“January River” is the somewhat misleading translation for Rio de Janeiro. Today we will explore the history of the Morro da Esperança. It’s a poetic name for a city with over 200 rivers. But the name does not refer to any of them.
Portuguese explorer Gaspar de Lemos arrived in Rio in January 1502. He named the city mistaking Guanabara Bay for a river’s mouth. Some historians disagree saying the Portuguese knew a bay from a river. Regardless the name Rio de Janeiro stuck.
Now let’s ascend Morro da Esperança. We will uncover its hidden stories. Morro da Esperança like many of Rio’s hills holds a unique place in the city’s narrative.
Many of Rio’s samba schools are located in favelas. Almost one fourth of locals live in one of Rio’s thousand-plus favelas. Modest residents have lived in favelas since the late 19th century. It was simply the most affordable housing option. Former African slaves and their descendants created samba in the favelas. The renowned samba schools that compete in the Carnival parade are in or near favelas.
The history of Rio’s favelas is complex. The Morro da Providência is widely considered Brazil’s first favela. It began in 1897 with veterans of the Canudos War. Promised land that never materialized they settled on the hill. They named it Morro da Favela after a plant from Bahia. This plant caused skin irritation.
In the early 20th century freed slaves and European migrants joined them. It was an affordable place to live near work in the city center and port.
Rio is known for its stunning views. The Guardian described the Morro da Providência as having the finest viewpoint over any city. From Morro da Esperança you can see the city unfold beneath you.
Rio was nearly not chosen as the host city of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. In 2009 the news was met with a party that attracted thousands to Copacabana beach. It was the third time the city was trying. But it almost did not make the four city shortlist.
King Momo runs the city every Carnival. The mayor of Rio gives the key of the city to King Momo. This marks the beginning of Carnival. King Momo symbolizes party and freedom over reason. The tradition has been going on since 1933. The key remains in King Momo’s possession until Ash Wednesday.
Many know the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Rio de Janeiro has the world’s bluest sky. The biggest football match in the world was held here. Oscar Niemeyer was born in Rio. These and many other facts make the city world famous. Morro da Esperança is a place to witness these stories.
As we conclude our visit remember the resilience and spirit of the Cariocas. Their history is woven into the very fabric of this remarkable city. The Morro da Esperança stands as a testament to their enduring hope.