Feed MRSS-S brasil_a, english.elpais.com en-us https://english.elpais.com Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:46:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-19/flavio-bolsonaro-proposes-five-bukelestyle-prisons-lowering-the-age-of-criminal-responsibility-and-chemical-castration-in-brazil.html Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:46:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-19/flavio-bolsonaro-proposes-five-bukelestyle-prisons-lowering-the-age-of-criminal-responsibility-and-chemical-castration-in-brazil.html Joan Royo Gual The far‑right candidate presents his tough-on-crime program at a time when polls show his rival, President Lula, taking a bigger lead The far‑right candidate presents his tough-on-crime program at a time when polls show his rival, President Lula, taking a bigger lead Flávio Bolsonaro Brasil Jair Bolsonaro Nayib Bukele Alexandre Meneghini (REUTERS) Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro attends an event in Sao Paulo Senator and candidate Flavio Bolsonaro presents his security program this Thursday in São Paulo. Senator and candidate Flavio Bolsonaro presents his security program this Thursday in São Paulo. <p>More than three months remain <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-14/specter-of-us-intervention-runs-through-mexico-brazil-and-colombia.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-14/specter-of-us-intervention-runs-through-mexico-brazil-and-colombia.html">before the elections</a>, but Brazil is already in campaign mode. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro and the leading right‑wing contender, on Thursday presented his security proposals, which draw heavily on the hard‑line policies of El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele — a model embraced across Latin America’s far right.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-19/flavio-bolsonaro-proposes-five-bukelestyle-prisons-lowering-the-age-of-criminal-responsibility-and-chemical-castration-in-brazil.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-17/daniel-vorcaro-the-jailed-banker-who-is-a-threat-to-brazils-rich-and-powerful-clings-to-his-secrets-for-now.html Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:57:49 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-17/daniel-vorcaro-the-jailed-banker-who-is-a-threat-to-brazils-rich-and-powerful-clings-to-his-secrets-for-now.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar The founder of Banco Master is accused of a multimillion-dollar fraud. A second attempt to strike a plea deal has been rejected because he did not name accomplices or provide conclusive evidence The founder of Banco Master is accused of a multimillion-dollar fraud. A second attempt to strike a plea deal has been rejected because he did not name accomplices or provide conclusive evidence Brasil Brasilia Lula da Silva São Paulo Jair Bolsonaro Flávio Bolsonaro Banco Master Daniel Vorcaro Daniel Vorcaro in an undated photograph. Daniel Vorcaro in an undated photograph. <p>The banker most feared by the Bolsonaros and other power brokers in Brasília is looking for ways to fill the hours of the day, which in a prison cell always feel longer than in freedom. The routine of recent weeks—meetings from nine to five with his lawyers—has ended. Together they had mapped out a bargaining strategy with the Federal Police and the Prosecutor’s Office for what <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-06-01/caetano-veloso-right-now-concern-predominates-within-me-brazil-seems-unable-to-save-itself.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-06-01/caetano-veloso-right-now-concern-predominates-within-me-brazil-seems-unable-to-save-itself.html">in Brazil</a> is called a <i>delação premiada</i>. That is, a broad, detailed confession that names accomplices and hands over evidence in exchange for a reduced sentence. But in recent days both institutions have rejected the second attempt at a confession by Daniel Vorcaro, the owner of Banco Master, which the authorities liquidated months ago. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-17/daniel-vorcaro-the-jailed-banker-who-is-a-threat-to-brazils-rich-and-powerful-clings-to-his-secrets-for-now.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-14/the-silvas-of-brazil-lula-his-wife-neymar-and-34-million-fellow-citizens.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-14/the-silvas-of-brazil-lula-his-wife-neymar-and-34-million-fellow-citizens.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar The country’s most common surname, which comes from ‘forest’, spread after slavery and is now being increasingly reclaimed after being long dismissed as too ‘ordinary’ The country’s most common surname, which comes from ‘forest’, spread after slavery and is now being increasingly reclaimed after being long dismissed as too ‘ordinary’ Brasil Lula da Silva Neymar América Ayrton Senna Leonardo Carrato (EL PAÍS) BRASIL - APELLIDO SILVA - EP From left to right and top to bottom, therapist Andrea da Silva Amaral, goalkeeper José Marcos da Silva, gymnastics teacher Elisabeth de Lima e Silva, street sweeper Adriana Silva dos Reis, ship captain Jaime da Silva, and cleaner Miqueias de Araújo Silva, in Rio de Janeiro. From left to right and top to bottom, therapist Andrea da Silva Amaral, goalkeeper José Marcos da Silva, gymnastics teacher Elisabeth de Lima e Silva, street sweeper Adriana Silva dos Reis, ship captain Jaime da Silva, and cleaner Miqueias de Araújo Silva, in Rio de Janeiro. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/BDZJXPZTG5HN3F7ZWYG6TOIXDQ.jpg?auth=648d7a0afd25a94091dc26e7038c5f034c25172d22b56a3b396a7df2692e2946" width="1920" height="1080" alt="From left to right and top to bottom, therapist Andrea da Silva Amaral, goalkeeper José Marcos da Silva, gymnastics teacher Elisabeth de Lima e Silva, street sweeper Adriana Silva dos Reis, ship captain Jaime da Silva, and cleaner Miqueias de Araújo Silva, in Rio de Janeiro."></img><p>While waiting to complete paperwork at a notary’s office, Ms. Ivone Souza Silva, 64, who has deep-set circles under her eyes and shoulder-length hair, smiles as she recalls a childhood anecdote: “At school, the surname of half the class or almost half was Silva, like me… And like Ayrton Senna.” And so, unexpectedly, this housewife mentions a fact many of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-02-20/its-official-brazil-is-now-more-mixed-than-white.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-02-20/its-official-brazil-is-now-more-mixed-than-white.html">her fellow Brazilians</a> do not know about the Formula 1 champion whose death behind the wheel at the peak of his career in 1994 shocked the sporting world. On Wednesday morning she learned that his full name was Ayrton Senna da Silva.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-14/the-silvas-of-brazil-lula-his-wife-neymar-and-34-million-fellow-citizens.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/RQUGVAVILZHHBNY2H7W4MPESPY.jpg?auth=397a7b9549114c14cd72ca8d61795ef710cd1b9ffaa16c9af0e5bedba219028c" width="4500" height="3000" alt="Andrea da Silva Amaral in Rio de Janeiro."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-14/specter-of-us-intervention-runs-through-mexico-brazil-and-colombia.