Being late can be a fashion statement. Being late can be considered rude in some cultures. But in Brazil, being “late” is often just being Brazilian.
Imagine you’ve been invited to a “Super Saturday Football Best Barbecue Party Ever Yay!” set to kick off at 2:00 PM. What time do you aim to arrive? Are you the punctual type, aiming for right on time? Perhaps a little early? Or do you lean towards arriving a tad late, maybe an hour or so? Could it even be a couple of hours after the stated start? Or do you consider having dinner first, catching the late afternoon game, and then making an entrance? Maybe the anxiety of social gatherings makes you want to skip it altogether?
Take a moment to consider your answer.
If your mental arrival time fell anywhere between “early” and “about an hour late,” you might be in for a cultural surprise in Brazil. You might find yourself in that awkward zone, much like needing to ask for a plunger at someone else’s house – uncomfortable for everyone involved.
The Brazilian Concept of Time: Why the Delay?
In Brazil, guests aren’t expected to arrive precisely at the stated start time, and often, arriving “on time” by the clock can be seen as arriving too early. It’s almost as if you’re catching the host still in their pajamas, rushing to finish last-minute preparations.
Take today, for instance. I’m invited to a churrasco, that quintessential Brazilian barbecue experience, far more impressive than your average backyard grilling session.
The official start time was an hour ago. Checking in with a Brazilian friend about his arrival, I learned he was still in bed. His plan? Wake up, eat something, perhaps squeeze in a workout, and then begin getting ready.
The surprising part? When he eventually arrives, fashionably late by the clock, no one will bat an eye. Why? Because, in Brazilian social time, he’s not actually late at all.
Brazilian social events operate on a different clock, a more fluid and flexible understanding of time. It’s a bit like navigating a relationship; sometimes what’s said isn’t exactly what’s meant. Think of it as the social equivalent of “Sure, go out drinking without me (but really, stay home and keep me company)” or “No, nothing’s wrong (when clearly, something is amiss).”
Foda né? (Rough, isn’t it?)
So, the next time you’re invited to an event or meeting with Brazilians, remember these helpful translations of “Brazilian Time”:
- “I’m on my way” = “Expect me in an hour or two.”
- “Starts at noon” = “Aim to arrive around four.”
And remember, understanding “Brazilian time” also extends to other aspects of life, like the flexible schedules often found at Brazilian universities. It’s less about what time is it in Brazil by the clock, and more about understanding the rhythm of Brazilian social time.
