Woman thought everyone was 'applauding the sunset' — but it was something far more meaningful

When you visit a new country, you often witness things that challenge what you're used to. It might be how strangers interact, how problems are handled, or how people show up for each other in public. Some of those moments stay with you long after the trip ends. Selva (@soulofselva) shared such an experience in a video posted to Instagram. While visiting Brazil, she observed a group of people clapping rhythmically during a sunset. Initially, she assumed they were applauding the view, but the real reason was far more heartwarming.

"I genuinely thought everybody was just cheering for the beautiful views until a local told me that this hand-clapping technique is used to help a lost kid find their parents in Brazil," she wrote in the caption. She went on to explain how it works. "People make a collective effort to clap around the kid so parents could listen and locate where he/she could be," she added, followed by a soft "AWWW." The clapping was a signal, and that simple act of coordination revealed a shared understanding in the community.

"This sense of community effort truly amazes me. This is something uncommon in a lot of countries and ummm, especially the U.S. So I’m really happy I got to witness and understand this moment," Selva wrote. The kind of collective response Selva described reflects cultural norms found in many parts of the world. Studies show that in some cultures, people value community and togetherness more than individual actions. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory highlights how collectivist societies emphasize group harmony, shared responsibility, and mutual care. In these cultures, individuals see themselves as part of a larger whole, and actions are often shaped by concern for the community. This collectivist mindset is an instinctive, community-driven response that might be rare in more individualistic societies.

The video resonated with many viewers and prompted them to share their own experiences and anecdotes. @taylorkay.social wrote, "I found a lost child at the beach in Chile, and this was exactly how we found the parents as well." @autumn_sunsets_ commented, "Learned that the first time I went to Brazil. The kid was found alone in the food court, and a security guard put him on a table, and everyone around started clapping like in the video. Parents were in the spot in two minutes." @dantas.andrea noted, "Sometimes in Rio we also get down — everybody — so the child can see her parents or the other way around. And, by the way, we do applaud the sunset as well."

@iamshannonleigh added, "This is why I love traveling… we can learn so many things from each other and each other’s cultures." @linohs001 chimed in, "I have a faint memory of this having been done to find me one time haha, it truly is a good gesture." @dnidngr shared, "In Japan, I was amazed at all the kids walking alone without their parents. I found out from my friend that in most of Japan, kids can walk freely to school, sports practices, etc, because the community keeps an eye on them. 'Someone's child is also my child' is basically what she told me, meaning that the children will always be protected by others in the community without being asked."

You can follow Selva (@soulofselva) on Instagram for more travel content.