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-14/specter-of-us-intervention-runs-through-mexico-brazil-and-colombia.html David Marcial Pérez ,Iker Seisdedos García,Naiara Galarraga Gortázar,Juan Lewin Progressive governments in the region, facing imminent or ongoing elections, have denounced interference as pressure from the White House has escalated Progressive governments in the region, facing imminent or ongoing elections, have denounced interference as pressure from the White House has escalated Donald Trump México Brasil Colombia Sergio Acero (REUTERS) Presidential election in Colombia Supporters of Abelardo De La Espriella after election day in Barranquilla (Colombia), May 31. Supporters of Abelardo De La Espriella after election day in Barranquilla (Colombia), May 31. <p>The <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-03/trump-expresses-total-endorsement-of-colombias-far-right-presidential-candidate-abelardo-de-la-espriella.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-03/trump-expresses-total-endorsement-of-colombias-far-right-presidential-candidate-abelardo-de-la-espriella.html">“total endorsement”</a> that Donald Trump recently gave to Abelardo de la Espriella — who, in addition to being a far-right presidential hopeful in Colombia, has been a U.S. citizen since 2023 — was denounced by his left-wing rival, Iván Cepeda, as “the intervention of a foreign government” in an election campaign that will be decided on June 21.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-14/specter-of-us-intervention-runs-through-mexico-brazil-and-colombia.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-04/lula-we-cannot-accept-the-way-the-united-states-has-treated-brazil-this-week.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:06:30 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-04/lula-we-cannot-accept-the-way-the-united-states-has-treated-brazil-this-week.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar The Brazilian president wants to negotiate with Donald Trump, but he also warns that, if not, he will seek new partners The Brazilian president wants to negotiate with Donald Trump, but he also warns that, if not, he will seek new partners Brasil Lula da Silva Donald Trump Jair Bolsonaro Andre Borges (EFE) Lula President Lula at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting in Brasília. President Lula at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting in Brasília. <p>Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Brazil’s relationship with the United States has swung up and down like a roller coaster. It has been improving slowly and only through intense Brazilian diplomacy, but at any moment it can deteriorate rapidly again with a new blow from Washington. “We cannot accept the way the United States has treated Brazil this week,” President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared on Wednesday at a cabinet meeting in Brasília. Lula was referring to the Trump administration’s threat to impose new tariffs days after the U.S. <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-29/united-states-designates-two-brazilian-criminal-gangs-as-terrorist-organizations.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-29/united-states-designates-two-brazilian-criminal-gangs-as-terrorist-organizations.html">designated two Brazilian criminal gangs as terrorist organizations</a>. The left-wing president has again wrapped himself in the national flag and accused the Bolsonaros — former right-wing president <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-11/brazils-former-president-jair-bolsonaro-convicted-of-plotting-coup.html" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-11/brazils-former-president-jair-bolsonaro-convicted-of-plotting-coup.html">Jair Bolsonaro</a> and his son, the senator <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-26/the-banker-the-film-and-the-scandal-that-threatens-flavio-bolsonaros-candidacy.html" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-26/the-banker-the-film-and-the-scandal-that-threatens-flavio-bolsonaros-candidacy.html">Flávio Bolsonaro</a> — of being traitors to the homeland for encouraging Trump’s interference.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-04/lula-we-cannot-accept-the-way-the-united-states-has-treated-brazil-this-week.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-06-01/caetano-veloso-right-now-concern-predominates-within-me-brazil-seems-unable-to-save-itself.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:36:10 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-06-01/caetano-veloso-right-now-concern-predominates-within-me-brazil-seems-unable-to-save-itself.html Miguel Ángel Bargueño The celebrated musician reflects on old age, the Tropicália movement, The Beatles, technology and a world he watches with growing disenchantment The celebrated musician reflects on old age, the Tropicália movement, The Beatles, technology and a world he watches with growing disenchantment Brasil Caetano Veloso Madrid Silicon Valley Portugal Jair Bolsonaro Jota Erre (AGIF via AFP / Europa Press) Caetano Veloso Caetano Veloso during a concert in São Paulo, in November 2025. Caetano Veloso during a concert in São Paulo, in November 2025. <p>Caetano Veloso, in a video call from Lisbon, Portugal, speaks slowly with that blend of intellectual clarity and Bahian melancholy that for six decades has turned each of his interviews into something more like a philosophical conversation than a mere promotion of new albums or concerts. At age 83, the celebrated musician from Brazil is embarking on a tour titled <i>Caetano nos festivais,</i> which will stop in Madrid on June 4 and which he himself describes, without drama but with honesty, as perhaps his last visit to Spain. That is despite the close relationship he has always maintained with Spanish culture. There is no monumental nostalgia in his words; rather a physical weariness, a wise resignation, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-27/bolsonaros-son-ties-with-lula-for-the-first-time-in-an-election-poll-in-brazil.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-27/bolsonaros-son-ties-with-lula-for-the-first-time-in-an-election-poll-in-brazil.html">political concern</a> and a bitter — though not yet defeated — view of the present. He speaks, without losing passion, about the military dictatorship his country suffered, about Silicon Valley, The Beatles, contemporary confusion and a Brazil that, in spite of everything, he still believes can “say something to the world.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-06-01/caetano-veloso-right-now-concern-predominates-within-me-brazil-seems-unable-to-save-itself.