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 to wait a year for his coronation ceremony.
On August 31, 1763, Rio de Janeiro became the capital of Brazil, replacing Salvador. This capital status was maintained until 1960 when Brasília assumed the role of the government’s headquarters.
The Independence of Brazil, which occurred on September 7, 1822, represents a fundamental moment in the country’s history. On that day, Prince Regent Dom Pedro I proclaimed Brazil as an independent nation from Portugal, marking the end of over three centuries of colonial rule and the beginning of a new journey towards freedom and sovereignty.
