The Great Feijoada Census: How Many Brazilians Are Secretly Living in Houston?
Ah, Houston. The city of space cowboys, sizzling barbeque, and...a surprisingly large number of Brazilians? That's right, folks. There's a rumor swirling around the internet thicker than a Texas-sized gumbo: Houston might be home to a hidden population of Brazilians, possibly numbering in the thousands (gasp!).
But just how many? Are we talking about a sprinkle of samba dancers or a full-on Copacabana carnival living under the radar? Buckle up, because we're diving into the mystery of Houston's missing Brazilians.
The Whispers on the Web: 90,000 Strong?
The internet is a great equalizer, but also a place where rumors run wild like a rodeo bull on tequila. According to some online murmurs, the number of Brazilians in Houston could be as high as 90,000. Now, that's a whole lot of feijoada (a delicious black bean stew, for the uninitiated).
Is it Fact or Feijoada Fantasy?
Here's the thing: there's no official data on the exact number of Brazilians in Houston. The US Census doesn't ask about nationality, and those sneaky Brazilians seem to be blending in a little too well (or maybe they're just really good at hiding from aliens, which, let's be honest, is a valid concern in Houston).
Looking for Clues: The Caipirinha Chronicles
So, if the internet is unreliable, where do we turn? Well, my friends, let's follow the caipirinhas (Brazil's national cocktail, for those keeping score). Houston boasts a surprising number of Brazilian restaurants and social groups. There's even a Meetup group called the "Brazilian and Portuguese Speaking Group in Houston" with over 1,700 members. That's a lot of gente (people) looking to practice their Portuguese and, presumably, reminisce about Rio's beaches.
The Verdict: A City with a Brazilian Buzz
While we can't pinpoint an exact number, it's safe to say Houston has a thriving Brazilian community. Whether it's 90,000 strong or a bit more modest, one thing's for sure: Houston offers a taste of Brazil alongside its signature Tex-Mex. So next time you're in H-Town, keep your ears peeled for Portuguese and your eyes peeled for a hidden caipirinha bar. You might just stumble upon a mini-Rio in the heart of Texas!