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-29/united-states-designates-two-brazilian-criminal-gangs-as-terrorist-organizations.html Fri, 29 May 2026 10:37:48 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-29/united-states-designates-two-brazilian-criminal-gangs-as-terrorist-organizations.html Macarena Vidal Liy The move against Comando Vermelho and the PCC was announced two days after right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro visited Trump at the White House and despite Lula’s government opposing it The move against Comando Vermelho and the PCC was announced two days after right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro visited Trump at the White House and despite Lula’s government opposing it Donald Trump Comando Vermelho Jair Bolsonaro Lula da Silva Hezbolá Al Qaeda Marco Rubio Nicolás Maduro Brasil Antonio Lacerda (EFE) Police operation against Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro, October 2025. Police operation against Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro, October 2025. <p>The United States will add two of Brazil’s most powerful organized crime gangs, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-01-11/comando-vermelho-the-brazilian-cartel-that-has-penetrated-the-colombian-peruvian-amazon.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-01-11/comando-vermelho-the-brazilian-cartel-that-has-penetrated-the-colombian-peruvian-amazon.html">Comando Vermelho</a> and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), to its list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations effective June 5, the State Department announced. In addition, Washington has designated both groups as Specially Designated Global Terrorists as of this Thursday, adding them to a list that includes Al Qaeda, Islamic State, and <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-12/fiber-optic-drones-the-weapon-hezbollah-has-adopted-to-attack-israel-using-them-is-easier-than-playing-a-video-game.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-12/fiber-optic-drones-the-weapon-hezbollah-has-adopted-to-attack-israel-using-them-is-easier-than-playing-a-video-game.html">Hezbollah</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-29/united-states-designates-two-brazilian-criminal-gangs-as-terrorist-organizations.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-26/brazil-closes-former-psychiatric-hospital-where-60000-people-died-and-gives-a-home-to-the-last-survivors.html Tue, 26 May 2026 10:15:19 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-26/brazil-closes-former-psychiatric-hospital-where-60000-people-died-and-gives-a-home-to-the-last-survivors.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar The transfer of the 14 patients who remained at Hospital-Colônia de Barbacena ends an era marked by the institutionalization of sane people rejected by society, including alcoholics, epileptics and single mothers The transfer of the 14 patients who remained at Hospital-Colônia de Barbacena ends an era marked by the institutionalization of sane people rejected by society, including alcoholics, epileptics and single mothers Brasil São Paulo América Lula da Silva Luis Alfredo (Ayuntamiento de Barbacena) BRASIL-MUSEO DE LA LOCURA Inmates in a photograph taken in 1959 and displayed at the Museum of Madness of the former Hospital-Colônia in the Brazilian city of Barbacena. Inmates in a photograph taken in 1959 and displayed at the Museum of Madness of the former Hospital-Colônia in the Brazilian city of Barbacena. <p>One of them, Marcos, refuses to wear clothes or shoes. He also cannot tolerate being touched or interacting with others. He is unable to speak. Such are the consequences of decades of neglect and inhuman treatment at an asylum where he was sent at age 10, the most infamous one in Brazil’s history. On Monday the Hospital-Colônia de Barbacena, where some 60,000 Brazilians died of hunger, cold and diarrhea up through the 1980s, closed its doors for good, and with it the cruellest chapter in Brazilian psychiatry. The last surviving patients — 14 elderly, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2024-02-25/when-mental-health-becomes-content-we-dont-need-influencers-we-need-psychiatrists.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2024-02-25/when-mental-health-becomes-content-we-dont-need-influencers-we-need-psychiatrists.html">ill people</a> with no families and severe aftereffects, including Marcos — have been given a new home: a house in the rural area of Barbacena, still known as <i>the city of the madmen</i>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-26/brazil-closes-former-psychiatric-hospital-where-60000-people-died-and-gives-a-home-to-the-last-survivors.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/7GXQN7HEENDI3HTJZDZFDG3USE.JPG?auth=56f0a9206dfc4f8fa271649371ee8892f3a21f987ccbe628eb2d5e768fca20ce" width="6024" height="4016" alt="Two survivors, Bento Marcio da Silva and Zezé, celebrate the latter’s birthday in 2021 at the therapeutic residence where they were placed."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-02/brazil-and-its-81-million-debtors-a-country-full-of-families-drowning-in-debt.html Sat, 02 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-02/brazil-and-its-81-million-debtors-a-country-full-of-families-drowning-in-debt.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar Around 80% of homes owe money, the result of a perfect storm cause by a cocktail of high interest rates and digital betting, but also job insecurity, the digitalization of finance, easy access to credit, and a rising cost of living Around 80% of homes owe money, the result of a perfect storm cause by a cocktail of high interest rates and digital betting, but also job insecurity, the digitalization of finance, easy access to credit, and a rising cost of living Brasil São Paulo Lula da Silva Brasilia América Cris Faga (Getty Images) BRASIL-ECONOMÍA Customers line up outside a Caixa bank location in São Paulo. Customers line up outside a Caixa bank location in São Paulo. <p>Signs that Brazil is a brutally unequal country are an everyday occurrence. This very week, the fact was unequivocally on display. While the percentage of indebted Brazilian families reached a new record at 80%, making its way <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-27/bolsonaros-son-ties-with-lula-for-the-first-time-in-an-election-poll-in-brazil.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-27/bolsonaros-son-ties-with-lula-for-the-first-time-in-an-election-poll-in-brazil.html">into the electoral debate</a>, the reaction of a judge to the fear of losing the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-09/brazil-world-champion-of-super-salaries-53000-civil-servants-earn-more-than-the-legal-limit.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-09/brazil-world-champion-of-super-salaries-53000-civil-servants-earn-more-than-the-legal-limit.html">extravagant privileges of the bureaucratic elite</a> has left the public stunned. Not to mention, generated scandal. “Soon we won’t even be able to pay the bills,” complained the magistrate. Eva do Amaral Coelho, who is white, went even further: “Soon, judges will be like those civil servants working under slave-like conditions.” Last month, Coelho earned about $18,000 in salary and bonuses. Her fellow citizens know it thanks to Brazil’s transparency laws.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-02/brazil-and-its-81-million-debtors-a-country-full-of-families-drowning-in-debt.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-04-12/amanda-ungaro-from-sharing-soirees-with-the-trumps-to-being-deported-by-ice.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-04-12/amanda-ungaro-from-sharing-soirees-with-the-trumps-to-being-deported-by-ice.