A personal selection of photographs with their stories.
354: Palm tree reflection
When I lived in Belo Horizonte, I often spent my Sundays in the center of the enormous city. On pleasant, sunny days I walked through the Avenida Afonso Pena, all the way to the end at Praça da Bandeira: a distance of about six kilometers. There I continued my walking tour via a climbing street to the entrance of city park Mangabeiras. After this effort – some friends told me that I was nuts to walk this long distance – I often went to the stand where refreshing açai was sold. After having consumed this delicious energy bomb, I started my exploration through the park. With my camera in hand I searched for interesting compositions, as I saw this water reflection of small palm trees in a pond.
(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.
A personal selection of photographs with their stories.
354: Palm tree reflection
When I lived in Belo Horizonte, I often spent my Sundays in the center of the enormous city. On pleasant, sunny days I walked through the Avenida Afonso Pena, all the way to the end at Praça da Bandeira: a distance of about six kilometers. There I continued my walking tour via a climbing street to the entrance of city park Mangabeiras. After this effort – some friends told me that I was nuts to walk this long distance – I often went to the stand where refreshing açai was sold. After having consumed this delicious energy bomb, I started my exploration through the park. With my camera in hand I searched for interesting compositions, as I saw this water reflection of small palm trees in a pond.
A personal selection of photographs with their stories.
351: Colored panels
At a distance of about 60 km from Belo Horizonte, within the limits of the municipality of Brumadinho, is an interesting botanical garden as well as a contemporary art museum: Inhotim. Inhotim was created by former mining magnate Bernardo Vaz, who sold his impressive art collection and acquired a large area around his farm. At present, the area is more then twenty square kilometers. Only a small part of this vast area is publicly accessible, and contains a number of art works and art galleries that are integrated in the botanical garden, which contains more than 1500 palm tree species, the largest in the world. One of the principal art pieces consists of nine large colored panels, in a vertical position. This art piece by Hélio Oiticia (1937-1980) is called “Magic Square No. 5” (Invenção da cor, Penetrável Magic Square # 5, De Luxe , 1977). They symbolize buildings in open air, with which the visitor can feel, touch, inspire, and visualize within this labyrinth square.
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.
