Brazilian Days (323): November 19

Brazilian Days 323

November 19

.

---

DAY OF:

---

Dia da Bandeira Nacional

(Brazilian Flag Day). The colorful Brazilian flag is well-known. Less known are the facts about the flag. The stars represent the constellations in the southern hemisphere that was observed from Rio de Janeiro, on 15 November 1889, at 8.30 a.m. local time, the exact time of the proclamation of the Brazilian Republic. The stars represent the states and the Federal District. The most recent modification dates from 1992, when Tocantins became a new state. The flag is designed by Raimundo Teixeira Mendes and Miguel Lemos, and created by Décio Vilares. Four days following the proclamation of the Republic, Benjamin Constant issued Decree no. 4, about he Brazilian flag. The motto  “Ordem e Progresso” on the flag, is a quote from Benjamin Constant:

“O amor por princípio, a ordem por base, o progresso por fim”

   

---

Dia Internacional do Xadrez

(International Chess Day). Although this day isn’t included on the International Chess Federation (FIDE) calendar, the day is celebrated in South America. This day is the birthday of the first South-American chess grandmaster, José Raul Capablanca (1888-1942) from Cuba. José was one of the first unofficial grandmasters, and was chess world champion from 1921 to 1927. He is considered as one of the best players of all times. Besides playing chess, José was a diplomat and author of books about chess. José died of a cardiac arrest while he was analyzing a chess match. 

---

BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

---

1889
Introduction of the Seal of the Brazilian Republic.

Article 3 of Decree No. 4 – that also ratified the introduction of the Brazilian flag – details about the Seal of the Republic.

---

1969
Thousandth goal scored by soccer player Pelé.

Pelé scored his thousandth goal for his team Santos in the match against Vasco (Santos won with 2-1) in the Maracanã Stadium. He scored in the 33rd minute of the second half. The match was interrupted to allow Pelé run a lap of honor.

---

1709
Elevation of Recife to the status of Vila, per Carta Régia.

In 1537, Recife was founded by Portuguese colonists. Neighboring Olinda was founded two years earlier. One century later, during the Dutch invasion, the city of Olinda was set on fire and completely destroyed. The inhabitants fled to Recife. Dutch governor Maurice of Nassau built a new city, which was named after him: Mauriciópolis. This city was destroyed by the Dutch themselves when they had to give up the colony in 1654. In 1709, Recife was elevated to the status of Via by Royal Decree, and thereby gained independence from Olinda. In 1823, Recife became a city. Four years later, Recife became capital of the province of Pernambuco. Recife, now hosting more than 1.5 million inhabitants, is widely known as “Venice of Brazil”.

---

1724
Death of Father Bartolomeu Lourenço de Gusmão (1685-1724), a Brazilian-Portuguese aviation pioneer. 

The priest was born in Santos (Brazil) and went to the seminary in Bahia. At the age of fifteen, he moved to Portugal, in order to complete his studies in Religious Law. Bartolomeu also studied Physics and Maths. When he was back in Brazil, he constructed a water pump, which was able to pump up river water to the abbey, where he stayed. He got the idea to use hot air to elevate objects in the air. His first experiment with a hot air balloon caught fire immediately, but his second attempt was successful: the object reached a height of four meters. This experiment was done on 5 August 1709. Because of these experiments, he gained the nickname “Padre Voador”, the flying priest. He also had stayed in Holland, were one of his inventions was registered: ” A system of lenses with which meat can be roasted by sunlight” (“Sistema de lentes para assar carne ao Sol”). Unfortunately, Father Bartolomeu became one of the many victims of the Inquisition and fled to Spain. In Toledo, he died at the age of 39.

  

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2015
.

Brazilian Days (323): November 19

Brazilian Days 323

November 19

.

