The history of the song 'Chega de Saudade'
Curiosities

The history of the song ‘Chega de Saudade’

The Bossa Nova was officially born on July 10, 1958, when João Gilberto recorded the song ‘Chega de Saudade’ at Odeon studios. The arrangements were made by Antonio Carlos Jobim, who also directed the orchestra. “That new way of singing and playing by João Gilberto brightened everything up,” summarizes writer

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Brazilian National Library in Rio de Janeiro
Colonial

Brazilian National Library in Rio de Janeiro

The Brazilian National Library, located in Rio de Janeiro, is one of the largest libraries in the world, housing nine million items. Founded by Dom João VI in 1810, its journey began in an unlikely fashion, initially housed in facilities like the Third Order Hospital. The impressive building, erected during


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Independence: The Untold Story | Review
Imperial

Independence: The Untold Story: The Building of Brazil: 1500-1825 | Review

Independence: The Untold Story: The Building of Brazil: 1500-1825 is a book written by Paulo Rezzutti, which delves into the backstage and lesser-known figures involved in the process of Brazilian independence. The book highlights characters who played crucial roles in independence, such as José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva, Dom

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Discover the origin of the name Rio de Janeiro
Curiosities

Discover the origin of the name Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, bathed in golden beaches and embraced by imposing mountains, is a symphony of contrasts. On one side, there’s the vibrant hustle of urban life, full of colors, rhythms, and an infectious energy. On the other, the serenity of natural landscapes that frame the city, such as the

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Today in Brazil: Getúlio Vargas establishes the New State (Estado Novo) in Brazil
Republican

Today in Brazil: Getúlio Vargas establishes the New State (Estado Novo) in Brazil

On November 10, 1937, Getúlio Vargas declared, in a nationwide radio address, that Brazil was under a new regime of government, the Estado Novo (New State). Characterized by the centralization of power, nationalism, anti-communism, and authoritarianism, the Estado Novo lasted until 1945 when Getúlio was overthrown by the Armed Forces.


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Women in the Brazilian Independence
Imperial

Women in the Brazilian Independence

The Independence of Brazil, one of the most significant chapters in the country’s history, was a multifaceted process that involved a variety of characters, events, and circumstances. While many iconic names, like Dom Pedro I and José Bonifácio, played a crucial role in this endeavor, the contribution of women in

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The history of the portuguese crown commissioned in Rio de Janeiro
Colonial

The history of the portuguese crown commissioned in Rio de Janeiro

The Portuguese court was already in Rio de Janeiro, having fled from the Napoleonic troops, with Queen Maria passing away on March 20, 1816, and the Prince Regent, João VI, becoming the king. Unlike previous kings, who had been crowned shortly after the death of their predecessor, João VI chose

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The death of Renato Russo
Today in Brazil

Today in Brazil: The death of Renato Russo

Renato Russo, a singer, songwriter, bassist, and leader of Legião Urbana, passed away on October 11, 1996, in Rio de Janeiro, due to AIDS-related complications. Born on March 27, 1960, in Rio, he moved to Brasília at the age of nine. His musical career included stints with the band Aborto

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Homeland of Mine: The Story of Vinicius de Moraes' Poem
Curiosities

Homeland of Mine: The Story of Vinicius de Moraes’ Poem

The story of the poem begins in João Cabral de Melo Neto’s private press in 1949. This poem is what was then called a “plaquete” (or booklet). The publication consists of a single, long poem by Vinicius. Friends since 1942, when Vinicius visited Recife with Waldo Frank, the two diplomats

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Mauá: Businessman of the Empire | Review
Imperial

Mauá: Businessman of the Empire | Review

The book Mauá: Businessman of the Empire is a biography written by Jorge Caldeira that narrates the life and journey of Irineu Evangelista de Sousa, better known as Viscount of Mauá. Published in 1995, the book offers a detailed insight into the life and achievements of this important Brazilian historical


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The history of the song The Girl from Ipanema
Curiosities

The history of the song The Girl from Ipanema

The song The Girl from Ipanema began when Tom Jobim asked Vinicius de Moraes to write the lyrics for one of his compositions. Vinicius was inspired by Helô Pinheiro, an 18-year-old girl they used to see in Ipanema, buying cigarettes for her parents or simply walking past Bar Veloso, where

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Lo Schiavo - Carlos Gomes' Abolitionist Opera
Abolition of Slavery

Lo Schiavo – Carlos Gomes’ Abolitionist Opera

Antônio Carlos Gomes, born in Campinas and considered the greatest composer of operas in the Americas, was a fervent admirer of Verdi. Some say that at the age of eighteen, he composed a march based on themes from Il Trovatore. With the support of Emperor Dom Pedro II, Carlos Gomes

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Pelé's last professional match
Republican

Today in Brazil: Pelé’s last professional match

On October 1, 1977, Pelé bid his official farewell to professional football while playing for the New York Cosmos, a team in the NASL of the United States, against Santos, the Brazilian club where he achieved fame and success.

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The Reasons Behind the Overthrow of Dom Pedro II's Crown
Proclamation of the Republic

The Reasons Behind the Overthrow of Dom Pedro II’s Crown

Many reasons led to the coup d’état in 1889, and it is no secret that Dom Pedro II was the greatest statesman Brazil ever had. He spoke multiple languages, was highly educated, and had a penchant for innovation and technology. At the international fair in the United States, he was


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The Origin of the Name Brazil
Curiosities

The Origin of the Name Brazil

The origin of the name “Brazil” is a complex story that dates back to the early encounters between Europeans and native peoples in the newly discovered lands. The word has its roots in the term “pau-brasil,” a valuable tree found in the region and exploited by the Portuguese. The exploitation

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The last photograph of Joaquim Nabuco
Republican

The last photograph of Joaquim Nabuco

The last photograph of Joaquim Nabuco (1849-1910), taken in Washington, United States, appeared in the Brazilian magazine “Fon Fon” shortly before his death in 1910.

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The death of Dom Pedro I, the first monarch of the Empire of Brazil
Imperial

The death of Dom Pedro I, the first monarch of the Empire of Brazil

Dom Pedro I, the first monarch of the Empire of Brazil, was born in Lisbon in 1798 as the fourth child of King Dom João VI and Queen Carlota Joaquina. When French troops invaded Portugal, the royal family fled to Brazil in 1808. Dom Pedro I became the prince regent


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