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar The former Brazilian model and ex-ambassador to the United Nations speaks in an interview about her expulsion from the United States, which she attributes to maneuvers by her former partner, and about a flight on Epstein’s plane The former Brazilian model and ex-ambassador to the United Nations speaks in an interview about her expulsion from the United States, which she attributes to maneuvers by her former partner, and about a flight on Epstein’s plane América Brasil Jeffrey Epstein ICE Donald Trump Melania Trump Leonardo Carrato (EL PAÍS) Amanda Ungaro Amanda Ungaro in Rio de Janeiro on April 7. Amanda Ungaro in Rio de Janeiro on April 7. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/7PWWPT556JBF3LJUZKHHALJL3U.jpg?auth=125c3efec5b69bdb3f605984ce7b948064022208ed892eeee9b3821583989a4e" width="4000" height="2667" alt="Amanda Ungaro in Rio de Janeiro on April 7."></img><p>After spending nearly half her life in the United States, 41-year-old Brazilian Amanda Ungaro was deported from the country last October. She endured three hellish months in a detention center until she was expelled, like <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-04-09/arrests-of-migrants-in-public-spaces-increase-by-over-1100-during-trumps-second-term.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-04-09/arrests-of-migrants-in-public-spaces-increase-by-over-1100-during-trumps-second-term.html">more than 600,000 immigrants</a> since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025 and set out to carry out “the largest deportation in history.” </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-04-12/amanda-ungaro-from-sharing-soirees-with-the-trumps-to-being-deported-by-ice.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-03/frei-gilson-the-brazilian-priest-who-attracts-online-crowds-to-pray-the-rosary-at-dawn.html Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:32:08 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-03/frei-gilson-the-brazilian-priest-who-attracts-online-crowds-to-pray-the-rosary-at-dawn.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar The Carmelite friar has 28 million followers on his social media accounts. He embodies a movement to bring Catholics back to the fold of the Church The Carmelite friar has 28 million followers on his social media accounts. He embodies a movement to bring Catholics back to the fold of the Church São Paulo Brasil Pernambuco Recife RRSS BRASIL - FREI GILSON - SACERDOTE Frei Gilson, a Carmelite friar and singer, during one of the prayers he broadcasts on social media. Frei Gilson, a Carmelite friar and singer, during one of the prayers he broadcasts on social media. <p>Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians prepared for Easter this year with the help of Friar Gilson, a 39-year-old Roman Catholic friar who has become a phenomenon, attracting massive digital and offline followings. During the 40 days of Lent, faithful across Brazil have been getting up in the middle of the night to log onto social media via their phones or television sets and pray the rosary starting at 4:00 a.m. On the first day of this digital Lent, he drew 1.5 million participants.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-03/frei-gilson-the-brazilian-priest-who-attracts-online-crowds-to-pray-the-rosary-at-dawn.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/women-leaders-of-latin-america/2026-03-27/this-is-how-the-illegal-market-for-buying-and-selling-personal-data-on-telegram-works.html Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:44:21 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/women-leaders-of-latin-america/2026-03-27/this-is-how-the-illegal-market-for-buying-and-selling-personal-data-on-telegram-works.html Catalina Oquendo An investigation by the NGO Derechos Digitales identified 27 active online platforms in Brazil, Peru, and Argentina where personal information, credit histories, addresses, and other sensitive data are sold. This material is used in particular to incite gender-based violence An investigation by the NGO Derechos Digitales identified 27 active online platforms in Brazil, Peru, and Argentina where personal information, credit histories, addresses, and other sensitive data are sold. This material is used in particular to incite gender-based violence Telegram Brasil Perú Argentina Unsplash Hacker with code. A computer with data in an illustrative image. A computer with data in an illustrative image. <p>It isn’t just a hunch. A study examined how the illicit data market <a href="https://english.elpais.com/technology/2026-02-06/telegram-the-platform-favored-by-cybercriminals-and-disinformation.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/technology/2026-02-06/telegram-the-platform-favored-by-cybercriminals-and-disinformation.html">operates via Telegram</a> in Latin America, and the findings are disturbing. In at least 27 active groups on this platform in Brazil, Peru, and Argentina, a 24-hour marketplace for buying and selling sensitive personal data was identified. What’s most alarming is that many of the buyers use this data as a weapon against women and children. In short, it’s a digital black market that contributes to gender-based violence.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/women-leaders-of-latin-america/2026-03-27/this-is-how-the-illegal-market-for-buying-and-selling-personal-data-on-telegram-works.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/people/2026-03-27/shakira-announces-two-new-concert-dates-in-madrid-after-tickets-sell-out-in-record-time.html Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:37:24 GMT https://english.elpais.com/people/2026-03-27/shakira-announces-two-new-concert-dates-in-madrid-after-tickets-sell-out-in-record-time.html Lucía Franco After a year of touring the world, the Colombian artist will wrap up her ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour’ in the Spanish capital, and she’ll be doing it in style, with a stage created especially for the occasion After a year of touring the world, the Colombian artist will wrap up her ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour’ in the Spanish capital, and she’ll be doing it in style, with a stage created especially for the occasion Shakira Madrid Miami Brasil Emiliano Molina (EL PAÍS) MEXICO - SHAKIRA - ZOCALO Shakira at her Mexico concert. Shakira at her Mexico concert. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/24GKVM4QNVEIPNSPAPHRXFYE3E.jpg?auth=4a90876a9ca300613c7f7b66b90140c4d0a6f895cd9045d9cb07be2df49635fb" width="2791" height="2791" alt="Shakira at her Mexico concert. "></img><p>Shakira has broken records by selling more than 450,000 tickets in just a few hours. To ensure no fan misses out on what is set to be one of the biggest celebrations of the Latino community in Spain, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/people/2024-10-16/shakiras-unique-style-in-20-photos-short-tops-hip-scarves-bare-feet-and-lots-of-leather.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/people/2024-10-16/shakiras-unique-style-in-20-photos-short-tops-hip-scarves-bare-feet-and-lots-of-leather.html">the Colombian artist</a> is adding two more dates: Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/people/2026-03-27/shakira-announces-two-new-concert-dates-in-madrid-after-tickets-sell-out-in-record-time.