---

DAY OF:

---

Dia da Bandeira Nacional

(Brazilian Flag Day). The colorful Brazilian flag is well-known. Less known are the facts about the flag. The stars represent the constellations in the southern hemisphere that was observed from Rio de Janeiro, on 15 November 1889, at 8.30 a.m. local time, the exact time of the proclamation of the Brazilian Republic. The stars represent the states and the Federal District. The most recent modification dates from 1992, when Tocantins became a new state. The flag is designed by Raimundo Teixeira Mendes and Miguel Lemos, and created by Décio Vilares. Four days following the proclamation of the Republic, Benjamin Constant issued Decree no. 4, about he Brazilian flag. The motto  “Ordem e Progresso” on the flag, is a quote from Benjamin Constant:

“O amor por princípio, a ordem por base, o progresso por fim”

   

---

Dia Internacional do Xadrez

(International Chess Day). Although this day isn’t included on the International Chess Federation (FIDE) calendar, the day is celebrated in South America. This day is the birthday of the first South-American chess grandmaster, José Raul Capablanca (1888-1942) from Cuba. José was one of the first unofficial grandmasters, and was chess world champion from 1921 to 1927. He is considered as one of the best players of all times. Besides playing chess, José was a diplomat and author of books about chess. José died of a cardiac arrest while he was analyzing a chess match. 

---

BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

---

1889
Introduction of the Seal of the Brazilian Republic.

Article 3 of Decree No. 4 – that also ratified the introduction of the Brazilian flag – details about the Seal of the Republic.

---

1969
Thousandth goal scored by soccer player Pelé.

Pelé scored his thousandth goal for his team Santos in the match against Vasco (Santos won with 2-1) in the Maracanã Stadium. He scored in the 33rd minute of the second half. The match was interrupted to allow Pelé run a lap of honor.

---

1709
Elevation of Recife to the status of Vila, per Carta Régia.

In 1537, Recife was founded by Portuguese colonists. Neighboring Olinda was founded two years earlier. One century later, during the Dutch invasion, the city of Olinda was set on fire and completely destroyed. The inhabitants fled to Recife. Dutch governor Maurice of Nassau built a new city, which was named after him: Mauriciópolis. This city was destroyed by the Dutch themselves when they had to give up the colony in 1654. In 1709, Recife was elevated to the status of Via by Royal Decree, and thereby gained independence from Olinda. In 1823, Recife became a city. Four years later, Recife became capital of the province of Pernambuco. Recife, now hosting more than 1.5 million inhabitants, is widely known as “Venice of Brazil”.

---

1724
Death of Father Bartolomeu Lourenço de Gusmão (1685-1724), a Brazilian-Portuguese aviation pioneer. 

The priest was born in Santos (Brazil) and went to the seminary in Bahia. At the age of fifteen, he moved to Portugal, in order to complete his studies in Religious Law. Bartolomeu also studied Physics and Maths. When he was back in Brazil, he constructed a water pump, which was able to pump up river water to the abbey, where he stayed. He got the idea to use hot air to elevate objects in the air. His first experiment with a hot air balloon caught fire immediately, but his second attempt was successful: the object reached a height of four meters. This experiment was done on 5 August 1709. Because of these experiments, he gained the nickname “Padre Voador”, the flying priest. He also had stayed in Holland, were one of his inventions was registered: ” A system of lenses with which meat can be roasted by sunlight” (“Sistema de lentes para assar carne ao Sol”). Unfortunately, Father Bartolomeu became one of the many victims of the Inquisition and fled to Spain. In Toledo, he died at the age of 39.

  

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2015
.

Brazilian Days (323): November 19

Brazilian Days 323

November 19

.

