The birds of Rio
Rio is full of green areas, from public squares to Botanical Gardens to the parks and the Atlantic Forest. The green areas harbour a wide variety of birds, and the state of Rio alone sports almost 700 species. Spend some time with our resident bird-watcher.. more>>
Rio's juice bars
Brazil has a wonderful variety of fruit, and nowhere better to try out new mixes and flavors than the juice bars of Rio. Some of the fruit you won't even recognize, but after the blender works its magic, you'll enjoy them all.. more>>
Worthy Causes - the BCS helps Task Brasil
Task Brasil has a farm in the interior of the State of Rio de Janeiro, where young people, rescued from the streets of Rio, are taught the basics of organic farming. One of the projects is pig-raising, and the BCS is helping by buying some piglets for the farm.. more>>
Fresh bread anyone?
The best things in life are simple, and one of the simplest and most delicious is the "paozinho" or French roll. Slice into a crisp roll and add a dab of butter, and mmmmmm... more>>
The Coffee Barons and their Mansions
The Coffee Barons of the 19th century coffee boom built mansions on the estates that brought them riches. After decades of decay the mansions are being restored on the strength of historical interest and tourism. See Living in Brazil. more>>
Royal Revival in Rio
200 years ago this year, the Portuguese Royal Family arrived in Brazil, led by Queen Maria I, with her son Joao the Prince Regent and his Spanish wife Carlota Joaquina. The Portuguese fleet was escorted by the British Royal Navy. more>>
Photos of Brazil
We are creating this photo gallery for readers' photos. Please send in your favorite photos, they can be of anything so long as it is Brazilian. more>>
UK Pizza King
Chris Moore lived in Brazil for ten years, and was very active in the British community. With his father Dicky, a great stage builder, he took part in amateur theatrical productions. Did this help his career? more>>
How about a Yoga Retreat in Portugal
Two Cariocas abroad, Sharon Farah (nee Hieatt) and Daniela Castro (nee Bodman-Morris) have got together to provide a wonderful four days of relaxation and Yoga, in a beautiful 18th century country house in the lush-green region of Minho, north Portugal, this month. BOOK NOW.. more>>
The Little House without Windows
Always happy to promote the literary achievements of members of the Rio community, CariocaForever brings you news of a book just published by someone who has adopted Rio as her home. more>>
Christ Church launches website
Christ Church, Rio's Anglican Church, has just launched its own website, making it easier for visitors to find the church, and local residents to know what is going on regarding church services and all the activities connected to the church. more>>
Travel and Adventure
Diamantina is just one of the fascinating places that our readers and writers have visited and written about. Check out the Travel and Adventure section on our main menu. more>>
Asia Restaurant announces WINNERS
THE WINNERS of the complementary lunches/dinners have now been announced. Click here to find out who they are, and also about a NEW COMPETITION, and about the restaurant itself, the wonderful Asian atmosphere and the even better Asian flavours. more>>
XIV Rio Cello Encounter
The 2008 edition of the Rio International Cello Encounter will begin on August 9 with a variety of concerts around the city. This year's theme is "From the Classics to the Choro" and for the first time will include Cuban musicians. more>>
Two fascinating journies to the Amazon
In May this year two fascinating trips into the Amazon region are planned - one is the Margaret Mee Foundation's annual excursion, and the other is for budding botanical illustrators, led once again by artist Dulce Nascimento... more>>
NEW - Carioca Quiz
A bit of fun to find out how much you Cariocas and adopted Cariocas know about Rio, its history, its heritage and its attractions. The geographical area covered is the city and state of Rio.. more>>
Winner of Nationwide Bike It Contest
Olivia Farah, daughter of Sharon and Fernando Farah, both born in Rio but now living in Wandsworth, London, has won a nationwide contest for a poster design for the Bike It campaign more>>
SCM tenor honoured by the Emperor of Japan
Hiroyuki Makita sings tenor with the SCM choir. His colleagues in the choir were not aware of all the voluntary work he was doing in the Rio de Janeiro Japanese community, until they heard he had been given a special decoration by the Japanese Emperor. more>>
Shrove Tuesday
Known as fat Tuesday in some places. Being one day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, when many people abstain from excesses of eating and drinking, the idea is to eat as many pancakes as possible... more>>
Carnival is almost upon us...
Carnival is early this year, starting on February 2. The city is already throbbing with the beat of the drums, the Samba Schools are preparing for the Parades, and Blocos are appearing in the streets. more>>
Sky high Dudgeon
Our curmudgeonly columnist tells us a little of the causes of the chaos in airports nowadays, and the consequent delays and discomfort to passengers more>>
New feature - VIDEO
We can now bring you video from all over the world, though most of it will have some relation to the community and events here in Rio. This one is a sample from the Royal British Legion... more>>
Cooking and Recipes
Another new feature is our cooking and recipes section. We are starting with videos from CucaBrazuca, but we welcome ideas and recipes from readers. more>>
Victims of Rio's rains need help
In this case feline victims. Many animals get abandoned or lost in the confusion caused by the heavy rains, flooding, traffic jams etc. A couple of our readers found two Siamese cats, mother and kitten, and are looking for a good home for them. more>>
New Year's Eve in Rio
Rio's New Year celebrations are now world famous, and crowds of visitors land in Rio at this time of the year to join in the fun - which could mean joining the millions on Copacabana beach to see the New Year in..or more>>
Rio's Floating Christmas Tree
Safely established in the Guiness Book of Records, the Christmas Tree on the lake this year is 13 meters higher than last year, and is also more environmentally friendly. more>>
British Honours in Jardim Botanico
The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens, founded by Emperor Dom Joao VI 200 years ago, are to honour the names of two past members of the British Community here in Rio - Margaret Mee and Philip Jenkins. more>>
Your Health - Reflexology in Rio
In November the BCS is hosting a presentation in the Jubilee Hall, entitled "An Introduction to Reflexology and the Universal Approach". Sally Teixeira, a qualified British reflexologist, will be giving the presentation. more>>
How will Lula leave Brazil?
