Brazilian Days (251): September 8

Brazilian Days 251

September 8

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DAY OF:

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Dia do Alfabetizador

(Teacher of Alphabetization)

ALPHABETIZATION
Alfabetização – Telma Weisz (1ª parte)	Alfabetização – Telma Weisz (2ª parte)
Alfabetização – Telma Weisz (3ª parte)	Alfabetização – Telma Weisz (4ª parte)

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Dia Internacional da Alfabetização

(International Alphabetization Day). In our (Western) world, almost everyone is able to read and write; however, unfortunately, still too many people on our planet may be considered as illiterate (estimation of almost 900 million, of which more than 100 million children who do not attend school). The United Nations have introduced the International Literacy Day on September 8. Their motto for 2007 was:

“Literacy, key to good health and well-being”

The book “Alphabet of Hope“ was published (pdf).

ALPHABETIZATION
Dia Mundial da Alfabetização – 08/09/2009	Dia Internacional da Alfabetização – Matéria SBT Jaú

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Dia Nacional de Luta por Medicamentos

(Combat for (cheaper) medication). A large number of medications are very expensive, since the pharmaceutical companies had to invest a large sum of money in the research and development of such medications. The medications have patent rights, which allow the pharmaceutical companies to gain back their investments, and a part of their profits may be invested in the development of new medications. However, many expensive medications, among them the well-known medications against HIV, are beyond reach for a large group of patients in non-Western countries. Brazil is such a country. At present, generic alternatives are produced of these expensive medications, and with the financial aid of the government, these medications are sold for a much lower price in the so-called “Farmacia Popular”, accessible for everyone, especially for the poorer people.

FARMACIA POPULAR
WebTV – Farmácia Popular oferece remédio mais baratos	Farmácia Popular 2 anos
Farmácia Popular Do Brasil	FARMACIA POPULAR

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Day of the patron saint of Curitiba, capital of the state of Paraná.

The patron saint is Nossa Senhora da Luz dos Pinhais. Our Lady of the Light of Pinhais. Pinhais is the Brazilian translation of the Tupi name Curitiba, and has the meaning ‘Rich in (Brazilian) pine trees (Araucaria angustifolia)’. Before its foundation, the city of Curitiba the living area of the caingangues, an indian tribe. A group of sertanejos, farmers from the Brazilian mainland, were traveling, when Our Lady appeared in front of them, according to the legend. She smiled, she insisted that the man looked around themselves. Every morning, she appeared, with light in her eyes. The sertanejos then thought to take possession of this area and to construct a chapel. Our Lady smiled again, for the second time. The men did not carry many weapons, and they faced brave and combative indians. A miracle occurred, the indian chief invited them. The indian directed their bows to the earth, as a sign of peace. They all shared peace tea. The chief commanded his men to march away and leave the white men in peace. And this is how the sertanejos obtained this area without bloodshed. Our Lady smiled again, for the third time. More information about Curitiba, follow this link.

  

NS DA LUZ DOS PINHAIS
N.Sra da Luz	IV Festa da Luz – 2012

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Day of the patron saint of Santos (SP).

The patron saint is Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat. Our Lady of Monte Serrat. The first and most known wonder that is attributed to her, occurred at the time of a Dutch invasion at the coastal region of Santos, by the Dutch pirate Joris van Spilbergen (1568-1620), in February, 1615. A great part of the people of Santos – among them women and children – fled to Monte Serrat, when the pirates set fire at various locations in Santos. The refugees begged in desperation to Our Lady of Monte Serrat. Not long after, the pathway, on which the Dutch pirates were running after them, collapsed, and many of the pirates were suddenly covered by a thick layer of earth. The remaining pirates were forced to return to their ships and leave Santos. In 1954, Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat was elected patron saint of Santos. Joris van Spilbergen – who named the Southern African ‘Tafelberg’ (Table Mountain) – was serving the Dutch East Indies Company, and sailed to Sri Lanka and through the Strait of Magelhães to the Moluk Islands. In The Netherlands, Joris is not considered as a pirate, rather a navigator.

 

NS DO MONTE SERRAT
Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat de Santos SP 2/4.	Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat de Santos SP 2/4.
Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat de Santos SP 3/4.	Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat de Santos SP 4/4.
Rede 45 – Festa de Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat	Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat – O Filme

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BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

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1551
Foundation of Vitória, capital of the state of Espírito Santo.

Vitória is the largest of an archipelago of 34 islands at the Atlantic coastline. On May 23, 1535, an expedition commanded by Vasco Fernando Coutinho arrived there, at the day of the third entity of the Spiritual Trinity, and he named the settlement Espírito Santo (Holy Spirit). The site of this settlement now is located within the borders of the city of Vila Velha, Vitória’s neighboring city. In 1551, the seat of the capitania Espírito Santo was moved to the island of Santo Antônio, now known as the island of Vitória. The reason for this transfer was the easier way to defend an island against invaders. The exact date is not known, but it is generally assumed that it must have been September 8. The Upper City (Cidade Alta) was easy to defend, but the Lower City (Cidade Baixa) had to be defended with the construction of a number of fortresses along the beach. Vitória is a port city, the oldest port is located in the center. The port existed of a wooden cay, the ‘Cais do Schmidt’. The other two ports are located at more distance of the center, and even constructed seaward, thereby interfering with the view on the Atlantic Ocean. At present, the city hosts about 320 thousand inhabitants. Vitória is one of the three Brazilian state capitals, which are located on islands; the other two are Florianópolis and São Luís, who also celebrates its foundation today. More about Vitoria, including photographs and videos, follow this link.