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-03-25/mayana-zatz-the-geneticist-searching-for-the-secret-of-supercentenarians-in-brazils-multiracial-heritage.html Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:24:14 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-03-25/mayana-zatz-the-geneticist-searching-for-the-secret-of-supercentenarians-in-brazils-multiracial-heritage.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar The veteran scientist talks about her nearly 200 volunteers and the study she coordinates on healthy aging in a diverse country with very unequal access to healthcare The veteran scientist talks about her nearly 200 volunteers and the study she coordinates on healthy aging in a diverse country with very unequal access to healthcare Brasil São Paulo Tel Aviv América Lela Beltrão (EL PAÍS) BRASIL - MAYANA ZATZ - USP Brazilian geneticist Mayana Zatz, coordinator of a study on centenarians, at the University of São Paulo. Brazilian geneticist Mayana Zatz, coordinator of a study on centenarians, at the University of São Paulo. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/U7XSURHMHJBMZH7M7NFZDJLBCA.jpg?auth=d8a70155b36ff4e7f1362ce834fc446dcec338e295cab249175d491bdaa6d739" width="5058" height="3372" alt="Brazilian geneticist Mayana Zatz, coordinator of a study on centenarians, at the University of São Paulo."></img><p>On the day Milton celebrated his 108th birthday, he invited about 40 friends to his home in Brasilia. During the evening, the host addressed each one by name to tell them how they had influenced his life. Among those present was a woman with whom Milton frequently exchanged emails, the Brazilian geneticist Mayana Zatz, who recalls the scene to illustrate the enviable cognitive performance exhibited by some of the nearly 200 centenarian volunteers, including <a href="https://english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2025-08-10/hard-lives-with-days-of-wine-and-roses-the-secrets-of-centenarians-in-spain.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2025-08-10/hard-lives-with-days-of-wine-and-roses-the-secrets-of-centenarians-in-spain.html">some supercentenarians</a> over 110 years old, who are participating in a genetic study she coordinates at the University of São Paulo (USP).</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-03-25/mayana-zatz-the-geneticist-searching-for-the-secret-of-supercentenarians-in-brazils-multiracial-heritage.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-03-13/brazilian-cinema-has-high-hopes-of-making-oscar-history.html Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:37:02 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-03-13/brazilian-cinema-has-high-hopes-of-making-oscar-history.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar ‘The Secret Agent’ and Wagner Moura are nominated in four categories just one year after Brazil won its first ever Academy Award ‘The Secret Agent’ and Wagner Moura are nominated in four categories just one year after Brazil won its first ever Academy Award Óscar Hollywood Los Ángeles Brasil Wagner Moura Víctor Juca. (EFE) Wagner Moura: si 'El agente secreto' gana algún Óscar, en Brasil habrá "¡carnaval!" In 'The Secret Agent', actor Wagner Moura plays a professor who was persecuted during the dictatorship and who fled to Recife in 1977. In 'The Secret Agent', actor Wagner Moura plays a professor who was persecuted during the dictatorship and who fled to Recife in 1977. <p>Brazil hopes to win a second Oscar for Best Picture on March 15 in Los Angeles, and perhaps even a third in a different category. It would be a colossal triumph for a country that failed to win <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2022-12-20/qatar-world-cup-2022-leo-messis-title-winning-tournament-in-statistics.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2022-12-20/qatar-world-cup-2022-leo-messis-title-winning-tournament-in-statistics.html">the last World Cup</a> and never won a Nobel Prize, not to mention the fact it would come just a year after the Brazilian film industry won its first ever gong. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-03-13/brazilian-cinema-has-high-hopes-of-making-oscar-history.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-04/how-the-war-in-iran-is-affecting-the-main-economies-of-latin-america.html Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:48:02 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-04/how-the-war-in-iran-is-affecting-the-main-economies-of-latin-america.html EL PAÍS The region is cautiously analyzing the situation in the Middle East, especially due to the risks of increased inflation and the decline of local currencies against the dollar The region is cautiously analyzing the situation in the Middle East, especially due to the risks of increased inflation and the decline of local currencies against the dollar Irán Donald Trump América Venezuela México Argentina Brasil Chile Amr Alfiky (REUTERS) The war in Iran Latin America Fire caused by an intercepted drone in the oil industrial zone of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, this Tuesday. Fire caused by an intercepted drone in the oil industrial zone of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, this Tuesday. <p>Latin America’s major economies are cautiously watching how they will be affected by <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-04/us-administration-struggles-to-present-coherent-narrative-on-why-it-went-to-war-with-iran.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-04/us-administration-struggles-to-present-coherent-narrative-on-why-it-went-to-war-with-iran.html">the war in Iran</a> and the consequences of rising oil and gas prices. Oil-producing countries, such as Venezuela, may benefit from the situation, while others, like Mexico, have compensation mechanisms in place to prevent price increases from impacting consumers. However, the risk of inflation and the devaluation of local currencies against the dollar remain the main challenges.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-04/how-the-war-in-iran-is-affecting-the-main-economies-of-latin-america.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-01/free-showers-and-lawyers-for-crack-addicts-in-brazil.html Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:45:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-01/free-showers-and-lawyers-for-crack-addicts-in-brazil.