Dia Nacional da Ópera (National Opera Day). This day commemorates the performance of the first Brazilian opera in Portuguese language. The opera ‘A Noite de São João was composed by Elias Álvares Lobo, for piano and voice, with texts from José de Alencar. The opera was played at Teatro São Pedro de Alcântara in Rio de Janeiro, conducted by Carlos Gomes.
Dia da Bíblia Evangélica (Evangelical Bible Day).
Dia do Engenheiro de Pesca (Fishery Engineer). The date commmemorates the graduation day of the first term of Brazilian Fishery Engineers at the UFRPE (Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco) on 14 December 1974. FAEP (Federação das Associações de Engenheiros de Pesca do Brasil) is the advisory board.
Dia do Ministério Público Federal (Federal Prosecutor’s Office).
BRAZILIAN HISTORY:
1982
Olinda declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“In this city with its hilly topography, religious monuments were the major landmarks. They were linked by tortuous streets which formed the basis of Olinda’s irregular urban plan. Squares developed around the churches and at the intersection of streets that varied in width. The architecture of Olinda developed in the midst of a profuse tropical vegetation and a comfortable balance was maintained between the two main components of its landscape.
The prominent public buildings include the Cathedral and about 20 Baroque churches, convents and colleges. The residential architecture, which brings together the Portuguese and Brazilian heritage of the city, includes 17th-century dwellings decorated with mashrabiyas, and 18th-century houses covered in tiles, as well as more recent homes. The brightly painted houses create colourful streetscapes.” Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC)
1923 Pact of Pedras Altas, which made an end to the civil war in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
The pact was signed by the rivaling leaders Borges de Medeiros (leader of the so-called borgistas or chimangos) and Assis Brasil (leader of assisistas or maragatos). Borges was governor (‘presidente’) of the state of Rio Grande do Sul since 1898 until 1908, and then appointed his candidate to occupy the seat for five years, until he was allowed again to run for governor. He returned in 1918, and got re-elected in 1923, albeit with accusations of fraud and oppression. The opposition, led by Assis Brasil, didn’t accept the result and took the arms. The pact made Borges remain governor, but was no longer allowed to be re-elected. His successor was Getúlio Vargas.
1956
Aircraft carrier Minas Gerais bought from the United Kingdom.
The carrier was the former H.M.S. ‘Vengeance’, built in 1945. The carrier was then transferred to the Royal Australian Navy (1952-1954), before it became part of the Brazilian Navy. The carrier underwent a four-year conversion in the Netherlands. It remained in service until 9 October 2001 (when it was the oldest and longest-serving aircraft carrier and the only remaining from WW II), and eventually was dismantled.
1962 Airplane crash in Amazonas killed 50 people.
An airplane of Panair do Brasil crashed at 45 kilometers from Manaus Airport. The Lockheed Constellation PP-PDE was on the way from Santos Dumont in Rio de Janeiro, to Manaus, with stops in Aracaju, Maceió, Recife, João Pessoa, Natal, Fortaleza, São Luís and Belém. There were 44 passengers and 6 crew members. Panair do Brasil was part of the American Panam, and ceased to exist in 1965, when the military dictatorship issued a decree of forced bankruptcy; the concessions of international airlines and personnel were transferred to VARIG, whose owner was befriended with the dictators.
When engineers projected a new capital for the state of Minas Gerais, at the end of the 19th century, they wanted to create a viable city free from diseases and revolutions. They were inspired upon the modern cities of Paris and Washington. The planned city was divided into three zones: a central urban zone, surrounded by an suburban zone and the rural zone. The center was planned with straight, wide avenues and received all essential facilities: transport, education, sanitation and medical assistance. The original city was limited by a circular avenue, which was called Avenida 17 de Dezembro, now better known as Avenida do Contorno, which now limits the actual center of Belo Horizonte.