 

VITÓRIA (ES)
460 anos de Vitória – I	460 anos de Vitória – II
Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil 1	Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil 2
Vitória ES, Minha ilha tem!	VITORIA – ES

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1612
Foundation of São Luís, capital of the state of Maranhão.

The history of São Luís in fact started with the famous Treaty of Tordesilhas: the newly discovered continent of America was dividid in two parts at a certain geographical location, in a Spanish and a Portuguese part. The measurement methodology at that time was far from precise; therefore, the area near the equator and near the Amazon River became a certain no man’s land. Other European nations tried to gain their share of the richness of the American continent, among them was the France. Nevertheless, it was Portugal who claimed this area by dividing the colony in administrative regions, the capitanias. A small settlement with the name Nazaré was founded, at the present location of São Luis, but lagged behind with colonization, compared with the rest of the Brazilian colony, mainly due to the lack of formal aid, and the gulf stream that impeded access to São Luís. In 1612, a French expedition arrived, commanded by Daniel de la Touche, Senhor de la Ravardière, who captured the location, claimed it for France, and founded the colony “France Equinocial”. On September 8, the construction of Fortress of São Luis (named after the French king Louis XIII) was finished. The construction of the fortress created a diplomatic crisis. The crisis only was solved by the reconquest of São Luís by the Portuguese from Pernambuco. At present, the city hosts a little more than one million inhabitants. Curiously, the Portuguese word for inhabitants of São Luís is ‘Ludovicense’. More about São Luís, including photographs and videos, follow this link.

 

SÃO LUÍS (MA)
The City of Sao Luis Brazil (The Island of Love)	São Luís do Maranhão, ilha de encantos // St. Louis – Maranhao – Brazil, the magnetic island
São Luís do Maranhão – ILHA do AMOR	Homenagem a São Luís e ao Maranhão (Ilha Magnética, Bela Mocidade e Ilha Bela)
Sao Luis Ilha do Amor Maranhao Brasil	As sete lendas que encantam a ilha de São Luís. By Cacau Sotero

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2015

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Brazilian Days (207): July 26

 

Brazilian Days 207

July 26

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DAY OF:

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Dia da Imprensa Espírita

(Spiritist Press). This day (introduced in 1982) is to commemorate the birth date of the spiritist Luis Olímpio Telles de Menezes (1835-1893), who introduced spiritism and spiritist literature in Brazil, on September 17, 1865.

^source

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Dia do Detetive Particular

(Private investigator). Most of the investigations concern adultery…

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Dia da Vovó ou dos Avós

(Grandmother/ grandparents). The origin of this day is to be referred to the catholic culture. Today is the feast day of the saints Anna and Joachim, Maria’s parents, and Maria was Jesus’ mother. The two saints were the grandparents of Jesus.

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BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

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1908
The first automobile race in Brazil, in São Paulo.

This race track had a length of 80 km, between São Paulo and Itapecerica, a race without accidents. Gastão de Almeida from Rio de Janeiro was heading the race, with his Dietrich-Lorraine, for a long time, and had an advantage of five minutes, to his direct opponent Dr. Silvio Penteado, who was driving a 40HP Fiat. Gastão had the misfortune that his oil tank broke, and Silvio could pass him, six kilometers before the finish, and thus claim the victory.

^source

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1930
Murder of João Pessoa in Recife.

João Pessoa Cavalcanti de Albuquerque (1878-1930) was elected as governor of the state of Paraíba in 1928. His government proved to be productive for Paraíba: economic growth, less taxes, many constructions. Pessoa also was battling corruption, and therefore made many enemies. There were presidential elections in March 1930. President Washington Luís Pereira de Sousa had but forward Júlio Prestes, president of the state of São Paulo, as his possible successor. Vital Soares, president of Bahia, would then become vice-president. The opponent, supported by Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, and Paraíba, was Getúlio Dorneles Vargas, president of Rio Grande do Sul. João Pessoa would then become his vice-president. Pessoa was requested to support the government candidate, Júlio Prestes. He replied, telegraphed by Tavares Cavalcanti, with just one – legendary – word: NEGO! (I refuse!). However, Júlio Prestes won the elections. The opposition accused him of fraud at a large scale. The first signs of a popular rebellion were observed in Pincesa Isabel, Paraíba. The murder of João Pessoa by João Dantas was the extra spark to ignite the revolution. As a result, president Washington was ousted, and Vargas was elected for president. To honor João Pessoa, the actual flag of Paraíba was introduced. Black and red, with NEGO in white letters in the red field. The red color symbolizes the blood shed by Pessoa and the rebels in Paraíba. The capital – then called Parahyba – was renamed into João Pessoa.

