This weekend, São Paulo residents celebrate the city’s anniversary! The date refers to the official founding of the metropolis, which took place on January 25, 1554, by a group of European Jesuits. At that time, the scene was quite different: there was only a chapel and a small village, a far cry from today’s skyscrapers.
In other words, despite its “modern” aura, we can say that the capital of São Paulo is an old town. Learn about the history of the village that, 472 years later, became the largest metropolis in Latin America.
Photo: Slyronit/Wikimedia Commons
It all started at Pateo do Collegio
São Paulo was founded during the Portuguese colonization of Brazil in the 16th century. At the time, Jesuits Manuel de Paiva, José de Anchieta, and Manoel da Nóbrega climbed the Serra do Mar mountain range and set up their base at Pateo do Collegio. Their main objective was to convert the indigenous peoples of the region to Christianity.
On January 25, 1554, Manuel de Paiva celebrated the inaugural mass of the village. As the date marks the conversion of the apostle Paul, the village was named in his honor.
At the time, José de Anchieta wrote letters to the Society of Jesus with details of the event, saying that the first mass took place in a “very poor and very small” house. Who would have thought how much the scenario would change!
“Foundation of the city of São Paulo,” Oscar Pereira da Silva (1909). Photo: José Rosael/Hélio Nobre/Museu Paulista da USP
Special program for the anniversary of São Paulo
In 2026, São Paulo will celebrate 472 years of existence. Since its foundation, the small village has become the most populous city in Latin America and the fifth largest urban center in the world. It has more than 12 million inhabitants—not counting the metropolitan area.
To honor this century-old history, several cultural venues are offering special programming for São Paulo’s anniversary. There will be, for example, free electronic music performances, visual shows with live orchestras, and food festivals! Check out all the plans in this article.
In addition, several restaurants will have exclusive menus and promotions to celebrate the date, as we mention here. So, choose your favorite outing and don’t just sit around on São Paulo’s anniversary!
Photo: ikedaleo/Wikimedia Commons