The suburban area was characterized by irregular streets and was thought to be populated at a much later stage, and therefore didn’t receive the urban infrastructure. The rural area was thought to be populated by five rural colonies with a large number of farms, and was thought to function as a green belt around the city.
The original inhabitants were rapidly removed from the urban zone and were offered houses that were much more expensive. They had no other option than to move far from the city limits. The urban center was exclusively reserved for government employees, whereas construction workers were blocked to live there. They moved to the suburban zone where the first favelas were erected. At the time of the inauguration of Belo Horizonte, the city itself was still under full construction.
BRAZILIAN HISTORY:
1877 Death of writer José de Alencar
1962 Death of writer Pagu
1807 Birth of admiral Tamandaré (1807)
1897 Foundation of the city of Belo Horizonte (MG)
Already in 1701, bandeirante (pioneer) João Leite da Silva Ortiz arrived in the Serra (mountainous region) of Congonhas. In the search for gold, he and his companions encountered an area with beautiful views, with a moderate climate and with arable land. João decided to stay there, and he constructed his Fazenda do Cercado, with some crops and cattle. His prosperous fazenda caught attention and soon more adventurers arrived in this region. The settlement was named Curral del Rei, while the Serra de Congonhas was renamed into Serra do Curral. Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem (Our Lady of Good Travel) was chosen as patron saint. Curral del Rei expanded gradually. When mining activities were started, the village expanded quickly: from a number of 40 families to more than 18 thousand people. A new church was built: Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem. The prosperous mining era had a short life. Various regions of Curral del Rei became autonomous, and the population dropped rapidly. With the fall of the Brazilian Empire, republicans in Curral del Rei proposed to have the name changed into Belo Horizonte. With the announcement of the construction a a new capital for the state of Minas Gerais, the villagers started a big party that lasted three days. They were dreaming of the modernization of their village, but soon they realized that the new capital had become a nightmare for them: there was no space for the original inhabitants of Curral del Rei, they were forced to move out of the construction area, and had to move to locations far from the construction site. On these locations favelas emerged.
1897 Transfer of the capital of Minas Gerais, from Ouro Preto to Cidade de Minas (now Belo Horizonte)
The discussion of a new capital of the state of Minas Gerais already had started in 1789, when the inconfidentes (conspiracy leaders) were planning to transfer the capital from Ouro Preto (symbol of colonialism) to São João del Rei. There were four more attempts for a transfer to the capital, but all failed. Only after the proclamation of the Brazilian Republic, in 1889, another attempt was made. This time, the transfer should not have taken place to another existing city, but to a new city, to be constructed. In 1891, a decree issued by governor Augusto de Lima, stated that a new capital should meet hygienic needs. On 17 December 1893, a law was added to the state constitutional law that the new government seat should be created in Belo Horizonte. Within the time limit of four years, the new city was constructed, under the supervision of Aarão Reis.
1946 Birth of F1 driver Emerson Fittipaldi.
1994 – Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) declared former president Fernando Collor de Mello not guilty of the accusations of corruption that led to his step-down in 1992.
(Merchant) It is interesting to know that the origin of the name Mercurius, Roman god of trade, is to be derived from the Latin word Merx, that is to be translated as.. trade. The Dia do Comerciante was introduced in 1953, on the day of birth of Visconde de Cayru: José da Silva Lisboa (1756-1835). The viscount was a politician who was responsible for the liberation of Brazilian harbors for trade with befriended nations, in 1808.
DIA DO COMERCIANTE
Dia do Comerciante 2010
Motives for Dia do Comerciante
Dia da Nossa Senhora do Carmo
(Our Lady of Carmel). Karmel is located in Haifa, were, according to the Old Testament, prophet Elias battled idols. Worshipers of Elias settled there as hermits. They later formed the basis for the Order of the Carmelites, founded by Berthold of Calabria in the twelfth century, and the Carmelitesses. Their trademark was poverty and manual labor, and prayers in silence. Famous Carmelites are the saints Theresia of Avila, John of the Cross, Theresia of Lisieux, and Edith Stein (Theresia-Benedicta of the Cross). The Dutch priest Titus Brandsma also was a Carmelite.