^{source source}

A História do Politico João Pessoa

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1612
Arrival of the French vessels Régente, Sainte-Anne, and Charlotte at the Bay of Maranhão.

This small fleet (containing 500 men) was commanded by Daniel de la Touche, Lord de la Ravadière, who founded a French colony there: France Équinoxiale. The French landed on the island of Upaon-mirim, later renamed into Sant’Ana (today is the feast day of Saint Ana, see above). They quickly made contact with the indians of the neighboring island Maragnan (Maranhão). The French started the construction of Fort Saint Louis, named after the French king, Louis XIII. At the end of 1615, the French were ousted by the Portuguese.

^source

Illustration in the report about
the French presence in Maranhão.

THE FRENCH IN MARANHÃO
Franceses no Maranhão (2/2) – De Lá Pra Cá	Expedições: São Luis – 400 anos

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1745
Celebration of the first mass in the chapel of Morro dos Coqueiros – now the city of Aparecida (SP).

In 1717, three fishermen caught a headless wooden statue. Soon, they also caught the head of that statue. They also caught a large amount of fish. The statue was recognized to be of Our Lady of Conception. The statue was now called Nossa Senhora da Aparecida, and at the margin of Paraíba River, where the statue was found, a chapel was constructed. Later, this location was called Aparecida, now hosting one of the largest sanctuaries in the world.

source / source

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1931
Birth of soccer player and coach Telê Santana (1931-2006)

Telê Santana da Silva started his soccer career as a goalkeeper, but soon he played as a center forward, for many years at Fluminense. Telê then started his coaching career and became Brazilian champion with Atlético_MG from Belo Horizonte. He continued at Grêmio and Palmeiras, before he was contracted to coach the Brazilian national team. His tactics strategy – stressing on the attacking qualities – gained him worldwide fame. Brazilians still remember him as the coach who introduced ‘o jogo bonito’, attractive soccer. However, despite playing very offensive, Brazil was not successful during the World Cups of 1982 and 1896. Telê continued his career at São Paulo, and gained another Brazilian title and the Libertadores Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.

TELÊ SANTANA
Mestre Tele Santana	Brazil 1982 – A tribute to the art of football
Telê Santana no Roda Viva – 1992	Documentário Telê Santana – Mesa Redonda TV Gazeta

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1959
Creation of Federação Brasileira de Associações de Bibliotecários (FEBAB) .

The Brazilian Federation of Librarian Associations was created in order to maintain and to encourage the development of the profession of librarian.

FEBAB E BIBLIOTECONOMIA
Vídeo comemorativo dos 50 anos da Febab	Memória da Biblioteconomia Brasileira – Carminda Nogueira de Castro Ferreira
Globo Universidade – Biblioteconomia – parte 1	Globo Universidade – Biblioteconomia – parte 2
Globo Universidade – Biblioteconomia – parte 3	O Profissional Bibliotecário
BIBLIOTECONOMIA – Programa “Na Real”

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1989
Inauguration of the first turbine of the hydro-electric power station of Samuel – Candeias do Jamari – RO

The construction was started in 1982 and was projected to finish four years later. Due to lack of funding, the 216 MW power station was ready in 1996 only. In the presence of president Fernando Henrique Cardoso, the power station was officially inaugurated on April 12, 1997. However, the first turbine was inaugurated eight years earlier. The power station is located at the Jamari River, an affluent of the Madeira River. Energy is provided for nearby capital of Rondônia, Porto Velho, and – since 2002 – for Rio Branco, capital of the state of Acre.

source / source

Usinas Hidrelétricas do Rio Madeira

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1998
Death of Aymoré Moreira (coach of the Brazilian national soccer team).

Aymoré Moreira (1912-1998) was born in Miracema (RJ). He was active as goalkeeper at various clubs and for the national team. Aymoré was trainer of the Brazilian national, which conquered the second world title in 1962. He had to deal with the sudden injury of soccer star Pelé, but witnessed Garrincha leading the Divine Canaries to the world title. He continued his career as coach at various Brazilian clubs. His brothers Ayrton and Zezé were also active as soccer trainers.

source / source

AYMORÉ MOREIRA
Especial 50 anos – O técnico Aymoré Moreira – Parte 1	Especial 50 anos – O técnico Aymoré Moreira – Parte 2

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2007
Silver medal for César Castro at the Pan American Games (diving).

César (diving, 3 m platform) ranked 4th at the Pan American Games in 2003, and 3rd in 2001. At the Olympics, he ranked 9th in 2004, and 24th in 2008.

source

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2007
Gold medal for the Brazilian women’s soccer team, after beating the United States (5-0) in the final.

At the Pan American Games, Brazil won also gold in 2003, but was beaten by Canada in 2011.

source

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom
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Brazilian Days (164): June 13

Brazilian Days 164

June 13

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DAY OF:

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Dia dos Jornais de Bairro 
(Neighborhood journals, SP)

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Dia das casamenteiras
(Matchmakers)

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Dia do Turismo
(Tourism). The World Tourism Day is on 27 September, today is the Brazilian Tourism Day. Tourism is of major importance in Brazil. About five million foreign tourists arrive annually to visit principal locations as Rio de Janeiro, Pantanal, Foz do Iguaçu, and the beaches in Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará, Pernambuco, and Bahia, as well as carnival in Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and São Paulo.

