Avenida Paulista, considered the main one in Brazil, completed its 131st opening today, December 8th. The avenue covers the Center-South, Central and West zones of the capital São Paulo.
One of the curiosities about Avenida Paulista is that it was completely planned to be tree-lined and wide. With 2.8 km in length, the most famous avenue in Brazil is also one of the main economic centers in the country and is home to several renowned companies.
Avenida Paulista was inaugurated in 1891. According to the book Cidade de São Paulo: Estudos de Geografia Urbana (1958), at first it would be called Avenida das Acácias, or Prado de São Paulo. But the engineer who built it, Joaquim Eugênio de Lima, chose to call it Avenida Paulista in honor of the people of São Paulo.
See below moments in which Avenida Paulista was the scene of important events in the History of Brazil:
Do not stop now... There's more after the publicity ;)
Direct now
To the Direct now were one of the most famous demonstrations in the history of Brazil and had Avenida Paulista as one of the venues. In addition, the movement carried out campaigns in several other Brazilian cities through rallies in public squares, bringing together thousands of people.
Diretas Já was the name of a political movement that gained strength between 1983 and 1984. He defended the approval of the Dante de Oliveira Amendment, which sought to guarantee the holding of direct presidential elections in 1985.
Face Painted in the Collor Government
During the Collor government, the second half of 1992 was marked by the manifestations of the painted faces, which also took place on Avenida Paulista.
Thousands of citizens took to the streets, dressed and painted themselves green and yellow to protest against Collor, while others preferred to wear black. The popular chorus demanded the removal of the president from his duties.
In Congress, the impeachment of Fernando Collor de Melo it was approved by 441 to 38 votes and, in the Senate, by 76 to 3. Collor tried to preserve himself by resigning, but it didn't work. His impeachment was consolidated, he lost the position of president of Brazil and also his political rights for eight years.
Impeachment of Dilma Rouseff
Demonstrations against the government of Dilma Rousseff began in 2013 in various locations across the country, including Avenida Paulista.
Dilma was overthrown by an impeachment process on the charge of committing a crime of fiscal responsibility. On August 31, 2016, the process of impeachment of Dilma Rouseff it was confirmed.
Avenida Paulista, cultural corridor
Avenida Paulista is also the scene of various cultural activities. On Sundays, the avenue is closed and people from São Paulo can go for a walk and enjoy shows, plays, handicrafts, etc.
One of the main museums in Brazil, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP), is also located on Avenida Paulista. The space is often a meeting point for protesters.
It is also on the largest avenue in the country where one of the biggest New Year parties takes place. The Government of São Paulo announced last Tuesday (6) that, after two years of canceling the party due to the coronavirus pandemic, Avenida Paulista will once again have the New Year's Eve.
Paulista Avenue in Sports
During Brazil's World Cup games, thousands of people gather on Avenida Paulista to cheer together for the Brazilian national team. O Brazil's next game in the Qatar Cup will be tomorrow (9), at 12h.
Another important sporting event in Brazil, the São Silvestre International Race, also occurs on Avenida Paulista. The competition starts in the morning, on Avenida Paulista and Rua Augusta, and ends on the same Avenida Paulista, in front of the Cásper Líbero building.
[1] Credit: Thiago Leite/ Shutterstock
