Brazilian Days 065
March 6
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DAY OF:
Data Magna de Pernambuco
(Pernambucan Revolution). This day was introduced in 2007. See below for more details.
BRAZILIAN HISTORY:
1916
Ocean liner Príncipe de Astúrias sank near the coast of Ilhabela (São Paulo)
The ocean liner carried almost six hundred registered passengers, and probably more than eight hundred illegal passengers, who tried to escape the great war in Europe. More than 475 people died. In 1989, parts of the vessel were blown up. The freight – including statues for a monument in Buenos Aires – were retrieved.
1817
Start of the Revolt in Pernambuco.
The settlement of the Portuguese royal family (since 1808 in Brazil) hadn’t received approval from all Brazilians. Especially the Northeast (including Pernambuco) was suffering economical malaise. The Great Drought of 1816 had destroyed large part of the harvests. The aversion against the Portuguese grew, as well as the patriotism of Pernambucans. For example, during Catholic masses, wine was replaced by locally brewed aguardente, the host was no longer made of wheat flour, but of manioc flour. The revolution expanded to neighboring states, but was suppressed by the Portuguese army, in cooperation with Portuguese merchants and landowners. The leaders of the revolution were arrested and condemned to death. But it was king Dom João VI pardoned them.
“Quando a voz da pátria chama
tudo deve obedecer;
Por ela a morte é suave
Por ela cumpre morrer “
source
Flag of the Pernambucan Revolt. The three stars
represent the states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, and
Rio Grande do Norte. The actual flag of
Pernambuco has maintained one star.
1838
Vila (village) São João del-Rei gained the status of a city.
This historical city in the state of Minas Gerais (nearby Tiradentes) attracts many tourists.
1933
Premiere of the movie “A Voz do Carnaval“.
Legendary actress Carmem Miranda made her starring debut in this movie.
1855
Hanging of Manoel da Motta Coqueiro.
Manoel had murdered Francisco Bennedito da Silva and his family.
2001
Death of Mário Covas Júnior (1930-2001), former governor of São Paulo.
Mário died because of the consequences of bladder cancer. Covas, engineer, entered the local politics. He was opposed against the military dictatorship; as a result, he lost his political rights. In 1989, Covas was presidential candidate, and ended fourth. In 1994, Covas became governor of the state of São Paulo. The almost bankrupt state underwent drastic reforms: many state companies and public services were privatized during his mandate.
“O Brasil é um país de extremos. Por um tempo,se disse que era preciso crescer para depois distribuir o bolo. Outros diziam e sustentam que se tem é que comer e pouco importa se o bolo será feito depressa ou devagar. O que eu acho é que o bolo deve ser feito e comido concomitantemente.”
“Eu não vou morrer porque não quero morrer.” (2001)
By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2015
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Inside Brazil 
