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
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
Today in Brazil: Deodoro da Fonseca proclaims the Republic in Brazil
On November 15, 1889, Manuel Deodoro da Fonseca, a military figure and politician, declared the Republic of Brazil through a coup d’état. As the first president in the country’s history, his tenure was marked by considerable political and economic instability.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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