ranks second for consumer spending in the Nation (after Christmas). Homemade gifts are also appreciated, especially from school-aged children, who are encouraged by their teachers to make something for the mamães. (Reverence for one’s mother is instilled at quite an early age in Brazil!)

In many Brazilian families, it is the mother who does most of the cooking. Brazilians want to give their mothers, grandmothers, and aunties a break from that on Mother’s Day. They do this by preparing the food themselves or taking their mothers out to a nice restaurant.

Autumn in Brazil

Mother’s Day falls right in the middle of the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn. May, in particular, is considered one of the best times of year to visit Brazil.Temperatures are still warm, but not as oppressive as they are in the summertime. This means that Mother’s Day is an ideal time to hit the beach or go for a family hike.

Mother’s Day Dining Ideas

Texas De Brazil will be opening early on Mother’s Day. Most locations will open at 11 am (California and New York at noon). Book your table today for a truly special Mother’s Day experience. We will be serving our traditional menu, which includes all-you-can-eat salad bar and succulent churrasco style meats carved table-side. It doesn’t get any more decadent than that!

If Mom prefers to spend the day outdoors, why not treat her to an incredible barbecue? You can order our premium cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and lamb to be delivered right to your door. Don’t forget the Brazilian sausages, too! Order online today to get yours in time for Mother’s Day churrasco.

Bacalhau com Natas (Salt Cod in Cream)

Posted on December 19, 2022 by John Reynolds

Creamy Salt Cod Casserole

If you are looking for an alternative to the traditional roast meats of Christmas dinner, try this creamy, cheesy cod fish dish. Originally from Portugal, bacalhau com natas is a one-pan feast with salted cod, potatoes, cream, and plenty of cheese. Buttery, savory, and with a hint of warming spices, it is comfort food at its finest. We top it with olives and boiled eggs for a true Brazilian twist.

Bacalhau in Brazil

Salted cod fish, or bacalhau, is very popular in Brazil, where it is featured in numerous traditional recipes. You may be familiar with the famous fritters known as bolinhos de bacalhau, a particular favorite during Rio’s Carnival. It is also the main ingredient in a casserole called Bacalhau a Gomes de Sá, which is similar to today’s recipe but omits the cream sauce and cheese.

Cod fish dishes, collectively known as bacalhoadas, are also the traditional meal of Good Friday in many parts of Brazil. As a largely Catholic nation, the majority of observers choose to abstain from eating meat. Fish, on the other hand, is acceptable, and bacalhau is by far the favorite.

Today’s bacalhau de natas is simple enough for a weeknight meal, but also special enough for a holiday get-together. It is also a fast alternative to traditional holiday roasts that take hours to prepare. The casserole comes together in minutes and finishes in the oven in under half an hour!

Preparing Bacalhau

Salt cod needs to be soaked in cold water for at least six hours before being used in any recipe. This not only plumps up the dried fish but also removes a lot of the excess salt. Trust us, you won’t want to put dried bacalhau directly into a recipe-it is tough and extremely salty!

Do I Have to Use Salted Cod Fish?

No, you can substitute fresh or frozen cod fish in this recipe and it will still be quite good! Just take into account that you will need to adjust the salt level and prepare the fish slightly differently. Fresh or frozen fish will be better baked as opposed to simmered in water. Bake until just flaky and then fry according to the recipe below.