Origin of the Carmelite Order
BRAZILIAN HISTORY:
1696 “Foundation” of the state of Minas Gerais.
On this day, a group of bandeirantes (pioneers) from São Paulo, led by Salvador Fernandes Furtado de Mendonça, discovered gold in a river that they baptized Nossa Senhora do Carmo, according to the feast day. The settlement of Nossa Senhora do Carmo emerged along the river, and soon this settlement gained strategic importance about the power game and gold. In 1709, the settlement became capital of the newly formed capitania (‘province’) São Paulo e Minas de Ouro. In 1711, the Portuguese king Dom João V ordered that the settlement should be elevated to a city and should be renamed in Mariana, after his wife, queen Maria Ana of Austria. Mariana became the religious center of the capitania and the first diocese in Minas Gerais. Mariana became urbanized and was one of the first planned cities in Brazil. In 1720, neighboring city Vila Rica became the new capital of Minas Gerais. (Map of the historic center of Mariana)
Mariana (MG)
1556
First bishop of Brazil shipwrecked near the Brazilian shoreline
Dom Pedro Fernando Sardinha, nominated as the first bishop in Brazil, shipwrecked near the shoreline of Alagoas. Soon the Caeté indians caught and consumed him. This story of cannibalism has raised doubts. An alternative version of the story is that the bishop was murdered by one of the survivors, who had spread the story of the indians to have an excuse to commit genocide and to take their homeland. And indeed, it was the reason for the arrival of a Portuguese expedition force who killed almost all indians of that tribe.
Documentary about the death of the bishop
1930 Nossa Senhora de Aparecida declared to patron saint of Brazil.
The story of Our Lady of Aparecida dates back to 1717. Three poor Brazilian fishermen were sent out fishing. They had nothing. Until one of them caught a small, headless statue, and not much later, the missing head. According to the legend, they immediately caught a lot of fish. The statue presumably was crafted by a monk from São Paulo, Frei Agostino de Jesus. The statue must have been in the water for many years. At present, this statue of Our Lady is covered by a blue mantle, and it wears a little crown. The statue now is located in the Basílica de Aparecida, the second largest (only after the Saint Peter in Rome) catholic church in the world. The Basílica may host at least 45 thousand believers. More than 6 million believers visit the Basílica annually. The feast day of Our Lady is on October 12.
1944 Landing of the first FEB (Força Expedicionária Brasileira; Brazilian Expedition Force) contigent in Naples (Italy).
Initially, Brazil maintained neutrality when the Second World War broke out. The Brazilian president Vargas slightly supported Nazism ideas and continued to trade with the Axis members as well as with the members of the Allied troops. Brazil gave the United States permission to set up air force bases in the northeast. This to dismay of the Germans, who took revenge by attacking Brazilian vessels. When five vessels were attacked in one single day, killing more than 600 people, the government had no other option than to declare war to the Axis members. With help of the United States, the Brazilian Expeditionary Force was organized and equipped. This army force (more than 25.000 men in total) has contributed in the liberation of Italy. Brazilians captured more than 20.000 prisoners of war and lost more than 400 of its men in the battles.
O Brasil na 2 Guerra Mundial – Lapa Azul – Excelente Documentário sobre a FEB
Documentários da Segunda Guerra – Brasil – FEB – Esquadrão Senta Pua!
FEB – Força Expedicionária Brasileira Parte 1/4
FEB – Força Expedicionária Brasileira Parte 1/4
FEB – Força Expedicionária Brasileira Parte 1/4
FEB – Força Expedicionária Brasileira Parte 1/4
The Disney cartoon image Zé (José of Joe) Carioca was created as a means of propaganda. The Americans were encouraged to become more familiar with their Brazilian allies.