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Dia de Santo Antônio
(St. Anthony). In June, there are feast days of four important saints: St. Anthony on 13 June, São João (St. John) on 24 June, and São Pedro e São Paulo (Sts. Peter and Paul) on 29 June. Santo Antônio is the patron saint of marriages. Today, there is the official start of the Festas Juninas (June Festivals). These traditional folkloric festivals are celebrated throughout Brazil, and are accompanied with traditional music, dance, and food.

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Dia do Ecologista Brasileiro
(Brazilian Ecologist). On 13 June 1763, José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva was born. He is known as the patriarch of the Brazilian independence. Bonifácio became the prime minister of the Empire of Brazil. He wasn’t befriended with the emperor, and was banned for a short period. He returned, reconciled with the emperor, and became councilor of the young successor. Again, he was arrested. He died in 1838. Besides his statesmanship, Bonifácio was also a scientist. He had studied Philosophy and Law, made research in Mineralogy and Metallurgy. His merits concerning Ecology were publications about environmental protection.

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Dia do Detetive Profissional
(Professional detective). On 13 June1987, Conselho Federal dos Detetives Profissionais (CFDP; Federal Board of Professional Detectives) was founded. In 1946 the first professional detectives, from Greece, arrived in Brazil. At present, there are more than 900 thousand detectives in Brazil. 

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BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

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1998
Death of architect Lúcio Costa 

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2001
Death of guitar player Marcelo Frommer,  member of the band ‘Titãs’.

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1964
Creation of Serviço Nacional de Informações (National Information Service)

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1880
Inauguration of Escola de Belas Artes da Bahia in Salvador 

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1645
Insurreição Pernambucana (Insurrection in Pernambuco)

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1763
Birth of statesman and scientist José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva

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1808
Creation of Jardim de Aclimação (future Jardim Botânico) by D. João VI, in Rio de Janeiro.

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1845
Arrival of the French vessel ‘Virginie’ , carrying German colonists, in Rio de Janeiro.

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1927
Invasion of the city of Mossoró by Virgulino Ferreira da Silva’s (Lampião’s) gang.

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2002
FIFA World Cup 2002: Brazil 5 x 2 Costa Rica

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2004
Olympic Torch Relay in the city of Rio de Janeiro

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1621
Foundation of the state of Maranhão
Maranhão was created from the merger of several capitanias. Since the discovery of the Maranhão Region, Spaniards took control. Eventually, the region became party under control of the Portuguese, but were expelled by the French in 1612. They founded São Luis, actual state capital, named after French king Luis III. The battle between the French and the Portuguese, in 1615, resulted in a victory for the Portuguese. Six years later, the province of Maranhão e Grão-Pará was created. In 1641, the Dutch occupied Maranhão, but were expelled three years later. In 1774, the province was split into the provinces of Maranhão and Pará.

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1682
Installation of the first bishop in Rio de Janeiro: D. José de Barros Alarcão.


By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2015

Brazilian Days (086): March 27

Brazilian Days 086 

March 27

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DAY OF:

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Dia Mundial do Circo
(World Circus Day)

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Dia do Teatro
(Theater)

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Dia do Serviço de Saúde
(Health Service)

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BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

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1810
Liberation of ambulant trade in Brazil

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1858
Inauguration of the railway (estrada do ferro, now Central do Brasil) by Dom Pedro II

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1953
Realization of the biggest strike during the government of Getúlio Vargas, by more than 300 thousands workers in São Paulo.

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1989
Start of Domingão do Faustão,with Fausto Silva

Brazilian broadcast Globo launched the program, in their attempt to gain viewers from Sílvio Santos during Sunday afternoons.

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2002
Shirt used by Pelé at the 1970 World Cup sold for approximately 520 thousand reais.

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1968
Inactivation of the final tram lines in the city of São Paulo

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2004
Confession by mechanic Francisco das Chagas of the killing of 12 children in the state of Maranhão

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2006
Acceptance of demisison of Antònio Palocci, by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2015
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Brazilian Days (055): February 24

Brazilian Days 055 

February 24

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DAY OF:

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BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

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1613
Death of captain Baltazar de Aragão de Souza in a battle against French buccaneers. 

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1684
Beckman Revolution in Maranhão

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1891
Introduction of the Second Constitution (Constituinte).

It was the first constitution of the Republic of the United States of Brazil.

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1897
Inauguration of Palácio do Catete, in Rio de Janeiro

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1932
New election law by Getúlio Vargas

The new law included secret voting, and voting rights for women.

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1932
Creation of Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE)

The Supreme Electoral Court was installed on 20 May 1932.

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1972
Introduction of a National Tele-education Program.

It was called programa nacional de teleducação.

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1972
Big fire at Edifício Andraus, São Paulo, resulting in 16 deaths. 

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1984
‘Diretas, Já!’ demonstration in Belo Horizonte.

More than 300 thousand people participated in this protest march for free and direct presidential elections.

