The Emergence of Curitiba: The Beginning of Everything

The history of Curitiba began long before it was recognized as a modern and innovative capital. On March 29, 1693, Curitiba was officially founded, but before that, the area was already inhabited by various indigenous peoples, including the Guaranis, who gave the city the name Curityba – which means "land of many pines" or "land of araucarias," referring to the native trees of the region. These first inhabitants were the ones who gave life to what would become a city full of history and culture.

The settlement of Curitiba was a gradual process. In the beginning, it was a small village with an economy mainly focused on agriculture and trade, especially yerba mate, wood, and, later, with the boost of European immigration, other activities began to develop. During the colonial period, Curitiba grew slowly, but it didn’t take long for the municipality to begin to stand out in the southern region of Brazil.

The Evolution of Curitiba Over Time

Although Curitiba was founded at the end of the 17th century, the city became a village in 1721, and only in 1853, after the signing of Provincial Law No. 1,043, did Curitiba become recognized as the capital of the Province of Paraná. From then on, the city began an accelerated development process, with the construction of major infrastructure projects, such as the Curitiba-Paranaguá Railway, inaugurated in 1885, which connected the city to the coast and opened new opportunities for trade and tourism.

During the first half of the 20th century, Curitiba modernized, receiving investments in infrastructure and seeking to organize itself efficiently, as happened in many other Brazilian cities. But it was with Jaime Lerner’s arrival at the Mayor’s office in the 1970s that the city began to be globally recognized for its innovation in urban planning and sustainability.

Jaime Lerner’s Legacy and the Current Curitiba

Jaime Lerner’s administration (three times mayor of Curitiba) revolutionized the city with proposals such as the express bus public transport system and the implementation of green areas. These transformations, among others, not only made Curitiba a reference in urbanism but also placed it in the international media as an example of public management and innovation.

Today, the city is a development hub, with tourism highlighting its natural and cultural beauties. Its parks, museums, and, of course, the famous Rua 24 Horas and the Botanical Garden attract tourists from all over the world, who come to experience this city that not only grows but reinvents itself.

Curitiba Today: A Capital in Constant Evolution

With a population of over 1.9 million people, Curitiba is recognized as one of the most ecological and sustainable cities in Brazil. Its parks and green areas are a heritage of the city, as well as its public policies focused on the well-being of the population and environmental preservation. And the city keeps growing: projects such as the Caminho dos Vinhedos, Tanguá Park, and new cultural initiatives continue to strengthen Curitiba's importance as a vibrant and modern destination.

In other words:

Curitiba has much to celebrate, not just on March 29, but every day. The city has been a protagonist of transformations over the years, with a growth that combines innovation and preservation, in addition to a rich and welcoming culture. If you want to learn more about the city, come take a City Tour with Brasul Trips and discover all the secrets Curitiba has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you’re near or far, Curitiba has something special for every visitor.

Happy birthday, Curitiba!