---

DAY OF:

---

Dia da Bandeira Nacional

(Brazilian Flag Day). The colorful Brazilian flag is well-known. Less known are the facts about the flag. The stars represent the constellations in the southern hemisphere that was observed from Rio de Janeiro, on 15 November 1889, at 8.30 a.m. local time, the exact time of the proclamation of the Brazilian Republic. The stars represent the states and the Federal District. The most recent modification dates from 1992, when Tocantins became a new state. The flag is designed by Raimundo Teixeira Mendes and Miguel Lemos, and created by Décio Vilares. Four days following the proclamation of the Republic, Benjamin Constant issued Decree no. 4, about he Brazilian flag. The motto  “Ordem e Progresso” on the flag, is a quote from Benjamin Constant:

“O amor por princípio, a ordem por base, o progresso por fim”

   

---

Dia Internacional do Xadrez

(International Chess Day). Although this day isn’t included on the International Chess Federation (FIDE) calendar, the day is celebrated in South America. This day is the birthday of the first South-American chess grandmaster, José Raul Capablanca (1888-1942) from Cuba. José was one of the first unofficial grandmasters, and was chess world champion from 1921 to 1927. He is considered as one of the best players of all times. Besides playing chess, José was a diplomat and author of books about chess. José died of a cardiac arrest while he was analyzing a chess match. 

---

BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

---

1889
Introduction of the Seal of the Brazilian Republic.

Article 3 of Decree No. 4 – that also ratified the introduction of the Brazilian flag – details about the Seal of the Republic.

---

1969
Thousandth goal scored by soccer player Pelé.

Pelé scored his thousandth goal for his team Santos in the match against Vasco (Santos won with 2-1) in the Maracanã Stadium. He scored in the 33rd minute of the second half. The match was interrupted to allow Pelé run a lap of honor.

---

1709
Elevation of Recife to the status of Vila, per Carta Régia.

In 1537, Recife was founded by Portuguese colonists. Neighboring Olinda was founded two years earlier. One century later, during the Dutch invasion, the city of Olinda was set on fire and completely destroyed. The inhabitants fled to Recife. Dutch governor Maurice of Nassau built a new city, which was named after him: Mauriciópolis. This city was destroyed by the Dutch themselves when they had to give up the colony in 1654. In 1709, Recife was elevated to the status of Via by Royal Decree, and thereby gained independence from Olinda. In 1823, Recife became a city. Four years later, Recife became capital of the province of Pernambuco. Recife, now hosting more than 1.5 million inhabitants, is widely known as “Venice of Brazil”.

---

1724
Death of Father Bartolomeu Lourenço de Gusmão (1685-1724), a Brazilian-Portuguese aviation pioneer. 

The priest was born in Santos (Brazil) and went to the seminary in Bahia. At the age of fifteen, he moved to Portugal, in order to complete his studies in Religious Law. Bartolomeu also studied Physics and Maths. When he was back in Brazil, he constructed a water pump, which was able to pump up river water to the abbey, where he stayed. He got the idea to use hot air to elevate objects in the air. His first experiment with a hot air balloon caught fire immediately, but his second attempt was successful: the object reached a height of four meters. This experiment was done on 5 August 1709. Because of these experiments, he gained the nickname “Padre Voador”, the flying priest. He also had stayed in Holland, were one of his inventions was registered: ” A system of lenses with which meat can be roasted by sunlight” (“Sistema de lentes para assar carne ao Sol”). Unfortunately, Father Bartolomeu became one of the many victims of the Inquisition and fled to Spain. In Toledo, he died at the age of 39.

  

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2015
.

Imaging Brazil 248: Folk Singer in Olinda, PE (2009)

A personal selection of photographs with their stories.

248: Folk singer

The city of Olinda, and particularly the  colorful historic center, attracts many tourists. This center is well preserved, and is therefore included on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The city was founded in 1535, and barely a century later it was looted and burned by the Dutch invaders. The rebuilt city was capital of Pernambuco for a long time. The tourists draw many craftsmen and artists to the center: you will see dozens of stalls with a broad range of manually crafted merchandise, and several musicians wandering around. This musician played and sang locally known songs, thereby attracting several dozen interested listeners.

 

© Adriano Antoine Robbesom 2009, 2017

Imaging Brazil 229: Tourist in Recife, PE (2009)

A personal selection of photographs with their stories.