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2003
Launch of the cornerstone of the Auditório do Parque Ibirapuera, São Paulo.

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2003
Wave of terror by members of Comando Vermelho (‘Red Command’) in Rio de Janeiro

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2006
Theft of art pieces of Picasso, Matisse, Monet and Dali, from Museu Chácara do Céu, Rio de Janeiro

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2015
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Brazilian Days (003): January 3

Brazilian Days 003 

January 3
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DAY OF:

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Dia do Juiz de Menores
(Juvenile judge)

  

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BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

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1558
Installation of Mem de Sá as Governor-general of Brazil

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1615
French colonists ousted from Maranhão by the Portuguese.

  

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1898
Brazilian politician Luís Carlos Prestes became Secretary-General of the Partido Comunista Brasileiro (Brazilian Communist Party).

  

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1938
Nationwide broadcast of the radio program ‘A Hora do Brasil’.

The program, already on air since 22 July 1935 under the name ‘A Voz do Brasil’, and regained the original name on 6 September 1946.

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1959

Start of the production of Volkswagen Beetle in Brazil.

In Brazil, this brand is called ‘Fusca’.

  

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1983
First broadcast of Praça TV, by Rede Globo.

  

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1983
First broadcast of Bom Dia Brasil, by Globo.

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1984
Departure of ‘Barão de Teffé’, a Brazilian research vessel, to Antarctica, in order to establish the first Brazilian research station on the continent.

  

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1987
Aviation accident in Ivory Coast involving an airplane of Varig.

Varig flight 797, with a Boeing 707, had departed from Abidjan (Ivory Coast) on its way to Rio de Janeiro. Soon after the departure, there were problems with one of the motors. When returning to the airport, the plane crashed in the jungle, at 18 km from the airport. There was only one survivor of the 39 passengers and 12 crew members.

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2005
The city of Criciúma (Santa Catarina) hit by a tornado.

  

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2015

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Brazilian Days (347): December 13

Brazilian Days 347

December 13

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DAY OF:

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Dia do Lapidador

((Gemstone) cutter).

  

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Dia do Marinheiro

(Mariner).

      

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Dia do Pedreiro

(Mason, bricklayer).

  

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Dia Nacional do Ótico

(Brazilian Optics Day)

  

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Dia Nacional do Forró

(Brazilian Forró Day)

  

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Dia do Deficiente Visual

(Visually Disabled).

 

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BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

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1968
Issue of Ato Institucional 5 (AI-5) by President Artur Costa e Silva.

AI-5, in fact, replaced the 1967 constitution. The Act provided the president and the federal government powers to close the National Congress and almost all State Legislative Assemblies, to intervene in the states and municipalities, to issue presidential decrees, to censor media, to suspend habeas corpus, to dismiss public servants. to suspend civil rights of people suspected to be subversive against the government. On 13 October 1978, AI-5 was inactivated by President Ernesto Geisel. This inactivation became effective on 1 January 1979.

  

  

  

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1501
Discovery of the Bay of Santa Luzia by André Gonçalves and Américo Vespúcio

At present, Santa Luzia is called Vitória, capital of the state of Espírito Santo

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1814
Birth of nurse Ana Neri (1814-1880.

  

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1912
Birth of Brazilian folk singer Luiz Gonzaga.

    

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1838
Start of Revolta dos Balaios in Maranhão.

The revolt was headed by Manoel Francisco dos Anjos Ferreira.

  

  

  

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By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007,2014
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Brazilian Days (329): November 25

Brazilian Days 329

November 25

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DAY OF:

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Dia Nacional do Doador Voluntário de Sangue

(Brazilian Blood Donor Day). This day was introduced per decree 53,988, issued by president Castello Branco, on 30 June 1964. The World Donor Day is on 14 June, as established by the World Health Organization in 2004. Less than two percent of the Brazilian population is a voluntary blood donor, well below the 3-4 percent goal of the World Health Organization. About 87 percent of the 3.6 million blood units donated annually in Brazil, is from volunteers.

BLOOD DONATION
Campanha do Dia Nacional dos Doadores Voluntários de Sangue	Vídeo de sensibilização para doação de sangue – Fundação Pró-Sangue

  

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Dia Internacional para a Eliminação da Violência contra a Mulher

(International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women). The day refers to the assassination of three of the four Mirabal Sisters, political activists known as Las Mariposas, in the Dominican Republic in 1960, on orders of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo.  The sisters and the driver were ambushed by Trujillo’s henchmen and clubbed to death. Their vehicle was run off the mountain to look like an accident. On 20 December 1993 the General Assembly, by resolution 48/104, adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. By resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day also marks the start of the 16-day period of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, until 10 December, Human Rights Day. The color orange symbolizes this initiative.

MIRABAL SISTERS AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Vejaciones y Asesinatos Dictadura de Trujillo	Documental Las Mariposas: Las Hermanas Mirabal
Las Hermanas Mirabal	The Story of the Mirabal Sisters
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 november)	Dia Internacional para a Eliminação da Violência contra a Mulher 2014

  

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BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

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1641
Start of the Dutch invasion of Maranhão, as ordered by Maurício de Nassau.

