Brazil: 203 Years of History, Struggle and Hope

Have you ever imagined standing on the banks of a river, surrounded by soldiers, with the fate of an entire country in your hands? That was the scene on September 7, 1822, when Dom Pedro I, son of King Dom João VI and Queen Carlota Joaquina of Portugal, entered history. After refusing to return to Portugal in the famous Dia do Fico (“I Shall Remain Day”), he faced even greater pressure from the Portuguese Cortes to go back and accept the loss of Brazil’s autonomy. On his way to São Paulo, he received new orders to return. By the banks of the Ipiranga River, he raised his sword and declared, “Independence or Death!”, breaking away from Portugal once and for all and marking the birth of a free nation. The year 2025 marks 203 years since this achievement that shaped Brazil’s identity.

Brazil is a land of contrasts and wonders. From the vast green of the Amazon to the golden beaches of the coastline, passing through mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, the country boasts one of the greatest biodiversities on the planet. Another priceless treasure lies in its Indigenous peoples, who have lived on these lands long before the arrival of colonizers. They preserve ancestral knowledge, languages, traditions, and a deep connection with nature, remaining essential to the nation’s history and environmental preservation. In 2025, we also celebrate the joyful and festive spirit that unites us, reflected in our music, dance, and hospitality — qualities that make Brazil admired around the world.

September 7 is not only about the past. It is about us, Brazilians, who carry in our hearts a unique blend of strength, struggle, and hope. Even in the face of economic crises, inequality, and political challenges, we keep working, smiling, and believing in a better future. This independence, which in 2025 celebrates its 203rd anniversary, is built every day, both within and beyond our borders, also uniting millions of Brazilians living abroad who keep alive our culture, language, and love for Brazil.