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar President Lula da Silva’s government aims to expand the Care Station, a pilot project tested in the city of Fortaleza. By the end of the year, 400 more units are set to open  President Lula da Silva’s government aims to expand the Care Station, a pilot project tested in the city of Fortaleza. By the end of the year, 400 more units are set to open  Brasil Fortaleza (Brasil) Lula da Silva Marilia Camelo (EL PAÍS) BRASIL - POLITICA ANTIDROGAS - FORTALEZA A user of the Care Station steps out of a shower in Fortaleza, Brazil, on February 9. A user of the Care Station steps out of a shower in Fortaleza, Brazil, on February 9. Marilia Camelo BRASIL - POLITICA ANTIDROGAS - FORTALEZA A user receives guidance from a lawyer at the Care Station in Fortaleza on February 9. A user receives guidance from a lawyer at the Care Station in Fortaleza on February 9. Marilia Camelo BRASIL - POLITICA ANTIDROGAS - FORTALEZA A group of women receive food at the headquarters of the Revival Evangelical Church in the Moura Brasil neighborhood of Fortaleza. A group of women receive food at the headquarters of the Revival Evangelical Church in the Moura Brasil neighborhood of Fortaleza. Marilia Camelo BRASIL - POLITICA ANTIDROGAS - FORTALEZA A user of the Care Station, designed for crack addicts and homeless people, combs a child's hair after taking a shower on February 9. A user of the Care Station, designed for crack addicts and homeless people, combs a child's hair after taking a shower on February 9. Marilia Camelo BRASIL - POLITICA ANTIDROGAS - FORTALEZA The Moura Brasil favela has around 6,000 residents and sea views. It is located in Fortaleza and is home to a unique project that the government wants to expand throughout Brazil. The Moura Brasil favela has around 6,000 residents and sea views. It is located in Fortaleza and is home to a unique project that the government wants to expand throughout Brazil. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/OPWNSRU2BVGCTKDDGTS6XCM5JU.JPG?auth=47f18c1441b5c3a55edfb72597c505b3530532956243fad6fe2af7dbbd753192" width="5940" height="3960" alt="A user of the Care Station steps out of a shower in Fortaleza, Brazil, on February 9."></img><p>At first glance, they’re just a group of men chatting. They sit in a circle under an awning to escape <a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-11-24/belem-a-furnace-of-a-city-that-lost-trees-to-host-cop30.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-11-24/belem-a-furnace-of-a-city-that-lost-trees-to-host-cop30.html">the scorching sun</a> of Fortaleza, Brazil. The scene would hardly raise an eyebrow in normal circumstances, but there’s something unusual: they all have their feet soaking in pink basins of warm water, with a few leaves floating on the surface. The scent of basil fills the air. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-01/free-showers-and-lawyers-for-crack-addicts-in-brazil.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/HZKBD4YVFZDKLIE7IIWI6JDJOE.JPG?auth=4b0f09a9a0f10fa578a992e852c5c1645e848512bc8f2090c87a3a64336e0758" width="6720" height="4480" alt="Reinaldo and another user of the Care Station wash their feet with warm water and basil, in Fortaleza, Brazil, on February 9, 2026. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/LX4XQCWWBJGMBIYUA7MTTHGUYU.JPG?auth=840933432ec0ae08aabfba0930787a2f643ceaeff8e9481c4ff0b1b701c8cafe" width="6720" height="4480" alt="Comando Vermelho, the criminal group that controls drug sales in Moura Brasil, leaves its mark and imposes its dominance on the favela's residents."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/FU46MVSHX5HTVM6UVSM52VWBHU.JPG?auth=186001ab4027e1c49960f25ea29ec82d3e90b81d371821f97011ca437ad7fd43" width="6363" height="4242" alt="A group of people who are addicted to crack cocaine climb a staircase in Fortaleza, Brazil, on February 9, 2026. "></img> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-02-28/wagner-moura-oscar-nominee-were-in-a-very-ugly-time-even-i-am-afraid-of-running-into-ice.html Sat, 28 Feb 2026 04:45:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-02-28/wagner-moura-oscar-nominee-were-in-a-very-ugly-time-even-i-am-afraid-of-running-into-ice.html Gregorio Belinchón Yagüe The actor, who catapulted into fame with ‘Narcos’ and stars in ‘The Secret Agent’, was a leading voice against Bolsonaro: ‘The similarities between the recent history of Brazil and the United States are obvious’ The actor, who catapulted into fame with ‘Narcos’ and stars in ‘The Secret Agent’, was a leading voice against Bolsonaro: ‘The similarities between the recent history of Brazil and the United States are obvious’ Wagner Moura Brasil ICE Donald Trump Jair Bolsonaro Trailer for 'The Secret Agent' Wagner Moura, en diciembre en Los Ángeles. Wagner Moura, en diciembre en Los Ángeles. <p>Brazilian actor Wagner Moura, 49, can be seen seated in front of a computer in Los Angeles. He has lived in the city for years with his three children and wife, the photographer Sandra Delgado. In just a few hours, he will be on the red carpet at the Independent Spirit Awards, one of many he will have trekked since the release of <i>The Secret Agent</i>, Kleber Mendonça Filho’s thriller that premiered <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-05-23/old-versus-new-masculinities-the-debate-shaking-up-cannes.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-05-23/old-versus-new-masculinities-the-debate-shaking-up-cannes.html">at Cannes</a>, where Moura won the award for best actor. “It’s been going on for awhile,” laughs the performer, who is now nominated for an Oscar — one of four nominations for the film.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-02-28/wagner-moura-oscar-nominee-were-in-a-very-ugly-time-even-i-am-afraid-of-running-into-ice.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-27/bolsonaros-son-ties-with-lula-for-the-first-time-in-an-election-poll-in-brazil.html Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:59:12 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-27/bolsonaros-son-ties-with-lula-for-the-first-time-in-an-election-poll-in-brazil.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar The leftist president and the right-wing senator, who is the eldest child of the imprisoned ex-president, face enormous opposition seven months before the vote The leftist president and the right-wing senator, who is the eldest child of the imprisoned ex-president, face enormous opposition seven months before the vote Jair Bolsonaro Lula da Silva Brasil São Paulo Mateus Bonomi (REUTERS) Bolsonaro’s son ties with Lula President Lula, during a FIFA event this Thursday in Brasilia. President Lula, during a FIFA event this Thursday in Brasilia. <p>Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva resumed his national agenda on Thursday after an intense trip that took him to the other side of the world, to India and South Korea, with a stopover in the United Arab Emirates, in search of allies during these turbulent times. But an electoral survey released on Wednesday likely dampened his spirits. The AtlasIntel/Bloomberg poll is the first to suggest a virtual tie in a simulated runoff of the October election between Lula and the right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-11/brazils-former-president-jair-bolsonaro-convicted-of-plotting-coup.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-11/brazils-former-president-jair-bolsonaro-convicted-of-plotting-coup.html">the imprisoned ex-president</a> Jair Bolsonaro. Just over seven months remain until Brazil holds presidential, legislative and gubernatorial elections.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-27/bolsonaros-son-ties-with-lula-for-the-first-time-in-an-election-poll-in-brazil.