229: Tourist 

JANUARY 2009: Tourist 

Recife is an attractive town in northeastern Brazil with a lot of history and culture. Many are somewhat familiar with the exuberant multicultural carnival that is celebrated on a large scale. The historic center has many stately buildings that have been built by the Dutch, centuries ago. It is special to see these copies of Dutch canal houses plastered in bright colors. But Recife has more, and therefore attracts a lot of tourists, including many from outside Brazil. When I stayed in Recife in January 2009, I traveled in and around Recife with a small group. One of them was of Chinese origin, and has been working in tourism and cultural exchange programs, and also a bit of commercial trade. Despite he was living in Brazil for more than twenty years, he still has great difficulty with the Portuguese language, but he succeeds wonderfully to communicate effectively. He also likes to take pictures on the go, as here on the campus of the Federal University.

 

© Adriano Antoine Robbesom 2009, 2016

Imaging Brazil 221: Mauricio de Nassau Bridge in Recife, PE (2009)

A personal selection of photographs with their stories.

221: Mauricio de Nassau Bridge 

JANUARY 2009: Ponte Mauricio de Nassau 

The Dutch occupation of north-east Brazil (1630-1654) has a deep impact in Brazil’s history. Many Brazilians still argue that the Dutch have done many good things in the former colony. And many believe that Brazil was much better off with the Dutch occupation than with the Portuguese occupation. Recife, now capital of of the state Pernambuco, was the capital of the Dutch colony. The city expanded, and bridges were designed to link neighborhoods with each other. For example, a bridge was built between Recife and the island of Santo Antônio. The “Ponte de Recife” was partly built of stone and partly built of wood. Today, there is a 180-meter-long steel bridge named after the Dutch governor and initiator of the bridge: Maurício de Nassau.

 

© Adriano Antoine Robbesom 2009, 2016

Travel in Brazil: MARANHÃO (24). Historical Center of São Luís (I)

MARANHÃO (24)
Historical Center of São Luís (I)

---

Destination São Luís, capital of the state of Maranhão.
Walking through the historical center of São Luís.

>> More information about São Luís (with videos) <<

>> All episodes of: ‘Bus Travel to Maranhão / Maranhão 1 / Maranhão 2 <<

^{Partition of the Brazilian colony
into capitanias, in 1535}

São Luís

São Luís has a rich history. In 1535, the Brazilian colony was divided into capitanias: massive areas that roughly were marked with a ruler. The maps of that time also show straight, horizontal lines, perpendicular upon the vertical line that was determined by the Treaty of Tordesilhas (1494), that divided the New World into a Spanish and a Portuguese share. João de Barros obtained the capitania of Maranhão, but he was hardly interested in his possession.
About fifteen years later, the city of Nazaré was founded, almost on the same location of what is now São Luís. However, this settlement was quickly abandoned due to persistent resistance of the indians and the troublesome accessibility of the island. In 1612, the French navigator Daniel la Touche and five hundred men arrived on the island. He founded Saint Louis, in honor of the French king, Louis XIII. Three years later, the French were expelled by the Portuguese, who continued with the development of the settlement. In 1641, the Dutch, who had their base in Pernambuco, expanded their territory westward and took the city. They managed to stay there for three years, until they were ousted by the Portuguese. Because of the isolated location of the island from the rest of the Brazilian colony, the province of Maranhão/ Grão Pará was founded. The province was more or less independent from the rest of the colony. Mainly sugarcane, cocoa and tobacco were grown in this region, thereby making use of African slaves.
The city flourished, until the abolition of slavery in 1885. The economic activities in São Luís came to a halt. Because of that, tourist may still enjoy the historical richness of a large number of buildings from the colonial era.

