This is Brazil

This is Brazil is a thrilling and exciting travel series aired by SBS Australia in 2014 that allows audiences to plunge into the remarkable culture, enticing cuisines and vibrant life of Brazil. A fascinating country that is often swathed in mystery and misconception, Brazil is home to spectacular landscapes, pulsating cities, and a melting pot of cultures and traditions. This show, hosted by Fernanda de Paula, aims to disentangle the multifaceted aspects of Brazil, revealing the true essence of the country.

Fernanda de Paula, the host and guide, is a cultural ambassador who successfully bridges the gap between Australia and Brazil. Born in Goiania, Brazil, Fernanda moved to Australia at the age of 21 and ever since she has been devoted to promoting Brazilian culture down under. Her deep understanding of both Australian and Brazilian cultures gives a unique depth to the show - she is just as comfortable samba dancing in Rio De Janeiro as she is surfing on Bondi Beach.

The show unfolds as de Paula transports the viewers on an exhilarating journey across her native country. From the breathtakingly beautiful Amazon Rainforest, teeming with unparalleled biodiversity, to the pulsating rhythm of Rio de Janeiro, abundant with cultural festivities and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the show incorporates a fascinating range of locales and perspectives. This is Brazil goes beyond the usual tourist trail, highlighting regions that are often overlooked by conventional travel shows.

Each episode presents a specific Brazilian state or city and exhibits the unique features that make it special. There is an authentic representation of Brazilian life, depicting the social, cultural, and culinary dynamism of the country. The show isn't afraid to address the issues, exploring the economic disparity, environmental issues, and political struggles that this vast country experiences. Through interviews with the locals, Fernanda offers viewers a rare, intimate, and realistic glimpse into the lives of everyday Brazilians — from the urban chic of Sao Paulo to the coastal charm of Bahia, and everywhere in between.

A significant part of the series is dedicated to showcasing the rich and varied cuisine of Brazil. The viewers are treated to the mouth-watering array of textures, colors, and flavors that make Brazilian cuisine so unique and delicious. De Paula audaciously ventures into bustling food markets and local family kitchens, allowing the audience to experience the cooking techniques and ingredients unique to the region. She enjoys typical dishes at the dinner tables of locals, savoring feijoada, acarajé, pão de queijo and many more regional delicacies. Through food, the show delves into the nation's history, its native, African, and European influences, and how these distinct heritages have come together to create one of the most diverse culinary landscapes in the world.

This is Brazil is packed with colourful festivals and traditional dances. The celebration of life in Brazil is depicted through its music, dance, and festivals, revealing how these expressions of joy and resilience are deeply ingrained in the Brazilian soul. From the legendary Carnival to smaller, local fiestas, the series showcases the vibrancy and complexity of Brazilian culture. Witnessing Fernanda dance Samba or enjoy Forró around a campfire, viewers gain a precious insight into the traditional arts that play such a significant role in Brazilian life.

Beyond culture and cuisine, This is Brazil also depicts the natural wonders of the country. Brazil is home to some of the world's most stunning natural scenery, including the grand Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal wetlands, and the Iguazu Falls. The show provides an impression of the scale and beauty of these magnificent landscapes while raising awareness around their conservation.

What distinguishes This is Brazil from other travel shows is its unique combination of travelogue, food show, and cultural analysis. It's a showcase of the country far removed from the stereotypes often attached to Brazil. It's a realistic and captivating journey that offers an intimate look into the heart of Brazil, seen through the eyes of someone who considers it home.

This is Brazil is a must-watch series for those looking to experience Brazil in all its vibrancy and colour. It's a show for the adventurous spirit and the cultural explorer, for the foodie and the nature lover. It's a series for anyone interested in discovering the true essence of Brazil beyond its postcard-perfect tourist sites. It's not just about travelling to Brazil; it's about understanding and experiencing Brazil.