The next presidential election will be the first in 20 years in which current President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will not be a candidate, as he is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election.. more>>
DIM DIM girls in Rugby World Cup
We all know about the Pom Pom girls, the cheerleaders in American Football, but who are the DIM DIM girls? If you are watching the Rugby World Cup on TV, you may know. If not, read on.. more>>
Brit to play darts for Brazil
This year Brazil will be playing in the World Darts Federation World Cup in the Netherlands. One member of the Brazilian team is a teacher from the British School in Rio. Read about darts played in Rio and Brazil. more>>
Economic Boom - Political Gloom
Brazil´s economic fundamentals are now much stronger than they were and Lula can take the credit not because he has been a driving force for economic reform but because he has left the monetary and budgetary policy in the hands of non-political experts. more>>
Rio International Cello Encounter
Once again David Chew has organized 48 free concerts which take place between 11th and 27th August. One special addition this year is a concert at Christ Church, Botafogo, on the 19th, sponsored by the BCS, and featuring world-renowned violinist Haroutune Bedelian. more>>
Rio 2007 - PanAmerican Games
This year, from July 13 to 29, Rio is hosting the PanAmerican Games. We shall be following the progress of the city's preparation for this, and bringing you news and comments. more>>
Welcome to Rio Day
A community service project to help people from other countries to enjoy living in Rio. Businesses, clubs, churches, synagogues, teachers, trainers, and groups needing volunteers will be participating. more>>
Cristo Redentor makes it into the New Seven
The New7Wonders of the World, in random order, are: The Great Wall of China, Petra, Chichén Itzá, the Statue of Christ Redeemer, the Colosseum, Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal. More than 100 million votes were cast worldwide. more>>
How can I help those in need?
We often ask ourselves the question "What can I do to help those with less than me?" This is to give you some idea as to how to turn that question into action.... more>>
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
At the end of May, the New Players will be producing the well known Tennessee Williams play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Director John Whittlesea has put together a cast and is now busy rehearsing. Read on for more details.. more>>
The Curmudgeon on Mergers and Acquisitions
On a subject that always creates much discussion and argument, our pet Curmudgeon has some words to say about the latest blockbuster deals in Brazil.. more>>
Old building, new theater
Behind the beautiful facade of the old house at Rua General Polidoro 180, lies a state of the art, hi-tech theater and Cultural Center. The play on at the moment "Campo de Provas", is not to be missed.. Discount Prices for UmbrellaRio Subscribers.. more>>
Rio Quiz Night
Hard on the brain? The Rio Quiz Night has now become a yearly tradition, and this is probably around the 16th edition. The UmbrellaRio website is sponsoring the event, and as usual we are expecting a very high quality of Quiz Questions - nothing easy! more>>
Orchid Paintings at Forte Copacabana
On April 13, the first ever OrchidaRio Art Salon will open at the spectacular Forte Copacabana. Work by over 60 artists will be on display, plus a goodly showing of plants.. more>>
Cowboys and Cariocas Chili Cookoff
March 31 will be a day to go down in history as the day of the Fabulously Successful Cowboys and Cariocas Chili Cookoff, benefiting the Building Repair Fund for the International Christian School and Union Church. more>>
Westminster Boys Choir in Rio
On April 4, the Westminster Boys Choir will be singing in the Candelaria Church. This is their second tour in Brazil, in 2005 they sang in Christ Church and Igreja Sao Bento. more>>
Need some help with your Portuguese?
See our latest feature - Practical Portuguese - where teacher Ana Luiza Bergamini gives practical hints on everyday Portuguese - the way the Brazilians speak it... more>>
Lord Jim Pub
Check out Rio's Premier Sports Pub.
Every week we publish the sports program at the Pub, shown on 2 giant plasma screens and 8 TVs. Football Rugby Cricket etc....... more>>
Win a free Photography Course
The Association of Friends of the Rio Botanical Gardens and photographer Joao Quental are offering a free course in open air photography to the lucky person whose name is drawn by the UmbrellaRio editors.. more>>
Street Carnival in Rio
You have to go downtown and pay a fortune to see the Carnival Parades, the "Escolas de Samba", but the Street Carnival is free, with Blocos and Bands all over town, North Zone and South. more>>
The Rio Carnival Parades
Have you ever been out with a Samba School in the Carnival Parades in the Avenida Sapucai? The American Society do it every year, and those who take part have a wonderful time. more>>
Eating out at Couve Flor
The Jardim Botanico area has some nice restaurants, and this is one of them, where you pay by the kilo and eat in a charming atmosphere with a view of the Botanical Gardens across the road. more>>
Rio Zoo
Nothing to do on a cloudy afternoon in Rio? Need to entertain the children? Why not grab a bit of history and nature at the same time, and take the kids to the RioZoo in the Quinta da Boa Vista?
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Kaiten Sushi Bar in Rio
This month Glenn Ellefson takes us downtown to sample one of Rio's many Sushi Bars. more>>
New Margaret Mee Book Launch
This massive volume has a whopping 370 pages with colour throughout, bringing together the most complete collection of the work of our favourite flower painter. more>>
Santos Dumont centenary
Margi Moss gives us a fascinating story of Santos-Dumont for the centenary year celebrations of his first flight. more>>
Gamboa Cemetery - an Appeal
The English Cemetery at Gamboa will shortly be listed by the Municipality as part of Rio's artistic and historical heritage. This will increase maintenance costs so the Burial Fund is appealing for donations. more>>