Joe Carioca: Have ever been to Bahia?
1720 Rebellion leader Felipe dos Santos hanged and dismembered in Vila Rica, Minas Gerais.
Felipe was a miner, who led the revolt, in 1720, against the leadership the Casas de Fundição, responsible for the exploitation of the mines. No less than one fifth of the profits of the gold exploitation was destined for the Portuguese Crown. His rebellion was beaten down, and Felipe was arrested and condemned to death. Count de Assumar, governor of the Province Minas de Ouro was forced to split up the province. It was the birth of the actual state of Minas Gerais, with Vila Rica as its capital.
Revolta de Felipe dos Santos e Conjura Mineira
1934 Proclamation of the Third Brazilian Constitutional Law.
Brazil has introduced seven different constitutional laws since its independence in 1822. The first was in 1824, the second was two years after the proclamation of the Republic, in 1891. The third was in 1934, partly thanks to the revolts and revolutions in the preceding years. Only three years later, in 1937, the fourth constitutional law, an initiative of Getúlio Vargas, would be introduced.
Documentary about the third Brazilian constitutional law
Dia do Engenheiro Florestal (Forestry Engineer). A profession that is indispensable in a forested nation like Brazil. The forestry engineer is concerned with the exploitation of forests, nature conservation; and to evaluate economic, cultural and environmental interests of the forest.
1980 Election of soccer player Pele as athlete of the century.
The French sports magazine L’Équipe called Pele as the best athlete of the century, although at that time still twenty years were left to 2000. In 1999, Pele received a similar title by the International Olympic Committee. However, he had never participated in the Olympic event. In 2000, he shared the title of Best Player of the Century with the Argentinian Diego Maradona. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7HFq1gKeUU&w=400%5D Goals: the top 20 by Pelé
1933 The city of Ouro Preto (MG) receives the title of National (=Brazilian) Monument. Founded in the early eighteenth century under the name Vila Rica, Ouro Preto was the first city declared a National Monument. (See also July 8). In 1980, the city received the title of World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
Dia da Marinha Brasileira (Brazilian Navy). On 11 June 1865, the battle at Riachuelo, on the Paraná River, took place. This battle became the turning point in the war of the Triple Alliance (Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil) against Paraguay). At present the Brazilian Navy has to defend more than 7000 km of coastal area, as well as 55 thousand square km of waterways. The Brazilian territorial waters are also known as ‘Amazônia Azul‘, the ‘Blue Amazon’, because of the enormous area that is almost half of the size of the Brazilian mainland.
Dia do Educador Sanitário (Health educator). The health educator, specialized in hygiene, is very important for informing the poor about the responsible use of water and about biological waste.
Dia do Motociclismo) (Motor cycling, RJ)
BRAZILIAN HISTORY:
1970 Abduction of the West German ambassador von Holleben.
The ambassador, Ehrenfried von Holleben, was abducted in Rio de Janeiro by members of the ALN and VPR. One of Holleben’s bodyguards was killed in action. The kidnappers demanded the release of 40 prisoners who had to be transported to Algeria, Chile or Mexico, and the publication of a revolutionary manifest. One of the prisoners was convicted for his involvement in the abduction of the American ambassador Charles Burke Elbrick in 1969. De Brazilian government gave in, the prisoners were released and flown to Algeria. Five days later, the ambassador was released, unharmed.
1865 Battle at Riachuelo.
This battle, on the Paraná River, was a turning point in the war of the Triple Alliance (Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay) against Paraguay (1864-1870). Early in this bloody war (about 400 thousand deaths), Paraguay was winning the battles. They wanted to defeat the Brazilian Navy, which transported troops to the battlefield, with a surprise attack and force the victory in this war. The Paraguayan commander ordered to attack at dawn, but due to technical problems, the Paraguayan navy fleet only reached the Brazilian navy fleet around noon. Initially, the Brazilian fleet was about to lose the battle, but the strength of the Brazilian navy was superior to that of the Paraguayan navy. Some vessels of the Paraguayan navy were sunk before they retreated. This battle became decisive and eventually led to the total defeat of the Paraguayan armed forces in 1870.
