January 12th is the birthday of Belém
January 12th is the birthday of Belém, the capital of the state of Pará. This date marks the official founding of the city in 1616, when the Forte do Presépio was established by the Portuguese in the Guajará Bay region. Belém was initially called Feliz Lusitânia, and later became known as Santa Maria de Belém do Grão Pará.
Historical Importance
The founding of Belém played a strategic role in consolidating the Portuguese presence in the Amazon, with the aim of protecting and exploiting the region's resources. The Forte do Presépio, located where Cidade Velha is today, is a landmark in this history, symbolizing the beginning of the settlement of the region.
Festivities
The city's anniversary celebrations include a variety of cultural and artistic activities that celebrate Belém's rich cultural heritage and its relationship with the Amazon.
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