^{Igreja São José do Desterro}

Igreja do Desterro

We encountered an obvious church building, when we were on our way to Mercado Central. A church painted in white, with a square tower at the right side, and a cupola in the middle. It turned out to be a church with a turbulent history. Initially, it was a chapel of minor significance, constructed around 1640. When the Dutch invaded São Luís on 25 November 1641, the chapel was destroyed. Only after the expulsion of the Dutch in 1644, the church was about to be rebuilt. However, due to the high cost of the construction, the reconstruction only was started in 1832. It took seven years until the church was inaugurated. The church was located in the center and became neglected. The interior was looted. A new restoration was necessary; the inauguration took place in 1869. The facade was now in the simple colonial style, with a tower at one side. The cupola, that reminds of the Byzantine style, has been enriched with an iron cross.

^{Bar Antigamente in Rua da Palma}

Bar Antigamente

At one of the principal corners of Rua da Palma is a pale green building. It is the location of a bar annex restaurant, were visitors may meet local dishes and local entertainment. We didn’t visit this bar, since we had found a nearby location where reggae music was played all night. Nevertheless, we passed the bar various times, and we enjoyed the music performances for a little while.

^{Colorfully decorated terrace}

^Nameplate

^{Weekly music program}

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom

Related articles

• Travel in Brazil: MARANHÃO (23). Igreja da Sé Nossa Senhora da Vitória, São Luís (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• Travel in Brazil: MARANHÃO (22). Markets in São Luís (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• Travel in Brazil: MARANHÃO (21). Vale Festejar! in São Luís (IV): Bumba-meu-Boi (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• Travel in Brazil: MARANHÃO (18). Vale Festejar! in São Luís (I), Dança Portuguesa (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
  .

Travel in Brazil: MARANHÃO (23). Igreja da Sé Nossa Senhora da Vitória, São Luís

MARANHÃO (23)
Igreja da Sé Nossa Senhora da Vitória in São Luís 

---

Destination São Luís, capital of the state of Maranhão.
Historical center in São Luís: Igreja da Sé Nossa Senhora da Vitória.

>> More information about São Luís (with videos) <<

>> All episodes of: ‘Bus Travel to Maranhão / Maranhão 1 / Maranhão 2 <<

^{Facade of the cathedral.}

Historical center

São Luís, capital of the state of Maranhão – like Vitória in Espírito Santo and Florianópolis in Santa Catarina –  is located on an island. The city was not founded by the Portuguese, but by French colonists. In honor of their king Louis XIII, they named the settlement Saint Louis. The French didn’t stay for long, they were expelled by the Portuguese, who already possessed the major part of what is now Brazil. In turn, the Portuguese were outed by the Dutch, who expanded their colony westward from Pernambuco. Also the Dutch didn’t stay long. The Portuguese reconquered Maranhão and São Luís. Obviously, there are hardly any traces of the French and Dutch occupations. Only a few street names and regional names remind of the foreign rulers. The Portuguese had destroyed everything of what was French or Dutch, after their victories. Due to prolonged economic malaise in São Luís, most buildings from the 17th and 18th century still exist. In 1997, the historical center was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, as a well-conserved example of the Portuguese colonial style in Brazil.

^{Inside the cathedral, where preparations were
made for a marriage later that day.}

Igreja da Sé

One of the striking historical buildings in São Luís is undoubtedly the cathedral. The full name is Igreja da Sé Nossa Senhora da Vitória, but is also known as Catedral Metropolitana. De cathedral, which construction was ordered by Diogo Machado da Costa, the third capitão of Maranhão, was already inaugurated in 1619, and had undergone various reforms since then. In 1687, the church underwent the first reform, which was concluded only three years later. It took more tha nseventy years fro another reform. This reform was not concluded. The actual church has the architectonic characteristics since the most recent reform in 1922.
Research about this cathedral was somewhat confusing, since many pictures show the cathedral painted in pink. Only recently the cathedral was repainted in beige.