1855
Start of the construction of Estrada de Ferro Central.
The Estrada de Ferro central was a network of railways that connected the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais with each other. At present, almost all these railways have been eliminated, thanks to the competition with road transport and aviation.
1826
Sea battle of Los Pozes.
Argentinian admiral Brown, who commanded four vessels, expelled a larger number of vessels of the Brazilian navy that blocked the harbor of Buenos Aires.
1808 Opening of the Brazilian harbors to befriended nations.
This decree was complementary to the Carta Régia.
1891 First constitution of the state of Alagoas
1990 Start of the circulation of Cr$ 5.000,00 banknotes with the portrait of Carlos Gomes
2001 Coach of the Brazilian soccer team Emerson Leão fired.
2003 Brazilian Cup for soccer club Cruzeiro.
Cruzeiro beat Flamengo 3 x 1.
2005 First phase of the National Vaccination Campaign against Polio
2007 Announcement of revitalization actions of the São Francisco River in the state of Minas Gerais.
Dia da Raça (Lusitanians). Lusitanians are defined as the Portuguese people and their descendants all over the world. Including Brazil. This commemorative day has been celebrated for a very long time, even during the Portuguese Golden Era, at the time of discoveries and conquests of new colonies.
Dia da Língua Portuguesa (Portuguese language). This day coincides with the commemoration of the death of the most famous poet from Portugal: Luiz Vaz de Camões.
Dia da Artilharia (Artillery). On 10 June 1801, Emílio Luiz Mallet, patron of the Brazilian artillery, was born in France. He was still a child when he moved to Brazil. The Brazilian independence in 1822 forced Mallet to study at Académia Real Militar (Royal Military Academy) in Rio de Janeiro. Mallet is an excellent officer, and gained the status of a national hero die to his sometimes very decisive rol in successful military expeditions. He participated in the battles against Cisplatina (1825-1828), against Oribe and Rosas (1851-1852), against Aguirre (1864), and in the battles of the Triple Alliance against Paraguay. Mallet died in 1866. In 1932, a law made Mallet patron of the artillery.
Dia do Pastor Evangélico (Evangelic pastor).
BRAZILIAN HISTORY:
1842
Start of the Liberal Revolution in Barbacena, Minas Gerais.
In 1840, Pedro ascended the imperial Brazilian throne at very young age. There were still armed conflicts going on in the North and in the South, against the central government in Rio de Janeiro. Also in 1840, elections were held. These elections were accompanied by accusations and threats from both Conservatives and Liberals. Following the advice of the Conservatives, the young emperor canceled the elections, which ignited the start of the Liberal Revolution in the provinces of São Paulo and Minas Gerais. on 10 June, Feliciano Pinto Coelho da Cunha proclaimed himself as the new president of the province of Minas Gerais en chose Barbacena as its capital. In the following dags, various cities in Minas were conquered. Two months later, due to reinforcements of the federal army, the Liberal revolutionaries were defeated.
2000 Death of swimmer and actor Rômulo Arantes
1892 Birth of educator Armanda Álvaro Alberto
1948 Foundation of Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil (Brazilian Biblical Society)
1933
Recovery of diplomatic ties between Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela.
1810 Birth of marshal Emílio Luis Mallet
1914 Creation of the municipality of Vila do Iguassu (future Foz do Iguaçu, PR)
1954 Birth of Ziad Fazah, professor who claimed to speak and write in 59 languages.
1974 Death of Eurico Gaspar Dutra, former president of Brazil.
2001
Third French Open title for Gustavo Kuerten (Guga) at Roland Garros.
