This date celebrates Brazil’s Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves in 1822. In 1808 French troops invaded Portugal, which led to the Portuguese monarchs transferring the Portuguese Court from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro, the then capital of Colonial Brazil. Prince Regent John VI created the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, elevating Brazil to the rank of kingdom and increasing its administrative independence. In 1821 the Portuguese Assembly demanded Brazil to return to its former condition of colony and the return of their heir prince to Portugal, but he refused on 9th January 1822, a date that became known as Dia do Fico (I’ll Stay Day). On 2nd September 1822 a new decree with Lisbon’s demands arrived in Rio, and Princess Maria Leopoldina, acting as Princess regent with the Prince in Sao Paulo, sent him a letter advising him to proclaim Brazil’s independence. The letter reached him on the 7th September, and that day, in a famous scene at the shore of the Ipiranga River, he declared the country’s independence, ending 322 years of colonial dominance of Portugal over Brazil.
It is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays and military parades in most cities. In Brasilia, the national celebration takes place at the Ministries Esplanade with a civil-military parade in the presence of the President. Similar events take place all over the country. The national commemorations are broadcast on TV.
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