Rio will celebrate its 450th anniversary in 2015

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March 1st, 2015 will be Rio's 450th anniversary. 2015 will also be the year between two major international events that the city is hosting: the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. Therefore, the city has been going through lots of transformations - and still will by then. A huge celebration - this time, for its people - will take place in various forms. The City Hall created a Committee called Rio450 that is responsible for thinking and organizing the calendar. It is going to be a yearlong party - from new year 2015 to March 1, 2016. 

The symbol of the 450th anniversary of Rio de Janeiro was chosen after a national concurrence. One of the most important eligibility criteria of the contest was reproducibility and interactivity. Designed by Crama Design Estratégico, the winner logo expresses in a few dashes the carioca way of life and can be easily customized. As its rights are granted to everyone, the symbol will play an important role on the communication strategy.

Since the city of Rio is culturally and socially diverse, many neighborhoods will be able to party their own way. The Rio450 Committee is making an extensive research on heritage and history to make sure the celebrations highlight the uniqueness of each part of Rio. It will be an one time moment to be here, for both its History and Future will be celebrated.

Preliminary celebration calendar:

When the City Hall revealed the logo, it also presented the preliminary celebration calendar. There will be special issues of traditional parties such as the Reveillon 2015, the Carnival 2015, the Patron Saints’ Day in January 20th (Saint Sebastian) and Saint George’s Day in April 23td. The month of the anniversary, in March, will have five thematic weekends inspired in a famous carioca expression or song: Cidade Maravilhosa, Gentileza Gera Gentileza, Do Leme ao Pontal, Minha Alma Canta e Aquele

Abraço. July will be dedicated to the children as is the school holiday. November and December will be the moment to remember the African heritage.

During October, the City Hall will implement six ideas of gifts that were chosen by the population. People have been engaged in a campaign to decide which gifts Rio should get for its 450th anniversary. At people were able to suggest enterprises, cultural events, infrastructure improvements and all sorts of other initiatives. The Rio450 Committee received 1.500 suggestions and selected 5 for each area and 1 for all areas together.

The Committee is basing their ideas on the huge celebration of 1965, Rio's 400th anniversary. Because of that, some long lost cultural celebrations from past then will be brought back, such as the "Festa da Penha" (Party of the Penha neighborhood). Its religious and carnival features used to put this party on the top of the people's agenda. It was like a pre-Carnival event.

Source: Rio450 Committee

Edition of Rio de Janeiro,
Gabriel Mendes | gabriel@internationalroute.com.br

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