Built in 1935, the Nitro Química factory arrived in the São Miguel Paulista neighborhood, which became a working-class neighborhood. With the idea of providing assistance to workers and their families, the chemical company invested in buildings such as the protagonist of today’s story: the Nitro Química Social Club.
The place, in addition to being the headquarters of the Nitro Química Regatta Club, was also used by employees and residents for art, education, culture, and sports activities.
In 1980, Brazil was experiencing the height of indoor carnival, and the club hosted many such parties. The dances there were known as the most sought-after in the region. There were also matinees for children and teenagers and community events such as beer festivals and graduation dances.
Abandonment and lack of prospects
With the industrial crisis of 1960, Nitro Química underwent restructuring and stopped investing in welfare issues. Although it was the last institution to close, the club was shut down due to loss of utility.
Today, the ruins of this industrial heritage remain forgotten. The locker rooms, rooms, and structures are degraded, with broken glass and trophies, broken doors, and vandalized walls. In addition, there is graffiti and a lot of trash left on the site. There are no plans or projects to occupy the land again, despite residents’ demands that the space be turned into a cultural center.
From the factory to the fields: The Nitro Química Regatta Club
Founded in 1939, the team formed by workers and residents of the region did not win any significant titles. But today it is known for being an important symbol for workers and is marked in the history of São Paulo soccer.
It played in the São Paulo State Championship, competing in the third division in all its appearances, and also played in the “III São Paulo Youth Soccer Cup,” showing that, above all, there was investment in the team from the youth categories.
Today, the team remains only in amateur football, due to lack of investment, and has withdrawn from professional competition, leaving official competitions. Despite this, Clube Recreativo Nitro-Química continues to bear the same name and wear the same jersey, thus preserving the memory of the workers.