^{Richly decorated altar}

Open

The cathedral is not open during the entire day for visitors. Often, the tourist will be confronted with a locked door. I was lucky to visit the cathedral in the morning. I was allowed to take pictures, but without flash. It was strictly forbidden to take pictures or to film a chapel that was richly decorated with gold leaf.  One of the most obvious decorations in the cathedral was the colorful painting on the ceiling: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cathedral bears many baroque decorations and statues. I hardly had left the church, when I noticed that the gate was being locked again…

^{Obvious: the colorful ceiling}

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom

Related articles

• Travel in Brazil: MARANHÃO (15). Theater and Street Reggae in São Luís (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• Travel in Brazil: MARANHÃO (12). Colorful Sunset at the Beach in Atins (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• Travel in Brazil: MARANHÃO (21). Vale Festejar! in São Luís (IV): Bumba-meu-Boi (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• Travel in Brazil: MARANHÃO (22). Markets in São Luís (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• Travel in Brazil: ALAGOAS (27). Center of Maceió I (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
  .

Travel in Brazil: FORTALEZA (04). Forte Nossa Senhora da Assunção, Former Fort Schoonenborch

FORTALEZA (04)
Forte NS da Assunção, a former Dutch fortress

---

Destination Fortaleza, capital of the state of Ceará.
Episode 4: Forte Nossa Senhora da Assunçao, former Dutch Fortress ‘Schoonenborch’.

Aerial view (Google Maps) of the Fortress (red), Mercado Central (green),
and the Cathedral (blue)

Fort Schoonenborch

In 1630, the Dutch invasion of Northeast Brazil was started. Recife en Olinda were quickly conquered, and from there the Dutch reign was extended to the south (Bahia), north (Rio Grande do Norte) and northwest (Fortaleza and São Luís). Early 17th century, the first settlements were already founded in the region of what is now Fortaleza: Forte São Tiago was constructed in 1603 already, quickly followed by Forte São Sebastião in 1612. In 1637, the Dutch arrived in Ceará, but they were expelled by the indian tribes in 1644. Forte São Sebastião was destroyed then. In 1649, the Dutch – commanded by Mathias Beck – started the construction of Fortress Schoonenborch (also named Schoonemborch, after the Dutch governor of Pernambuco). Fortaleza grants its name and foundation to this fortress. In 1654, the Dutch were expelled definitively from entire Brazil, and the fortress was quickly renamed into Forte Nossa Senhora da Assunção.

The fortification wall at the ocean side.

Forte Nossa Senhora da Assunçao

The fortress has undergone significant modifications during the centuries. From the ocean, the fortress is visible at a great distance, and some of the cannons are still directed towards the ocean. Since 1942, the headquarters of the 10th military region of the Brazilian army have been established. Visitation of the fortress is restricted to the open areas and a small military museum, but upon request, a more elaborate guided visit is possible. Unfortunately, my visit was limited to the outer fortification walls, due to the shortness of my stay in Fortaleza.

The antique cannons are still directed towards
the ocean. 

The inner and outer walls have different illumination. 

The main building of the military headquarters.

By night...

A sign board on the location where in 1649, Dutchman Mathias Beck wrote history with the construction of Fort Schoonenborch. At present, nothing is left of the Dutch period.

^source
Drawing of former Fort Schoonenborch.

^source
Aerial view of the fortress

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom

Related articles

• Travel in Brazil: FORTALEZA (01). The PSOL Pousada (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• Travel in Brazil: FORTALEZA (02). Mucuripe, Cradle of Brazil? (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• Travel in Brazil: FORTALEZA (03). Street Market in Downtown Fortaleza (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• Travel in Brazil: SALVADOR (41). MPB Music by Belchior (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• Travel in Brazil: ALAGOAS (19). Flight Belo Horizonte (MG) – Maceió (AL) (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• A Foreigner in Brazil (33): OCT 2006 (II). Music Rhythms (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
  .