  

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1954
Juscelino Kubitschek put forward as presidential candidate.

During a meeting of the Diretório Nacional, the Partido Social-Democata  (PSD: Social Democratic Party) decided to put forward Juscelino Kubitschek as presidential candidate.

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1955
Declaration – per decree – of State of Siege by Nereu Ramos.

Ramos was president of the Senate, who succeeded former president of the Chamber of Deputees, Carlos Coimbra Luz as president of Brazil. Ramos was president of Brazil until the installation of Juscelino Kubitschek in 1956. The state of siege was then lifted.

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1964
The Fourth Salão do Automóvel commemorated the milestone of one million cars produced in Brazil.

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1970

Approval of cremation

The Câmara dos Deputados (Chamber of Deputees) authorized the cremation of corpses for those who explicitly expressed this wish.

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1974

Discovery of an oil field in bacia (basin) of Campos, near the state of Rio de Janeiro, by Petrobrás.

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1996
Darcy Alves Pereira, murderer of union leader Chico Mendes, arrested after having having been on the run for more than three years.

CHICO MENDES
A história de Chico Mendes Documentário	Chico Mendes and the Fight to Save the Amazon Rainforest

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1996

A prosecutor denounced eleven officers of the São Paulo Civil Police for torture and constraints.

The police officers were involved in the Bodega Bar case, in which a student and a dentist were murdered. The eleven policemen were accused of torture and constraints of eleven men and a security guard.

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2014
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Brazilian Days (307): November 3

Brazilian Days 307

November 3

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DAY OF:

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Dia do Guarda-florestal

(Forest guard, park ranger). Today is the feast day of St. Hubertus, patron saint of the forest workers and hunters. On a Good Friday, St. Hubertus saw a crucifix between the antlers of a stag and heard a voice saying that he had to go to Maastricht (the Netherlands). He continued his life as a bishop in Liege (Belgium). In Brazil, there is a special police unit that is active in the forest regions and national parks: Polícia Militar Ambiental, which is active in 26 states and counts almost 10 thousand policemen. They are responsible for the maintenance of biodiversity and for the preservation and conservation of ecosystems. In the past decade, this police unit claimed to have achieved:

– Reduction of contraband and illegal trade of wild animals
– Better control of deforestation of the Atlantic Forest
– Total control of illegal hunting of the alligators in the Pantanal wetlands
– Implantation and expansion of internal capacity programs
– Implantation and implementation of various environmental education programs
– Control of illegal actions of mineral extraction
– Support to various scientific research programs

GUARDA FLORESTAL
Profissões – Guarda Florestal	Operação guarda florestal

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Dia da Instituição do Direito de Voto da Mulher

(Institution of women’s voting rights in Brazil). In 1919, biologist Bertha Lutz introduced the idea of women’s voting rights from visit in Paris. Together with militant anarchist Maria Lacerda de Moura, she founded Liga Pela Eliminação Intelectual de Mulher, which was renamed into Federação Pelo Progresso Feminino. Already in 1927, the state of Rio Grande do Norte had its first female voter, in the city of Mossoró. Celina Guimarães, teacher, was the first Brazilian female voter. On 3 November 1930, president Washington Luis established women’s voting rights by law. The next step was done on 24 February 1932, when the Código Eleitoral Provisório (Provisional electoral code) was approved. In that time, only single women with own income, widows, and wives with their husband’s authorization were permitted to vote. In 1934, the new Code eliminated these restrictions. Only in 1946, women were obliged to vote. The 2010 presidential elections showed about 71 votes from women, against 65 million from men.

  

WOMEN’S VOTING RIGHTS
1920, As Mulheres Conquistam o Direito de Voto – Testemunha da História	A luta pelo Voto feminino no Brasil

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BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

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1930
Installation of Getúlio Dorneles Vargas as President of Brazil

Getúlio became head of the provisional government, which was installed by the military junta, after they had ousted President Washington Luís on 24 October. From 24 October to 3 November, a military junta was installed, composed of the generals Tasso Fragoso and Menna Barreto and admiral Isaías de Noronha. Getúlio served three different, consecutive terms, until 29 October 1945, and make a comeback in 1951, until he committed suicide on 24 August 1954.

  

GETÚLIO VARGAS
Conheça a trajetória política de Getúlio Vargas	HISTÓRIA DO BRASIL POR BÓRIS FAUSTO – A ERA VARGAS
Getúlio (Vargas) do Brasil – Vida e obra política.	Documentário sobre a “República Nova e o Estado Novo” (Getúlio Vargas)
Filme Getúlio Completo (Brasil)	Getulio Vargas- Documentário

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1864
Death of poet Gonçalves Dias

Dias (proud of his caucasian, indian and black roots) was born in the state of Maranhão. He left for Coimbra to study law. There he wrote his masterpiece “Canção do Exílio”, inspired upon his longing to return to his motherland. He indeed returned to Brazil, and became a prolific poet. In 1862, Dias returned to Europe because of heath problems. Two years later, he took the boat back to Brazil. The French boat ‘Ville de Boulogne’ shipwrecked close to the Brazilian coast, in Maranhão. All passengers were saved, except Dias. He was bedridden, and was forgotten during the rescue operation. Dias is considered as one of the most important Brazilian Romantic poets.

