What’s Next

Editorial

RIO DE JANEIRO – Now that Brazil is out of the World Cup, Rio is settling into winter. The season in Rio is pretty mild, but it does warrant a wardrobe change, and is a time to take measure on what’s next. In the football (soccer) culture, it means the 2014 World Cup, which of course is also big business for the Marvelous City.

We’re still waiting to hear about the Ibsen Amendment, and how that will financially effect Rio’s preparations. That’s not to say Rio will be in any worse shape than other World Cup 2014 sites,… but maybe we should let the 2010 dust settle.

Besides, Rio also has the 2016 Olympics, and so with a bit more time, and the limelight, we are getting underway with massive efforts like the Porto Maravilhosa and the Barra Metro.

Another major event to look forward to in Brazil is the 2010 Presidential Elections, which will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2010. The Presidency, and 54 of the Federal Senate seats will be contested, along with all 26 states’ (plus the Federal District) governorships and the state legislatures. Voting is compulsory in Brazil, and great steps are being made to ensure a secure and fair process this year.

At the moment though, Rio’s winter is a time for the Festa Junina (June Parties), typically termed São João (Saint John’s) as it is centered on that saint’s day. This is the name of annual Brazilian celebrations (historically related to the Midsummer and Saint John festivities in Europe) which take place from June through August.

As Northeastern Brazil is particularly dry, the festivals not only coincide with the end of the rainy seasons, but also provide the people with an opportunity to give thanks for the rain. But Brazil-wide it is a celebration of rural life, and feature traditional clothing, food, dance (particularly quadrilha, which is similar to square dancing).

The winter season is also a time for businesses to consider what’s next, and many start counting down the days for the high season again. December through March is when many small businesses count on an influx of income to stay afloat, cashing in on tourism between the holidays and Carnival.

At The Rio Times we are using the low season to expand coverage, looking to develop a print version, and move to daily updates on the site. Of course we are dependent on Advertiser support, so we grow at a cautious, measured pace to make sure not to over-extend ourselves.

With recent additions like the Business Directory, weekly New Issue Email Reminders, and a new “ShareThis” feature, we hope to solidify our core Readership. We realize that the most important thing for us is to continue publishing regularly, providing original local news for expats and Cariocas living in Rio, and travelers planning on passing through.

We’ll also be dancing for São João’s graces.