Today is Independence Day in Brazil – a public holiday. This is Brazil’s National Day. In Portuguese, it is called ‘Dia da Independência’ and may also be known as ‘Sete de Setembro’ (7 September) or ‘Dia da Pátria’ (Nation Day).
Brazil had been a colony of Portugal since the 16th century. In 1807 France had invaded Portugal and the Portuguese royal family had escaped to Brazil. in 1815, Brazil was given equal kingdom status with Portugal. By 1820, the French had left Portugal and in 1821 the King, Dom John VI returned to Portugal leaving his son, Dom Pedro di Alcântara, as regent.
After some very complicated maneuvering, on September 7th 1822, a declaration of independence from Portugal was made by Pedro di Alcântara, who became the first emperor of Brazil and ruled from 1823 until 1831.
PRE-INTERNET FUN
Today is the birthday, in 1947, of Gloria Gaynor, American singer best known for the Seventies disco era hits ‘I Will Survive’, ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ and ‘I Am What I Am’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dYWe1c3OyU
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