“Serpiente Grande.” That’s what Embu-Guaçu means in the ancient Tupi language. We are here in Embu-Guaçu a municipality in the state of São Paulo. This is a place filled with history and surrounded by natural beauty.
Let’s dive into Embu-Guaçu. Imagine the late 1700s. A couple, José Pires de Albuquerque and Emília Pires de Moraes Pedroso, arrived here. They were simple farmers drawn by the region’s beauty. Near the Santa Rita River, they built a mud house.
Embu-Guaçu grew. More people arrived in the early 20th century. In 1920, José Pires de Albuquerque built a cassava flour industry. This marked a significant step for the local economy. The arrival of the Mairinque/Santos railway in 1929 further boosted the town’s progress.
For a while, Embu-Guaçu was part of Itapecerica da Serra. But in 1964, a state law officially created the municipality of Embu-Guaçu. Elections followed in 1965, marking a new chapter of self-governance.
Before it was called Embu-Guaçu, this area had other names. It was first known as Ilha de Itararé. People thought it was a river island because of many rivers. Later, it was named M’Boy-Guaçu. All names connect to the Santa Rita River. This river snakes through the land.
Embu-Guaçu is part of the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo. The municipality covers 155.64 square kilometers. In 2020, the population was around 69,901. The elevation here is 408 meters.
The climate in Embu-Guaçu is subtropical. Summers are moderately hot and rainy. Winters are mild and semi-dry. The average yearly temperature is about 18°C. July is the coldest month with an average of 14°C. February is the warmest averaging 22°C.
In 1990, the district of Cipó-Guaçu was created. It became part of Embu-Guaçu. By 1995, the municipality had two districts. These were Embu-Guaçu and Cipó-Guaçu.
Today, Embu-Guaçu continues to evolve. It balances its rich history with modern development. The municipality is served by telecommunications. Telefônica acquired Telecomunicações de São Paulo in 1998. Now operating under the Vivo brand, it offers cell phones, fixed lines, internet, and television services.
Embu-Guaçu’s story is a testament to resilience. From a simple farming settlement to a thriving municipality, its journey reflects the spirit of its people. Its history is etched in its name, its rivers, and its community. We conclude our visit to Embu-Guaçu here.