Sunset for 2009

It is sunset for 2009! It is time to think of what you expect from 2010 and what role you have to play to make it happen.

The photo shows the sunset at Luiz Xavier avenue in Curitiba.

Itiban Comic Shop

In November, the Itiban Comic Shop has completed 20 years of existence, under the command of Mitie and Xico.

At Itiban, whatever you think in terms of comics, mangá, card games and everything that revolves around these issues, you will find there. Along with the anime fever in the 90’s, Itiban became a reference and a meeting point for fans in Curitiba.

My children grew up attending the place and even today, it is not difficult to find them there.

West view of Curitiba from the observatory

In the west of the observatory, we can see the districts of Cascatinha, Orleans, Santo Inácio and São Braz.

At the end of the last century, Italian immigrants landed on the coast and, a year later, reached the plateau of Curitiba. The region where today is the Cascatinha neighborhood was part of the Santa Felicidade Colony and thus also was occupied by Italian immigrants from the end of the century. The name derives from an accident of geography at the site and a small waterfall (Cascatinha) on a tributary of the Barigui river. Local residents used to visit the region, on which was installed in 1952, the Cascatinha restaurant, considered the oldest still in operation.

The Colony Orleans was created in December 1875, with 65 lots along the highway Mato Grosso (today BR-277). The first Polish immigrants, Prussian and Galician, in greater numbers, were the initial population of 249 people, divided into 63 families. In the area also settled in Italian, French, German and English. The emancipation occurred on November 10th, 1878 and its name was given in honor of Prince Luis Felipe de Orleans, Count D `I, husband of Princess Izabel. In 1880, the colony was visited by Emperor Dom Pedro II.

The neighborhood derives from the Santo Inácio Colony, which was established in 1876 during the administration of then President of the Province Adolpho Lamenha Lins. In its 70 lots, were established Polish immigrants, Silesian and Galician. In 1880, a report from the province stated that the population was 334 inhabitants. The settlers were engaged in cutting wood, taking advantage of the forests of their plots. Eleven years later, the colony dedicated itself to grow potatoes, corn, beans, peas, oats, barley and wheat.

The Sao Braz district received this name due to the great devotion of its residents to this Saint. Its history is intertwined with the history of the Orleans district, for having the same characteristics and their populations, the same rural lifestyle. The cultivation of cereals and production of pigs and cattle were the main activities developed by the families occupying the only four large farms in the region. So it was mid-1970, when the farms began to be divided into plots, changing the character of the agricultural colony to integrate into the urban fabric in expansion.

Cultural Foundation of Curitiba - Moinho Rebouças - Part 2

The Curitiba Cultural Foundation (FCC), after implementing an extensive restoration of cultural areas in Curitiba, has won in 2006 the Moinho Rebouças as a space to be its new headquarters and a place to conduct its cultural activities. The change may seem odd, but not if we take into account some aspects. The most famous theater operated by the institution was powder room. The largest concert hall in the city - also in charge of the foundation - is an old quarry. The building that houses an important classical orchestra is a chapel. And the theater “Novelas Curitibanas” administrated by the Cultural Foundation of Curitiba, once was a brothel.

The Sower

The statue of the Sower at Eufrásio Correia Square, was a gift from the Polish colony to the city of Curitiba due to the centennial of Brazil's independence on September 7th, 1922 (the exact date of birth of my father).

Tiradentes Square, The Cathedral and the Curitibanos

Since the Praça Tiradentes was reformulated, partially recovering its history, renewing its walks and benches, I have the impression that people have become more frequent to this plaza, which is the first square in Curitiba. The lighting has been rethought to ensure safety for those who frequent the square at night.

The photo shows people sitting on benches and quietly in the background, dominating the landscape, our cathedral.

Merry Christmas!

With this photograph of Palácio Avenida decorated for Christmas time, I would like to wish you a very merry Christmas. Peace, Joy and good food to everybody.