Perhaps “toca da fuga” whispers on the wind. That’s what they called Jabaquara long ago. It means “den of escape” in Tupi. Imagine fugitives seeking shelter here centuries ago.
Jabaquara is a district in Sāo Paulo. It was founded in 1964. It sits in the south-central part of the city. Around 215000 people call Jabaquara home today.
Before the 17th century Jabaquara was the “end of the world”. It was largely unpopulated. Jesuit priest José de Anchieta owned the land. Travelers passed through on their way to Santo Amaro. Later farmers established agricultural businesses here.
The Jabaquara district started to get popular in the late 19th century. The city decided to create a park. People came to stroll and picnic.
The Sítio da Ressaca a historical site was built in the 18th century. It became a landmark in 1972. In 1978 the CURA project started renovating Jabaquara. The restoration restarted in 1986 after a fire. Today the site houses the Centro Cultural Jabaquara. It holds the Acervo da Memória e do Viver Afro-Brasileiro. This collection preserves the history of Black people in Sāo Paulo.
From 1886 to 1913 steam trains linked Vila Mariana and Santo Amaro. In 1906 trams served the region. They ran from Rua Tutoia to Santo Amaro.
The Vila Santa Catarina was Jabaquara’s first subdivision in the 1920s. Until then much of Jabaquara had few residents. Farms dotted the landscape. It was mostly rural.
The construction of Avenida Washington Luís helped Jabaquara grow. The avenue linked Vila Mariana to suburban areas. The opening of Congonhas Airport in 1936 further boosted Jabaquara.
The building of the Paróquia São Judas Tadeu church in 1940 also helped develop the area. Subdivisions like Jardim Aeroporto started. But they remained sparsely populated until the 1950s.
Locals grew wildflowers for income. The Abaparia capensis also known as the winter tulip was a major source of revenue.
The construction of the Linha 1-Azul metro line was important. Jabaquara Station opened in 1974. Conceição is another metro station in the district. In 1977 the Terminal Rodoviário Jabaquara bus terminal opened. It serves destinations on the southern coast. These projects helped Jabaquara’s population grow.
Today Jabaquara is home to the Centro Empresarial do Aço and the Banco Itaú headquarters. São Paulo Expo is also within its limits. The Centro Paralímpico Brasileiro the largest Paralympic center in Latin America opened in 2016. The planned Linha 17-Ouro monorail may include five stations in Jabaquara.
Actors Marly Bueno and Bibi Ferreira and singer Gilberto Gil once lived in Jabaquara. Jabaquara boasts the world’s largest gateball field. Gateball is a sport that originated in Japan after World War II. It’s located in the Centro Esportivo Ryuso Ogawa.
Jabaquara. From remote haven to a vibrant district. Its story echoes in every street. Its future unfolds with each passing day.