The celebration of our very international student body continues today the 7th September, with our recognition of the Independence Day of Brazil.
On the 7th September 1822, a declaration of independence from Portugal was made by Pedro di Alcantara, the son of the Portuguese King. The day is also referred to as ‘Sete de Setembro’, 'Dia da Independência' or 'Dia da Pátria'.
Brazil became a republic on 15th November 1889, but retained the 7th September as its Independence Day.
In Brasilia, celebrations take place at the Ministries Esplanade with a civil-military parade in the presence of the President of Brazil. Across the country there are patriotic and military displays, air shows, concerts and fireworks.
Fun Facts
- The 27 stars on the blue globe on the Brazilian flag represent the 27 states of Brazil. Though several stars have been added over the years, the stars are arranged to match the night sky over Rio de Janeiro on the evening of November 15th 1889.
The Brazilian soccer stadium Zerão was designed so the halfway line is on the Earth's equator, making each team defend a different hemisphere.
- Rio de Janeiro means “January River”. Mistakenly a Portuguese explorer thought the bay was the mouth of the river.
- “Brazil” gets its name from the Portuguese word for a tree common to Brazil called “pau-brasil” (red like an ember).
- Brazil has over 4,000 airports! The only country to have more is the USA.