Bacalhau com Natas (Salt Cod with Cream Recipe)

Ingredients:

4 Potatoes (peeled and sliced)
2 lbs of dried, salted cod fish (soaked overnight in cold water)
1 Onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves of Garlic (minced)
½ cup of diced green onions
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2.5 cups milk
1.5 cups heavy cream
1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
1 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced green olives
6 hard boiled eggs
Fresh nutmeg
1.5 tsp salt (or more to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Rinse the cod fish and place in a saucepan. Cover it with hot water and bring to a simmer. Simmer on medium for about five minutes. Strain the fish and set aside on paper towels.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
Fry the potato slices in batches until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper. Add them to the bottom of your greased casserole dish.
Fry the salted cod in the same pan until crisp and flaky. Remove and drain excess grease on paper towels. Put the cooked fish in a layer over the potatoes in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the fish layer with sliced green olives.
Using the same pan, melt the two tablespoons of butter and saute your diced onion until just translucent. Add in your garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add in the flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Now, slowly add in your milk and fresh cream. Whisk to fully incorporate and bring to a boil. The mixture should thicken to a bechamel sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of fresh nutmeg (remember that the salt and cheese will be salty, so don’t be reserved with the additional salt).
Pour the sauce over the fish and potatoes in the casserole dish. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for twenty minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with halved boiled eggs and green onions. Enjoy with crusty bread or white rice.

More Great Brazilian Recipes to Try:

Christmas in Brazil

Posted on November 28, 2022 by John Reynolds

Like many parts of the world, Christmas in Brazil is a time dedicated to being with family, reflecting on the past year, and enjoying good food. There are a few traditions that are distinctly Brazilian, however. Let’s discover how Brazilians celebrate Christmas.

Brazilian Christmas Traditions

Midnight Mass

As a predominantly Catholic nation, those who observe Christmas often attend a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. This special mass is known as Missa do Gallo in Portuguese, which means “Rooster’s Mass.”

In fact, Christmas Eve is the main day for celebration in Brazil. Following mass, many friends and families join together to exchange gifts and enjoy a traditional Brazilian Christmas dinner. Those who do not attend church also celebrate with food, drink, family, and presents on the night of the 24th.

Outdoor Fun

While we, in the States, are often cozied up inside by the fire on Christmas day, most Brazilians will be found outdoors. It is, after all, the middle of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, so Brazilians like to celebrate with churrasco, drinks, and a dip in the pool.

Secret Santa

Brazilian celebrations can get very large very quickly. Extended family and friends of friends of friends are all invited, and the party lasts hours. Buying a gift for everyone in attendance is next to impossible, not to mention expensive. The Brazilian solution is to exchange gifts Secret Santa style, where each person is responsible for getting a gift for one other person. This is known as Amigo Oculto, and it helps save time and money while still allowing everyone to receive a gift.

Papai Noel

Speaking of Santa, Brazilian children share the common belief that Father Christmas (“Papai Noel” in Portuguese) will bring them presents on Christmas Eve. He is depicted in much the same way as in the US and other parts of the world. He wears red and white robes, a warm hat, and has a white beard. Some like to think his robes are made of silk to keep him from overheating in the hot Brazilian sun.

Traditional Foods

Like Americans, Brazilians have a few staple items that will be found on almost every table at Christmas time. In place of a turkey, a Chester style chicken is often the centerpiece. Favorite side dishes include rice and feijoada with farofa, as well as plenty of fresh fruit.

No Christmas dinner in Brazil is complete without the panettone (panetone in Portuguese). Panettone is an Italian sweet bread, originally from Milan. The bread has a distinctive dome shape and the base is typically wrapped in decorative paper. It can be filled with a wide variety of candied fruits, but the traditional bread incorporates candied orange and lemon and is dotted with a good amount of raisins. A popular South American version of the panettone uses candied papaya in place of the orange and lemon.

Another favorite dessert for Christmas in Brazil is rabanada: a crispy, cinnamon-sugar spiced version of French Toast. Brazilians do not eat French Toast for breakfast or brunch. It is exclusively a dessert treat, and it is deep fried for extra decadence.

Give the Gift of Churrasco This Christmas

Celebrate Christmas the Brazilian way by visiting one of our 50+ locations this holiday season. Better yet, give the gift of Texas de Brazil by purchasing a gift card or a hand-curated grill package from our online Butcher Shop. Call or go online today to find the perfect Christmas gift for your barbecue-loving friend.