  

GONÇALVES DIAS
Gonçalves Dias – Vida	Gonçalves Dias – Canção do Exilio.
I Juca Pirama	Poesia da Semana: “Seus Olhos” (Gonçalves Dias)

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1615
Expulsion of the French from Maranhão, by the Portuguese

Already in 1594, some French traders, showing much interest in natural richnesss of the region of Maranhão, One of them, Jacques Rifault, tried to establish a trade post. He returned to France and left one of his companions in Maranhão. Jacques, however, never returned. The French king, Henry IV, was interested; in 1610, he sent Daniel de la Touch to Maranhão, who returned to France a short while later. Daniel went to Maranhaõ again, with three heavily armed warships and one thousand men, in order to start a colony. The French started to construct a fortress and a small settlement, which they named after their king: Saint Louis. The Portuguese reacted and started to construct their fortress on the southern part of the island. The French started their hostilities. A few days later, on 19 November 1614, the Portuguese were victorious in the battle. Daniel was forced to surrender, and he was given time to retreat from Brazil. The French didn’t recognize the Portuguese dominion; the Portuguese then attacked the French from land and from the sea. The French were only given time to leave Brazil orderly.

FRENCH IN MARANHÃO
Franceses no Maranhão (2/2) – De Lá Pra Cá – 24/10/10	400 anos de São Luís do Maranhão

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1907
Foundation of Hospital Souza Aguiar in Rio de Janeiro

The hospital is considered as the largest first aid hospital in Latin America.

   

 

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1955
Substitution of President Café Filho by Carlos Coimbra Luz, President of the Câmara dos Deputados

President Café Filho suffered cardiovascular problems.

  

CAFÉ FILHO – CARLOS LUZ
Laurence Campos – documentário “Café Filho – O presidente potiguar” (parte 01)	Laurence Campos – documentário “Café Filho – O presidente potiguar” (parte 02)
Governo de Café Filho, Nereu Ramos e Carlos Luz	Conhecendo os Presidentes – Ep. 19: Café Filho

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1997
Energy rationing in ten Brazilian states

The ten states in the central-western, south-eastern and southern regions were obliged to ration energy, after the collapse of ten energy towers in the state of Paraná.

ENERGY RATIONING
Em 1997, dez estados brasileiros foram obrigados a racionar energia	Cresce o risco de racionamento de energia elétrica no país

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2015
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Brazilian Days (251): September 8

Brazilian Days 251

September 8

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DAY OF:

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Dia do Alfabetizador

(Teacher of Alphabetization)

ALPHABETIZATION
Alfabetização – Telma Weisz (1ª parte)	Alfabetização – Telma Weisz (2ª parte)
Alfabetização – Telma Weisz (3ª parte)	Alfabetização – Telma Weisz (4ª parte)

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Dia Internacional da Alfabetização

(International Alphabetization Day). In our (Western) world, almost everyone is able to read and write; however, unfortunately, still too many people on our planet may be considered as illiterate (estimation of almost 900 million, of which more than 100 million children who do not attend school). The United Nations have introduced the International Literacy Day on September 8. Their motto for 2007 was:

“Literacy, key to good health and well-being”

The book “Alphabet of Hope“ was published (pdf).

ALPHABETIZATION
Dia Mundial da Alfabetização – 08/09/2009	Dia Internacional da Alfabetização – Matéria SBT Jaú

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Dia Nacional de Luta por Medicamentos

(Combat for (cheaper) medication). A large number of medications are very expensive, since the pharmaceutical companies had to invest a large sum of money in the research and development of such medications. The medications have patent rights, which allow the pharmaceutical companies to gain back their investments, and a part of their profits may be invested in the development of new medications. However, many expensive medications, among them the well-known medications against HIV, are beyond reach for a large group of patients in non-Western countries. Brazil is such a country. At present, generic alternatives are produced of these expensive medications, and with the financial aid of the government, these medications are sold for a much lower price in the so-called “Farmacia Popular”, accessible for everyone, especially for the poorer people.

FARMACIA POPULAR
WebTV – Farmácia Popular oferece remédio mais baratos	Farmácia Popular 2 anos
Farmácia Popular Do Brasil	FARMACIA POPULAR

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Day of the patron saint of Curitiba, capital of the state of Paraná.

The patron saint is Nossa Senhora da Luz dos Pinhais. Our Lady of the Light of Pinhais. Pinhais is the Brazilian translation of the Tupi name Curitiba, and has the meaning ‘Rich in (Brazilian) pine trees (Araucaria angustifolia)’. Before its foundation, the city of Curitiba the living area of the caingangues, an indian tribe. A group of sertanejos, farmers from the Brazilian mainland, were traveling, when Our Lady appeared in front of them, according to the legend. She smiled, she insisted that the man looked around themselves. Every morning, she appeared, with light in her eyes. The sertanejos then thought to take possession of this area and to construct a chapel. Our Lady smiled again, for the second time. The men did not carry many weapons, and they faced brave and combative indians. A miracle occurred, the indian chief invited them. The indian directed their bows to the earth, as a sign of peace. They all shared peace tea. The chief commanded his men to march away and leave the white men in peace. And this is how the sertanejos obtained this area without bloodshed. Our Lady smiled again, for the third time. More information about Curitiba, follow this link.

