Nova Iguaçu

Why was Nova Iguaçu once called “New Iguassu”? Our journey through Nova Iguaçu begins with this question. It unveils a story of transformations, echoing the very spirit of this dynamic city. Nova Iguaçu’s story begins long before its official founding in 1833. The Jacutinga Indians, the area’s original inhabitants, lent their name to the Iguaçu River, meaning “big water.” This river, a vital artery of life and commerce, became a defining feature of the growing settlement. In 1575, a small chapel was built, marking the beginning of the colonization process. Nova Iguaçu’s history is interwoven with the rise and fall of industries. The Caminho Novo das Minas, a crucial gold route in the 17th century, brought prosperity to the then-fledgling port of Piedade de Iguassu. The area flourished, becoming a vital hub for trade. The 19th century brought the railroad, shifting the center of activity to Maxambomba, a name derived from a type of crane used in colonial times. This shift eventually led to the renaming of Maxambomba to Nova Iguassu in 1916, later modernized to Nova Iguaçu. But the story doesn’t end there. Nova Iguaçu was once a citrus paradise, earning the nickname “Perfume City” in the 1930s for the fragrant orange blossoms that filled the air. The sweet scent of oranges eventually faded, replaced by the hum of industry. Nova Iguaçu experienced a surge of industrial and commercial growth, fueled by convenient access to major highways like the BR-116. Nova Iguaçu’s story is also one of division. Over the years, several districts, including Duque de Caxias, Nilópolis, and Mesquita, gained independence, significantly impacting Nova Iguaçu’s size and economy. Today, Nova Iguaçu stands as a testament to its resilient spirit. It remains a significant commercial center, a vibrant hub in the Baixada Fluminense, and a city continuously reinventing itself.