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/climate/2026-02-25/todays-birds-are-up-to-72-smaller-than-those-of-80-years-ago-in-indigenous-territories.html Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:31:30 GMT https://english.elpais.com/climate/2026-02-25/todays-birds-are-up-to-72-smaller-than-those-of-80-years-ago-in-indigenous-territories.html Noor Mahtani Mahtani A global study based on the collective biocultural memory of 10 local communities in Latin America, Asia, and Africa warns of the environmental and cultural impact of the ongoing loss of biodiversity A global study based on the collective biocultural memory of 10 local communities in Latin America, Asia, and Africa warns of the environmental and cultural impact of the ongoing loss of biodiversity México Bolivia Chile Brasil Amazonas Senegal China Mongolia Ghana Madagascar Joan de la Malla AMÉRICA FUTURA-AVES DE AMÉRICA LATINA A hummingbird in Peru. A hummingbird in Peru. Joan de la Malla AMÉRICA FUTURA-AVES DE AMÉRICA LATINA A Pteroglossus Castanotis or chestnut-eared aracari in Peru. A Pteroglossus Castanotis or chestnut-eared aracari in Peru. Joan de la Malla AMÉRICA FUTURA-AVES DE AMÉRICA LATINA A pair of scarlet macaws in Peru. A pair of scarlet macaws in Peru. Joan de la Malla AMÉRICA FUTURA-AVES DE AMÉRICA LATINA A specimen of Mesembrinibis cayennensis, known as the green ibis, in Peru. A specimen of Mesembrinibis cayennensis, known as the green ibis, in Peru. Joan de la Malla AMÉRICA FUTURA-AVES DE AMÉRICA LATINA A blue-gray tanager or Thraupis episcopus, in Costa Rica. A blue-gray tanager or Thraupis episcopus, in Costa Rica. Joan de la Malla AMÉRICA FUTURA-AVES DE AMÉRICA LATINA A specimen of the red-and-green macaw (Ara chloropterus) in Peru. A specimen of the red-and-green macaw (Ara chloropterus) in Peru. Joan de la Malla AMÉRICA FUTURA-AVES DE AMÉRICA LATINA A bird of the species Cacique Lomiamarillo. A bird of the species Cacique Lomiamarillo. Joan de la Malla AMÉRICA FUTURA-AVES DE AMÉRICA LATINA A hummingbird rests on a branch in Peru. A hummingbird rests on a branch in Peru. <p>The Tsimane’ people live deep within the Bolivian Amazon rainforest. This community of some 16,000 people has been protecting the Tsimane’ Indigenous Territory, the Pilón Lajas Community Land of Origin, and its surrounding areas for centuries, long before the state began to do so. When the elders of the community were just children, they saw macaws and Amazonian guans (<i>Penelope jacquacu</i>) flying over the Maníqui River basin. Today, they themselves acknowledge seeing only ruddy pigeons (<i>Patagioenas subvinacea</i>) and giant cowbirds (<i>Molothrus oryzivorus</i>), birds that are much more homogeneous and urban, and which have <a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-11-27/protecting-the-rainforests-of-mesoamerica-so-we-can-keep-watching-migratory-birds-in-central-park.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-11-27/protecting-the-rainforests-of-mesoamerica-so-we-can-keep-watching-migratory-birds-in-central-park.html">little or no connection to their territories</a>. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2026-02-25/todays-birds-are-up-to-72-smaller-than-those-of-80-years-ago-in-indigenous-territories.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/great-controversy-in-brazil-over-the-acquittal-of-a-35-year-old-man-accused-of-raping-a-12-year-old-girl.html Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:46:50 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/great-controversy-in-brazil-over-the-acquittal-of-a-35-year-old-man-accused-of-raping-a-12-year-old-girl.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar The Penal Code, which considers sex with minors under 14 a crime, fails to eradicate the deeply rooted practice of child marriage The Penal Code, which considers sex with minors under 14 a crime, fails to eradicate the deeply rooted practice of child marriage Brasil São Paulo Marielle Franco Jair Bolsonaro Lela Beltrão Una niña en un parque de Sao Paulo. A girl in a park in São Paulo. A girl in a park in São Paulo. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/5JX3PDYG7VHJFFNXUCMZS67FPQ.jpg?auth=b2b12c6e0c61f1a0d61434a589ede6c49b09b19d34bf4959c8c9af1b08c00039" width="5274" height="2967" alt="A girl in a park in São Paulo."></img><p>A Brazilian court’s decision to acquit a 35-year-old man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl—arguing that they were “two young lovers” united by “a consensual emotional bond”—has sparked intense controversy and reignited the debate about the normalization of child marriage. Even when the law punishes the practice, as it does in Brazil, the difficulty of combating it is evident. The Brazilian Penal Code considers any sexual relationship with a minor under 14 a crime, yet that was insufficient to prevent the judges from invoking jurisprudence to make their case. Last Friday they issued the controversial ruling, with two male judges voting in favor and the only female judge on the panel voting against.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/great-controversy-in-brazil-over-the-acquittal-of-a-35-year-old-man-accused-of-raping-a-12-year-old-girl.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-02-10/how-rio-de-janeiros-famous-carnival-rescued-the-human-scale-of-the-city.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:30:51 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-02-10/how-rio-de-janeiros-famous-carnival-rescued-the-human-scale-of-the-city.html Joan Royo Gual During months of rehearsals, street bands and samba schools make space for pedestrians, creating islands of community spirit in a violent, unequal city where the car is still king During months of rehearsals, street bands and samba schools make space for pedestrians, creating islands of community spirit in a violent, unequal city where the car is still king Río de Janeiro Brasil Carnavales América Oscar Niemeyer Leonardo Carrato (EL PAÍS) AMÉRICA FUTURA-CARNAVAL RÍO DE JANEIRO-BRASIL-TRANSITO VEHICULAR Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Leonardo Carrato AMÉRICA FUTURA-CARNAVAL RÍO DE JANEIRO-BRASIL-TRANSITO VEHICULAR Members of Salgueiro, one of the most traditional samba schools, disperse during the carnival. Members of Salgueiro, one of the most traditional samba schools, disperse during the carnival. Leonardo Carrato AMÉRICA FUTURA-CARNAVAL RÍO DE JANEIRO-BRASIL-TRANSITO VEHICULAR Rehearsal of the Mangueira samba school in Rio de Janeiro. Rehearsal of the Mangueira samba school in Rio de Janeiro. Leonardo Carrato AMÉRICA FUTURA-CARNAVAL RÍO DE JANEIRO-BRASIL-TRANSITO VEHICULAR Rehearsal for the Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil. Rehearsal for the Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil. Leonardo Carrato AMÉRICA FUTURA-CARNAVAL RÍO DE JANEIRO-BRASIL-TRANSITO VEHICULAR The main avenue in Mangueira, January 2026. The main avenue in Mangueira, January 2026. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/TXPTYK4SABDYLCKYDZKDB5QGAY.jpg?auth=9833e95dd487713973d31c26f19fb71adce143d1f6715ffda991a4ca51ca4d6c" width="4000" height="2667" alt="Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil."