Colors of Ilha Grande - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Locals are known for their tranquil and peaceful temper. People here always try to resolve an argument by a simple conversation and to reduce tension by joking. Fighting here is a very rare phenomenon. Still, Ilha Grande is not the best place for alone night walks. The level of criminality is much lower than in the country in general and most locals try not to deal with tourists. Nevertheless, you should follow some basic rules: keep an eye on your personal stuff, do not show that you have a big amount of money along in the public places, do not walk around the territory alone in the night time, do not accept precarious offers from strangers. The locals are pretty communicative, but still, it’s believed to be indecent to come and talk to an unfamiliar girl.

The islanders’ basic principle is the Brazilian «jeitinho brasileiro». It can be interpreted as «the Brazilian demeanor» with a slight shade of neglect. If you try to express all the diversification of the term in one proverb, then it would be the «put off till tomorrow what you don’t want to do today».The locals are probably non-punctual and it’s not just about constant lateness to meetings and dates’ defaults. Here on the island, TV broadcasts are always late on schedule, official events never start on time, and nobody follows transport timetables. And still, concerning all these peculiarities, the locals try to get out of all the possible situations which could appear because of the attitude to life just with bare efforts.

All in all, the islanders have a light attitude to life. An ability to find a way out of a hard situation by a couple of easy actions is a part of the local national mentality. People here tell so many jokes every day so you start wondering why is it still impossible to produce electricity by humor. Remember, if you were invited for a dinner at 9 o’clock, it’s better to come 15 minutes later so a host can manage to prepare everything needed. Nobody expects you to come on time. So, if you invite a local to go somewhere, take into consideration that he or she will certainly be late. You also have to remember that almost none of the locals speak English (except for the tourism employees). Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If you ask an islander «How are you (Tudo bem)?» they will always say «I’m fine (Tudo)» even if it’s not true. What about the interior, you won’t find any wallpapers or carpets in the local houses; on the other hand, there will be at least two baths. For the locals, it’s hard to understand how is it possible to live in a house with only one bathroom. If you have dark-blond or even brown hair, then don’t even try to argue with those who would call you blond, blonde, loiro or loira. And don’t be surprised if you would meet Brazilians with fair hair and blue eyes here on the island. They’re not immigrants from Europe, but absolutely true locals. People here a very tolerant and they don’t bully people for their skin color, nationality or religion.

Both men and women from the island are really emotional. Perhaps this is the reason why the Brazilian series are so much popular. And the same thing with football. Not only men root for their favorite teams but also women. Almost all the local families have more than two children, even though islanders get married quite late. And people don’t really believe in «love for a first sight». Mostly, couples are dating for 5-10 years before marriage. Close romantic relations between relatives – and not only the close ones, but also relationships with cousins, great-nephews, etc. – are actually supported by society. The locals are tremendously passionate and extremely jealous. They like to sort things out between each other with all the heat and passion.

The islanders are very religious. About 70% of them attend churches. Christian holidays are very popular and they’re celebrated greatly, especially Easter, Our Lady Apparition, Epiphany, and Christmas, of course. They also celebrate New Year and in this day they’re wearing white clothes and wish each other «Feliz Ano Novo!» - «Happy New Year!». But the biggest celebrations take place during the days of the February Carnivals. It includes processions in different costumes, fairs, performances, and, of course, non-stopping dancing and singing.