Imagine Braz Cubas pushing through the dense forest. He sought gold in 1560. This is the land that would become Mogi das Cruzes.
Mogi das Cruzes began as a simple resting point. Bandeirantes like Braz Cubas used it. They traveled to and from Sāo Paulo. The area sat beside the Anhembi River. Today we call it the Tietê.
Soon others saw its potential. A small settlement grew. Gaspar Vaz Guedes received a land grant. He opened the first road to Sāo Paulo. In 1611 Mogi was officially a town. It was named Vila de Sant’Ana de Mogi Mirim.
Mogi das Cruzes became important to Brazil. By the mid-16th century most towns were on the coast. Sāo Paulo de Piratininga was the only exception. Then came Mogi.
The town grew quickly. People and supplies flowed through it. In 1865 Mogi das Cruzes became a city. Later in 1874 it became a county.
Mogi welcomed people from around the world. The Japanese community is especially large. They are now in their third generation here. About 20% of Mogi’s population is of Japanese descent. People also came from northeastern Brazil. They sought a better life.
Today Mogi das Cruzes is a thriving city. It is part of the Sāo Paulo metropolitan area. Over 450000 people call it home. The University of Mogi das Cruzes opened in 1973.
Mogi das Cruzes provides food to Sāo Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. It has farms that grow beans and fruits. Mogi also has industry. You’ll find steel mills and tanneries. Factories make ceramics and textiles.
Mogi’s motto is “Bandeirantes Gens Mea.” That’s Latin. It means “My origins are the Bandeirantes”. Mogi remembers its history. It honors those early explorers. From a resting spot to a modern city Mogi das Cruzes has grown.