Celebration of 200 Years of Portuguese Royal Family Arrival in Brazil
Posted: Saturday, August 09, 2008
by Andre Skowronski
Belavista-rio Rentals
Everybody is aware that this year we are celebrating 200 years since the Portuguese Royal family arrived in Rio, but how did Rio de Janeiro become what is known for today? Follows below a small summary of Rio de Janeiro historical events:
The Guanabara Bay was first discovered by explorers from Portugal in January, 1502, which is how the January River, as 'Rio de Janeiro' translates, gained its name. At that time, 'river' was used by the Portuguese for any larger body of water. Soon after, Europeans from all over were coming there, with French smugglers already taking advantage of the bay by 1519. The first permanent European settlement in the area, called France Antarctique, was founded in 1555 by French naval officer Nicolas Durand de Villegaignon. However, Villegaignon was forced to leave two years later after coming into conflict with the rest of the settlers.
Sugarcane was the area's first product, with slaves from both Africa and domestic areas utilized for the labor. When higher-quality sugarcane from northern districts of Brazil became more popular, this industry went into decline. In 1763, the colonial administration was relocated to the city of Rio de Janeiro, and it remained mainly a colonial capital until 1808, when the Portuguese royal family had to flee from Napoleon's invasion, winding up in Rio. Thereafter the city served as the kingdom's capital, becoming the only European capital located outside of Europe.
Prince Pedro I then declared Brazil's independence in 1822, but by that time the city's economic and political importance was dwindling when compared to São Paulo. However, it remained the capital even after the late 19th Century, when the monarchy was thrown out and a republic established in its place.
Then, in the early decades of the 20th Century, Copacabana Beach's natural beauty combined with the allure of the Copacabana Palace Hotel brought Rio de Janeiro the reputation it retains to this day, as a world wide famed beach destination.
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Andre Skowronski is the managing partner of Belavista-Rio Rentals, a vacation rentals agency based in Rio de Janeiro. Andre works directly with tourists to find their dream apartments in Rio. Please visit ===> http://www.belavista-rio.com to select from more than 60 vacation rentals in Rio.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Interesting but outside of history are brazilians really that wrapped up their history or carnivalle and is that part of it all?Our history is very much a part of our fabric. Brazil is a melting pot of many cultures but has a strong African influence, seen in many religious practices and Carnaval itself.Carnaval in Brazil is not only popular in Rio, but as the article stated, Rio has definitely maintained its reputation and I must admit, it is one of the most spectacular shows on earth. I attribute some of Rio's fame for being such a focal point in golden days Hollywood, where Rio was the place to escape to and was featured in many films and also made popular world wide by so many reknown artists, such as Antonio Carlos Jobim. (Girl From Ipanema)If you have not been to Brasil (as we spell it), I suggest making time to visit the North East for starters. You will find the hospitality and the slower pace, to name a few an amazing experience.
Oi,I was just thinking about our history a few weeks ago... cool to read your overview.DaughterNature
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