></img><p>Since November, the scene has been repeated almost every day of the week in many of Rio de Janeiro’s neighborhoods: a street closed off, an avenue without cars, and thousands of people joyfully moving to the beat of drums. It’s the usual routine in the months leading up to Carnival; these are the rehearsals of the samba schools that will parade in the Sambadrome. Each rehearsal brings together some 3,000 members and thousands more neighbors and spontaneous spectators. It’s all free, out in the street, and with the tacit approval of the traffic officers. And it happens almost every day of the week for about three months—something unthinkable in many cities. When cars disappear for a few hours, spaces for community life flourish: families dancing, children running around, impromptu barbecues, and a sense of shared space that is invaluable in a city marked by inequality and <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-09/lota-de-macedo-the-brazilian-visionary-determined-to-build-a-central-park-on-the-sea-in-rio-de-janeiro.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-09/lota-de-macedo-the-brazilian-visionary-determined-to-build-a-central-park-on-the-sea-in-rio-de-janeiro.html">sorely lacking in pedestrian areas</a>. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-02-10/how-rio-de-janeiros-famous-carnival-rescued-the-human-scale-of-the-city.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/J23NJGTDOREEZPWNIRQ2SLCBYQ.jpg?auth=334f767a39e267955ace6748c4ab7b9c9fecdcda12de9b11c35c5405d8036b69" width="4000" height="2667" alt="Attendees at the Rio Carnival rehearsal, February 5."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-02/brazil-shocked-to-find-that-13000-students-about-to-graduate-from-medical-school-lack-basic-knowledge-to-practice-medicine.html Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:46:49 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-02/brazil-shocked-to-find-that-13000-students-about-to-graduate-from-medical-school-lack-basic-knowledge-to-practice-medicine.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar The institutions that obtained the worst scores in a new national examination are private or municipally-run, and some charge very high tuition fees The institutions that obtained the worst scores in a new national examination are private or municipally-run, and some charge very high tuition fees Brasil Brasilia São Paulo Lula da Silva Toni Pires Brazil students medical school Healthcare workers with patients at a hospital in São Paulo in 2020. Healthcare workers with patients at a hospital in São Paulo in 2020. <p>Brazilians have quickly become familiar with the acronym Enamed. It stands for the Portuguese initials of a national exam with which the Ministry of Education has, for the first time, assessed the training of future doctors. And its results are shocking. It turns out that a third of the medical degrees under analysis do not prepare students to practice medicine under conditions deemed minimally acceptable by the ministry. Furthermore, 25% of students failed the exam. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-02/brazil-shocked-to-find-that-13000-students-about-to-graduate-from-medical-school-lack-basic-knowledge-to-practice-medicine.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-23/the-us-and-europe-are-courting-brazil-for-its-critical-minerals-and-rare-earth-elements.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:09:10 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-23/the-us-and-europe-are-courting-brazil-for-its-critical-minerals-and-rare-earth-elements.html Naiara Galarraga Gortázar The South American country, which has huge reserves of graphite, niobium and nickel, maintains contacts with Washington and Brussels and wants to go beyond extraction The South American country, which has huge reserves of graphite, niobium and nickel, maintains contacts with Washington and Brussels and wants to go beyond extraction Brasil Lula da Silva Donald Trump Mercosur América Leonardo Carrato (EL PAÍS) Brazil critical minerals Waste from lithium extraction at a mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Waste from lithium extraction at a mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/HXL477ATHJAANME3H4OX2VGEIY.jpg?auth=bd1f609b8e003324c95bbd6701d0e61012d3449e04875822b79aa7fb782df2b8" width="4000" height="2670" alt="Waste from lithium extraction at a mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil."></img><p>Among the natural resources that Brazil has exploited very little or not at all, critical minerals and rare earth elements have gained prominence in recent months. These materials are increasingly coveted globally because they are essential for achieving strategic autonomy, national security, and creating <a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-11-24/belem-a-furnace-of-a-city-that-lost-trees-to-host-cop30.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-11-24/belem-a-furnace-of-a-city-that-lost-trees-to-host-cop30.html">a new green economy</a>. The United States and the European Union, among others, are courting the South American country with the aim of reaching an agreement to share this treasure. Brazil is among the top ten producers of nickel, manganese, niobium, iron ore, and bauxite and has rapidly gained ground in the production of lithium, natural graphite, rare earth elements, vanadium, and copper, according to a report by the consulting firm PwC.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-23/the-us-and-europe-are-courting-brazil-for-its-critical-minerals-and-rare-earth-elements.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-16/meat-is-at-the-heart-of-the-disputes-over-the-eu-mercosur-agreement.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:49:08 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-16/meat-is-at-the-heart-of-the-disputes-over-the-eu-mercosur-agreement.html Mar Centenera Argentine cattle ranchers believe the protests by European farmers are politically motivated and see an opportunity to improve their exports Argentine cattle ranchers believe the protests by European farmers are politically motivated and see an opportunity to improve their exports Mercosur Argentina Brasil Paraguay Uruguay Javier Milei Victor R. Caivano (AP) APTOPIX Argentina Cattle Market Cañuelas Agricultural Market, Argentina, January 13. Cañuelas Agricultural Market, Argentina, January 13. <p>Beef is a staple food in Argentina. It’s the jewel with which local cuisine seduces tourists and the star of the <i>asado</i>, the culinary ritual that brings families and friends together around a grill whenever possible. In 2025, each Argentine citizen ate, on average, 49 kilos of beef, more than 10 times the consumption in Spain. Argentina’s cattle ranchers, who allocate less than 25% of their production to exports, defend the local product and try to downplay the protests and boycott threats coming from across the Atlantic over the tariff reductions planned under <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2024-12-06/eu-and-mercosur-agree-to-create-the-worlds-largest-free-trade-zone-after-25-years-of-negotiations.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2024-12-06/eu-and-mercosur-agree-to-create-the-worlds-largest-free-trade-zone-after-25-years-of-negotiations.html">the Mercosur-European Union (EU) agreement</a>, which will be signed this Saturday in Asunción.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-16/meat-is-at-the-heart-of-the-disputes-over-the-eu-mercosur-agreement.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p>