They say the name Limão came from a single lemon tree. A “lemon tree of anger” they called it. This is Limão in São Paulo. A place born from humble beginnings.
Limão’s history starts in the 19th century. It was nothing but small farms then. People from the Freguesia do Ó district started settling here. They found that angry lemon tree marking the boundary. That tree gave this district its name.
It wasn’t until 1921 that the land was officially divided into lots. The Matteo Bei real estate company made this happen. Families like the Cápua family began to build their lives here. The Cápua family was considered the wealthiest in Limão at the time.
The 1930s saw a rush of families moving in. The area grew and thrived. By 1939 the Santo Antônio do Limão parish was established. A significant landmark for the community. Transport improved too. In 1935 a bus line connected Limão to the Barra Funda. Later another line connected Limão to the Jardim Paulista. This improved access made Limão even more attractive.
Limão’s growth was further fueled by industry. It’s proximity to major roadways contributed to this success. The construction of media companies and supermarkets boosted its economy. The area became more and more valuable.
Today Limão is a bustling district. It’s known for its vibrant culture. Two famous samba schools call Limão home. The Mocidade Alegre and the Unidos do Parque Peruche are well known. The Centro de Tradições Nordestinas (CTN) showcases northeastern Brazilian culture. It’s a testament to Limão’s diverse community.
In 1964 a law officially established Limão as the 44th subdistrict of São Paulo. It was officially installed in 1965. The Sociedade Amigos do Bairro do Limão played an essential role in its development. This organization worked tirelessly to improve the community. The anniversary celebrations were initially held on November 13th. But now they are held on October 1st. A lively celebration of a district’s rich heritage. A lemon tree started it all. Now a thriving community stands proud.