Did you know that Ramos is not just another neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro? It is a vibrant area. Ramos pulses with the heart of samba and chorinho.
Ramos sits in the Zona da Leopoldina. It is in the northern part of Rio. This traditional Carioca neighborhood shares borders with Olaria to the north. The Complexo do Alemão lies to its west. Bonsucesso is to the south. Across Avenida Brasil. Maré completes its boundaries to the east.
Let’s journey back to the 19th century. Ramos was once a region of sugar plantations. Estates and potteries dotted the landscape. The aroma of coffee beans filled the air. The area was part of the Fazenda do Engenho da Pedra. Later it was known as Fazenda N.S. de Bonsucesso.
Captain José Fonseca Ramos played a pivotal role. In 1868 he requested a train station. He wanted it built on his land. The Estrada de Ferro Leopoldina crossed his property. This station became the heart of Ramos. It spurred growth turning it into the neighborhood we know today.
Around 1910 engineer Joaquim Vieira Ferreira Sobrinho urbanized Ramos. He founded Vila Gérson and the Gérson school. Many streets bear the names of his family. Rua Miguel Vieira Ferreira honors his father. Rua Gerson Ferreira is named for his son. Rua Ruth Ferreira pays tribute to his wife.
In the 20th century, Ramos became an elite enclave. The Social Ramos Clube hosted illustrious residents. Invitations to its events were highly sought after. The Cine Rosário was one of Rio’s largest cinemas in 1938. Its Art Deco design was stunning.
Ramos is deeply rooted in the samba culture. The GRES Imperatriz Leopoldinense is a renowned samba school. It has won eight championships in Rio’s Carnival. Founded in 1961 the Grêmio Recreativo Cacique de Ramos has its headquarters in Olaria. It has always held a significant position in Rio’s samba scene.
Several famous Brazilian musicians have connections to Ramos. Pixinguinha composed the Ramos anthem in 1965. It celebrated the neighborhood’s 80th anniversary. Villa-Lobos frequented Ramos. He met his future wife there. He even co-founded the Recreio de Ramos bloco. Zeca Pagodinho and Almir Guineto are linked to Cacique de Ramos. This is the birthplace of groups like Fundo de Quintal.
In 2009 the Imperatriz samba school paid tribute to Ramos. Their theme was “Imperatriz… Just wants to show that it also makes samba”.
In 2012, the Pacifying Police Unit program arrived. It covered the favelas near Ramos. This reduced violence and crime in the area.
Ramos has a beach immortalized in Dicró’s samba. It is called Praia de Ramos. Until the 1970s people swam there. Poor water quality made it unusable. In 1994 Praia de Ramos became part of the new Maré neighborhood. In 2001 the Piscinão de Ramos opened on this beach. Despite its name, it is in Maré.
In 2014, the Transcarioca BRT line was built. It offered a new transportation option. However, promised urban improvements never materialized.
Today Ramos remains a significant part of Rio de Janeiro. It is a place where history and culture thrive. Its musical heritage continues to resonate. The spirit of samba lives on in its streets.