Travel in Brazil: ALAGOAS (07). Ipioca Beach

ALAGOAS (07)
Ipioca Beach

---

Destination Maceió, capital of the state of Alagoas.
Episode 7. Ipioca Beach: a former Dutch look-out, now an oasis of tranquility.

>> Click here for the complete overview of ‘ALAGOAS’ <<

>> Click here for more information about Maceió (including videos) <<

First impression of Praia de Ipioca

Green and turquoise

We all had enjoyed very much our day at paradisaical Gunga Beach. The next morning, many of us were still talking about the unforgettable moments. However… Alagoas has more than just Gunga Beach. There are more beaches worth discovering. Therefore, I joined a small group, which had the intention to Ipioca Beach, at about twenty kilometers north of Maceió. We took a regular bus, which brought us near the beach. The bus trip took almost one hour, along the shoreline. We followed the directions of the helpful bus driver and entered an unpaved path. Indeed, this path was the shortest way to the beach. Only a few hundred meters later, we arrived at Ipioca Beach. A deserted beach at that time, the shoreline flanked by coconut trees. The ocean in front of us had a beautiful turquoise blue color, inviting for a refreshing swim.

Succumbing palm trees, due to endlessly
pounding waves.

The Dutch and Peixoto

We did not fix too much at the breathtaking view, but we went on northward. The beach appeared to be deserted. That was surprising, since not only the view is splendid. There was a calm sea, with small waves. The shallow waters (the so-called ‘piscinas naturais’) are suitable for snorkeling activities. During the Dutch Occupation of Northeast Brazil (between 1625 and 1654), Ipioca Beach was a strategic location, from which the Atlantic Ocean could be watched over a long distance. The Dutch used a fortress, which was constructed by the Portuguese. The ruins of this fortress were then used for the construction of a church: Igreja da Nossa Senhora de Ó.
On 30 April 1839, Floriano Vieira Peixoto (1839-1895) was born here. He was the second president of the Brazilian Republic (1891-1894). There are various monuments in Maceió and surroundings that refer to the president. Also his predecessor, marshal Manuel Deodoro da Fonseca, was born in the state of Alagoas. His place of birth (Alagoas) is named after him: Marechal Deodoro, and is located south of Maceió.

A calm beach at that time…

‘Living water‘

We followed the beach northward, we enjoyed the warmth of the sun, the beautiful views, of the quietness. The beach became smaller, the palm trees are under constant attack of pounding waves. Fallen palm trees were spread along the beach, their trunks and roots slowly decaying by silty ocean water. We encountered pinkish blue bags along the beach. To be more clear, they appeared to be plastic bags. But these ‘bags’ were molluscs, and are known as ‘água viva’, living water. Biologists know this species as Caravela portuguesa, the Portuguese Caravel. Physalia physalis for the experts. Many consider it as a jellyfish, but that is not true. This mollusc consists of four different polyps. Their tentacles may measure more than fifty meters. Their appear to be harmless, but it is much better not to step on them. They are toxic and may be deadly. Brazilians show much respect for these Physalias, and watch their steps carefully. Fortunately, Ipioca Beach was not full of these pinkish blue ‘bags’, and therefore, we continued our beach walk.

Screens in the ocean

Meal

We had to follow two curbs, in order to arrive at a barraca. a beach pavilion. We ordered a portion of smoked shrimps and another portion of freshly fried fish. Such a delicious meal was more than welcome, after having walked for more than ninety minutes.

Living water: be careful!

Exclusive: a walking coconut!

Riding along the beach in a buggy…

It appears that the ocean is gaining terrain here

Witnessing a falling coconut…

Local fishermen

By  Adriano Antoine Robbesom

Related articles

• Travel in Brazil: ALAGOAS (06). Gunga Beach (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
• BRAZILIAN PORTRAITS: Man at Gunga Beach (AL) (adrianoantoine.wordpress.com)
• Brazilian Days (235): August 23 (insiderbrazil.wordpress.com)
  .