Recife History Facts and Timeline

(Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil)

The region around Recife has a history dating all the way back to the early 1530s, when the first settlements in the area were built. At the time, the King of Portugal, John lll, divided Brazil into strips called 'Captaincies', and gave each one to wealthy Portuguese entrepreneurs, who were responsible for developing the colony.

The Captaincy of the state of Pernambuco, where Recife is located, was donated to Duarte Coelho Pereira, who established the villages of both Igaracu and Olinda in the year of 1534.

Prosperous Captaincy

The Captaincy would bring about immediate prosperity, with Pau-Brazil (perhaps better known as Brazilwood), followed by sugar cane being the main exported goods. At this time, Olinda was the capital of Pernambuco, while Recife was nothing more than a small port village, from which the state's commodities were exported. Of interest, Recife actually means 'reefs' in the language of Portuguese and the city gained its name due to the plentiful natural reefs lined offshore along the city's coast.

Dutch Ruling

In 1630, the Dutch invaded much of Pernambuco, thereby altering the course of regional Brazilian history. The Dutch saw similarities between these flat lands and their home country, the Netherlands, and opted to settle here. An urbanisation plan was drawn up, a street layout was designed and several bridges were built over the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers. Architects, engineers and artists were all brought here from the Netherlands in order to modernise Recife.

A New Era and Regional Tensions

After a short but successful period, the Dutch were forcibly evicted from Recife by the Portuguese in 1654, leaving behind a physically and intellectually improved city. Recife kept expanding, largely due to the fact that it had a well-located port. The business generated by the port turned the city into a key trading centre, consisting mainly of slaves and sugar cane.

The rivalry between local Portuguese tradesmen and Olinda's farmers led to the Guerra dos Mascates (War of the Peddlers) in the early part of the 18th century. Recife ended up winning the war and asserting its supremacy and importance over Olinda, which lacked a port. This was a decisive victory in Recife's history as, over the years, it would develop into the large city it is today. Meanwhile, Olinda became more known for its historical significance and failed to grow economically in the same way.

History of the 19th Century and Beyond

Recife consolidated its position as a regional commerce centre during the 19th century. Successful traders from a number of other states arrived in the city to sell their products and purchase others to resell. The cotton trade flourished as it became a major export from the port.

Funds from commerce enabled the start of industrialisation in Recife in the early 1900s. The industrial sector, which includes chemicals, textiles, food and drink, among other goods, is now the city's most important sector. In recent years, the service sector has grown in importance, while the city is also home to Brazil's second medical park. In addition, Recife is attempting to attract greater numbers of tourists, as it has a rich historic and cultural heritage, as well as an established infrastructure and some of the country's nicest beaches.