Well beyond the wholesale shop windows, jeans at great prices and sellers willing to “do anything at a bargain price”, the Bras neighborhood and its normally crowded streets have a lot of history to tell. And lots to do, too! If you want to explore the neighborhood beyond shopping, check out some of its history and tips on what to see there below.
Table Of Contents
What is the history of Brás?
The origin of the neighborhood is linked to the Portuguese José Brás, the owner of one of the many farms that made up the region. In 1769, he built a chapel in honor of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos (on what is now Avenida Rangel Pestana), around which a population began to form.
From the second half of the 19th century, the coffee economy influenced the development of the neighborhood. In 1867, Brás received its own railway station, which encouraged small traders and industrialists to settle in the area.
From then on, it received a large wave of immigrants and later, in the 20th century, the region’s population began to grow disorderedly, receiving thousands of migrants from the Northeast in search of better living conditions.
Today, the neighborhood’s economy revolves around industry and the clothing trade, mainly jeans. It also has a strong presence of Korean and Bolivian communities.
What to do in Brás?
Catavento Museum
This museum, near Brás, is one of the public’s favorites. Which is no surprise to anyone, after all, it presents science in a super accessible and fun way! There are more than 250 installations in total, covering the themes of the universe, life, ingenuity and society.
📍 Parque Dom Pedro II
Immigration Museum
There’s no consensus: some people say it’s in Brás, others in Mooca. But since the Museum is in the historic building of the former Hospedaria de Imigrantes do Brás, it’s worth mentioning it in the guide too.
In the 19th century, expensive land in Brás attracted many workers and immigrants, especially Italians, to the neighborhood. So, in 1887, the hostel was built to provide temporary shelter for foreigners. Today, the grandiose building has given way to the Immigration Museum, which has a program full of exhibitions, courses and events on the subject.
📍 Rua Visconde de Parnaíba, 1316
Good Jesus of Brás Parish
With 205 years of history, the parish is perfect for those looking to get to know the architecture and the history of the neighborhood. In addition, the church hosts the Ficazzella Bar every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing this Italian delight for you to try.
📍 Avenida Rangel Pestana, 1421
St. Vitus Feast
Just like the Bixiga and Mooca neighborhoods, Brás has also created a traditional Italian celebration. This is the famous Festa de São Vito, which has been bringing the best of Italian cuisine and culture to the neighborhood since 1919. It always takes place in June and July and is one of the festivals on the official calendar of the city of São Paulo.
