From Psychedelic Traveller

Brazil (Portuguese: Brasil), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: República Federativa do Brasil), is a country in South America. It is the fifth largest country by geographical area, occupying nearly half of South America, the fifth most populous country, and the fourth most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of over 7,491 kilometers (4,655 mi). It is bordered on the north by Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and the overseas department of French Guiana; on the northwest by Colombia; on the west by Bolivia and Peru; on the southwest by Argentina and Paraguay and on the south by Uruguay. Numerous archipelagos are part of the Brazilian territory, such as Fernando de Noronha, Rocas Atoll, Saint Peter and Paul Rocks, and Trindade and Martim Vaz.

[2009] Maturity comes for good in BRAZIL

written by Lotus

After some years of frenetic growth, brazilian psychedelic trance scene finally seems to be establishing. This reflects from better structured parties and festivals, that interacts and make local communities grow both on economical and cultural aspects. This fact is slowly making authorities change their view on parties and all the subculture involved.

In July, the third edition of Fora do Tempo festival takes place amidst Chapada das Mesas, a national ecologic park near Carolina, Maranhão state. Built over a fresh water island, acessible just during dry season, the festival is surrounded by breathtaking scenario. Equatorial forest and rustic communities give the exotic touch that enriches every travel. Unfortunately this is the last edition there, since government is building a huge hydroelectric power station in the area.

During september Samsara completes ten years of psychedelia in Serra Canastra, São Paulo state. Taking place beside a river full of rapids, the festival keeps the sound on for five days under sunny weather. Speaking of paradisiac places, the traditional newyear’s eve Universo Paralello comes strong for 2009. After a blasting edition, with five different stages and lots of cultural movement going on, all you can expect is growth. Besides small incidents with security, UP is still the most expected event of the year and biggest mind-blowing psytrance experience you can get in South America.

Although having nice editions in 2008, traditional festivals like Trancendence and Cachoeira Alta are not happening this year. Both are currently organizing their site for a better structure in 2010. One step back now but two steps front later. On the other hand, Tranceformation is getting back for a big celebration in the savannahs of the center-east.

In Brasilia, musical minds behind Vagalume Records make it blow with their powerful label parties. In Goiânia, Fiction club opens every week. In Belo Horizonte, Label Club hosts the main indoor activity, while Enigma throws the open air parties. In Salvador, Soononmoon guys take the responsibility. In Vitoria, Ecologic crew makes it sound loud. Actually, it’s possible to find psytrance movement in every big city of the country.

But hottest brazilian trance spot still is São Paulo, where winds of change are blowing. Since 2007, two groups have been working hard on bringing back that something missing on huge trance events, nowadays so common in São Paulo. Emusicbrasil.com team, with their bi-monthly Respect, and 4iDeas!, with Mystic Tribe, Earthdance São Paulo and Goa Gil celebrations, keep the spirit alive.

During the week, best choice is bi-weekly Siona, bringing the proggy tunes to the city nights, and also soon as an open air. For those into dark, there’s also a monthly Klatu night by the FOP crew, with duo Janczur & Paula and Boteon as hosts.

Tips

Brazilians love to use the internet. Basically, you can find everything you need just by “googling” it, joining Orkut communities or signing up to web based forums
Once in São Paulo, look for Oca Hostel. It’s a hostel built by and for psychedelic trance lovers. There you might find some DJs and producers as well, beware ;)
Traveling long distances by car or bus may turn out into adventures, due to bad road conditions. Cheap flight prices aren’t hard to find.
There are so many things to see and do that’s impossible to explain in one page. Come to Brazil and see for yourself!