Andrelândia

Andrelândia on the map of Brazil

Andrelândia is a city in the south of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. It lies 998 meters above sea level, has an area of ​​about 1010 km ², is located about 300 km from Belo Horizonte, the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, 396 km from São Paulo, 990 km from Brasilia and 250 km from Rio de Janeiro removed. The city has about 12,000 inhabitants.

History

The colonization of the Andrelandia - area began in the aftermath of gold mining in the south of Minas Gerais. Before 1700 held already in this area in addition to the resident mountain farmers some adventurers who were looking for gold. Around 1736, the Portuguese André Bauer wandered da Silveira in Brazil and settled in the area. André probably came from a rich family, he could write a then rare ability. He held slaves, his farm, Fazenda the Bica managed.

1749 André da Silveira received by the Bishop Marianas, D. Manoel da Cruz for permission to build a chapel, which was dedicated to Our Lady of Porto, and later in Nossa Senhora do Porto da Eterna Salvação renamed (Madonna of Porto of eternal salvation ) been. It is located in the city center today. André da Silveira, Portugal had a picture of Mary in order, which can be seen to this day in this church. André da Silveira was married to Maria do Livramento and had two daughters, Maria da Silveira and Tereza, who was adopted. After the death of his wife he moved to Piedade do Rio grande and lived there until his death.

To this chapel was a settlement, many people settled in the new village, which was soon recognized as a parish. From the 17th century families from Lebanon, Spain, Portugal and Italy settled in the city, to search for gold. Also offered the construction of the first railroad in the region earning opportunities for the immigrants.

On July 20, 1868, the settlement at a meeting of the Municipal Council was called Vila Bela do Turvo ( Beautiful village of Turvos ) and the status of a city. In 1930 the city was renamed in honor of André da Silveira in Andrelândia. The construction of the railway in 1980 between Andrelândia and Arantina and improved employment opportunities related the number of population increased greatly and the infrastructure improved.

Economy

The main economic activities are agriculture, manufacture of dairy products, tourism and services. Are produced more types of cheese and yogurt. Agricultural products are mainly coffee, corn, potatoes, beans, sugar cane and tomatoes. The largest usable area consists of plantations for the production of eucalyptus and pine. In small amounts, a liquor distilled from sugar cane, and there is a small wine production.

Each year the Exposição Agropecuária place in the Parque de Exposições on which the farmers of the region exhibit products and the best products will be awarded. The exhibition is accompanied by a rich cultural program.

Language

The official language is Portuguese Andrelândia. People of different ethnicities, who immigrated to the region, often abandoned their mother tongue and speak Portuguese, with greater dialectal coloring in Minas Gerais.

Religion

According to the last census 89 % of the population are Roman Catholic, 9% Protestant, 1.5% give no religion and 0.5 % belong to another religious community.

Culture

The music in Andrelandia is no different from the usual music in the Southeast of Brazil, as Sertaneja, pop and MPB ( Brazilian popular music).

Events

• Festival de férias. Once a year there is the Festival de Férias, guesting on the famous Brazilian music groups.

• Andréfolia, the Carnival. The Carnival in Andrelândia is organized by the so-called Blocos. Blocos are groups or clubs who design and play carnival costumes to a specific motto. The " Bloco the Virgens " is a mixed group in which the men wear women's clothes and act the women in men's clothes.