  

NS DA LUZ DOS PINHAIS
N.Sra da Luz	IV Festa da Luz – 2012

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Day of the patron saint of Santos (SP).

The patron saint is Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat. Our Lady of Monte Serrat. The first and most known wonder that is attributed to her, occurred at the time of a Dutch invasion at the coastal region of Santos, by the Dutch pirate Joris van Spilbergen (1568-1620), in February, 1615. A great part of the people of Santos – among them women and children – fled to Monte Serrat, when the pirates set fire at various locations in Santos. The refugees begged in desperation to Our Lady of Monte Serrat. Not long after, the pathway, on which the Dutch pirates were running after them, collapsed, and many of the pirates were suddenly covered by a thick layer of earth. The remaining pirates were forced to return to their ships and leave Santos. In 1954, Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat was elected patron saint of Santos. Joris van Spilbergen – who named the Southern African ‘Tafelberg’ (Table Mountain) – was serving the Dutch East Indies Company, and sailed to Sri Lanka and through the Strait of Magelhães to the Moluk Islands. In The Netherlands, Joris is not considered as a pirate, rather a navigator.

 

NS DO MONTE SERRAT
Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat de Santos SP 2/4.	Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat de Santos SP 2/4.
Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat de Santos SP 3/4.	Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat de Santos SP 4/4.
Rede 45 – Festa de Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat	Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat – O Filme

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BRAZILIAN HISTORY:

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1551
Foundation of Vitória, capital of the state of Espírito Santo.

Vitória is the largest of an archipelago of 34 islands at the Atlantic coastline. On May 23, 1535, an expedition commanded by Vasco Fernando Coutinho arrived there, at the day of the third entity of the Spiritual Trinity, and he named the settlement Espírito Santo (Holy Spirit). The site of this settlement now is located within the borders of the city of Vila Velha, Vitória’s neighboring city. In 1551, the seat of the capitania Espírito Santo was moved to the island of Santo Antônio, now known as the island of Vitória. The reason for this transfer was the easier way to defend an island against invaders. The exact date is not known, but it is generally assumed that it must have been September 8. The Upper City (Cidade Alta) was easy to defend, but the Lower City (Cidade Baixa) had to be defended with the construction of a number of fortresses along the beach. Vitória is a port city, the oldest port is located in the center. The port existed of a wooden cay, the ‘Cais do Schmidt’. The other two ports are located at more distance of the center, and even constructed seaward, thereby interfering with the view on the Atlantic Ocean. At present, the city hosts about 320 thousand inhabitants. Vitória is one of the three Brazilian state capitals, which are located on islands; the other two are Florianópolis and São Luís, who also celebrates its foundation today. More about Vitoria, including photographs and videos, follow this link.

 

VITÓRIA (ES)
460 anos de Vitória – I	460 anos de Vitória – II
Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil 1	Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil 2
Vitória ES, Minha ilha tem!	VITORIA – ES

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1612
Foundation of São Luís, capital of the state of Maranhão.

The history of São Luís in fact started with the famous Treaty of Tordesilhas: the newly discovered continent of America was dividid in two parts at a certain geographical location, in a Spanish and a Portuguese part. The measurement methodology at that time was far from precise; therefore, the area near the equator and near the Amazon River became a certain no man’s land. Other European nations tried to gain their share of the richness of the American continent, among them was the France. Nevertheless, it was Portugal who claimed this area by dividing the colony in administrative regions, the capitanias. A small settlement with the name Nazaré was founded, at the present location of São Luis, but lagged behind with colonization, compared with the rest of the Brazilian colony, mainly due to the lack of formal aid, and the gulf stream that impeded access to São Luís. In 1612, a French expedition arrived, commanded by Daniel de la Touche, Senhor de la Ravardière, who captured the location, claimed it for France, and founded the colony “France Equinocial”. On September 8, the construction of Fortress of São Luis (named after the French king Louis XIII) was finished. The construction of the fortress created a diplomatic crisis. The crisis only was solved by the reconquest of São Luís by the Portuguese from Pernambuco. At present, the city hosts a little more than one million inhabitants. Curiously, the Portuguese word for inhabitants of São Luís is ‘Ludovicense’. More about São Luís, including photographs and videos, follow this link.

 

SÃO LUÍS (MA)
The City of Sao Luis Brazil (The Island of Love)	São Luís do Maranhão, ilha de encantos // St. Louis – Maranhao – Brazil, the magnetic island
São Luís do Maranhão – ILHA do AMOR	Homenagem a São Luís e ao Maranhão (Ilha Magnética, Bela Mocidade e Ilha Bela)
Sao Luis Ilha do Amor Maranhao Brasil	As sete lendas que encantam a ilha de São Luís. By Cacau Sotero

By Adriano Antoine Robbesom © 2007, 2015

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