Scandinavian Brazilian

Infobox Ethnic group
group=Scandinavian Brazilian
"Escandinavo Brasileiro"


Scandinavian immigrants in Brazil
poptime= Indefinite
popplace= Brazil: Mainly Southern and Southeastern Brazil
langs= Predominantly Portuguese
rels= Protestant and Catholic
related= Other White Brazilian, Norwegian people, Swedish people

Scandinavian Brazilian ( _pt. Escandinavo Brasileiro) is a Brazilian person of full, partial, or predominantly Scandinavian ancestry, or a Scandinavian-born person residing in Brazil.

Scandinavian settlement in Brazil took place principally in the mid to late 19th century, when Scandinavians people arrived in Brazil. Many Scandinavians came to Brazil for economic reasons and in order to start a new life. [ [http://www.fearg.com.br/site/?n_link=etnia_noruegueses Nossa Feira, Nossa Terra, Nossa Gente - FEARG/FECIS 2008 ] ]

In recent years, many Norwegians and Swedish have immigrated to the littoral zone of the State of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, attracted by the beaches and the tropical climate. [ [http://www.imobiliariabrasil.com/por/noticias/rio_grande_dos_nordicos_dos_espanhois_portugueses_ate_islandeses_europeus_compram_casas_com_certificado_de_sol/97/ Rio Grande dos nórdicos - dos espanhóis, portugueses, até islandeses: europeus compram casas com certificado de sol ] ]

History

In 1768, the scientist Daniel Solander, disciple of Carl von Linné, was the first known Swedish to arrive in Brazil. [ [http://www.brazilianembassy.se/english/BrazilSweden.asp Brazilian Embassy in Stockholm ] ]

The friendly relations between Brazil and Sweden are rooted in the family ties of the Brazilian and the Swedish Royal Families and in the Swedish emigration to Brazil in the end of the 19th century. The wife of King Oscar I of Sweden , Queen Josefina av Leuchtenberg, was sister to Amelia de Leuchtenberg, wife of Emperor Pedro I of Brazil. Diplomatic relations between Brazil and Sweden were established in 1826.

In Riddarholmen, where Swedish kings and noblemen are buried, there are commemorative plaques of Emperors Pedro I and Pedro II as well as of President Epitácio Pessoa (who received the Order of Serafim). The first Swedish emigrants arrived in Brazil in 1890, and in 1909 the first sea line between the two countries was initiated.

The mass emigration from Norway started about 1865–1866, after the Civil War was over. Several ship-owners saw the opportunity to earn good money by transporting emigrants to New World. United States, Canada and Brazil received many Norwegians.

In Curitiba, one of the first Scandinavians of note (Leif Ericson did not sail this far south) to arrive was Alfredo Andersen, an artist who arrived towards the end of the 19th century and painted remarkable works for his time well into the 1930s. The Museu Alfredo Andersen (Rua Mateus Leme, 133), containing much of his work, exhibits leading contemporary international artists, and has become a focal point of the fine arts in Paraná (state) and southern Brazil. [ [http://www.swedcham.com.br/magazine_article.asp?id=207 Publicações - Scandinavian culture in Curitiba: 365 hands - one for every day of the year ] ]

Religion and Culture

The Scandinavian Church in Brazil is a part of "The Swedish Church Abroad" (SKUT) - which is belonging to The Swedish Church. They are offering services for Scandinavians or persons with Scandinavian related interests. They have churches in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo with Scandinavian-speaking staff where you can meet Scandinavians, attend masses, read Scandinavian newspapers, get help and information or just want to speak or drink a cup of coffee in a calm and quiet environment. [ [http://www.scandinavianchurch.com.br/ Scandinavian Chruch in São Paulo, Brazil ] ]

candinavian food

"Svanen" is the only Scandinavian restaurant in São Paulo today, and has been serving the best of Scandinavian food to the São Paulo public for over 7 years. Heading the kitchen is Vera Jacobsen, who has extensive experience with Scandinavian cuisine and its delicacies, such as smörgåsbord. [ [http://www.svanen.com.br/english.html# Svanen ] ]

candinavian Association in Rio

In 1933, the 50 "Ars Pokalen" was created, to travel within the Swedish and Norwegian Colony to be given to a male member on his 50th birthday, having lived at least 2 years in Rio de Janeiro. In 1947, The Swedish Association was created. Some of the first Swedish companies were established as early as before the I World War. In 1950, The Danish Association (Den Danske Klub) was established and is still running. In 1951,The Scandinavian Golf tournament started and is still running. The winner receives a challenge cup. In 1955, The Norwegian Association (Det Norske Samfund) was established.

In 1994, The Norwegian Association was put on "hold" since there had been a notable reduction of Norwegians in Rio during the last three years and few Norwegians who remained had the possibility to keep the Association up and running. In 2001, The Swedish Association transformed into the Scandinavian Association and are since then including all the Nordic countries; Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. [ [http://scandinavian-association.net/about.html#history Scandinavian Association in Rio de Janeiro - About ] ]

candinavian Club in São Paulo

In 1890, a Scandinavian association was founded, which according to records, is unique in the whole world. This centennial association, being one of the oldest clubs in São Paulo remains very proud of its continuous vitality. Definitely, one can affirm that Scandinavian tradition has created roots and established well in this fertile and hospitable country - Brazil. Originally modest, the club prospered, innovated and increased its properties always with objective to offer to its members new opportunities and options in recreation and sports within a cosy and stimulating atmosphere. Our headquarters are located in Campo Belo. At this establishment we have excellent Scandinavian restaurant open to the public. In the same building we have private facilities up to 60 persons for the members' parties, conferences, lunches, dinners and symposiums. We also have a country club located in Eldorado - some 25 km from the city, right by the Billings lake. In this establishment we offer a wide variety of social and sports activities for our members. [ [http://www.clubevolvoantigo.com.br/escandinavo/clube.htm Foto 01 ] ]

Notable Scandinavian Brazilians

* Lars Bjorkstrom (Swedish Brazilian) [ [http://revistaepoca.globo.com/Revista/Epoca/0,,EDG76872-6014,00-OS+VIKINGS+DA+VELA.html Época - NOTÍCIAS - Os vikings da vela ] ]
* Robert Scheidt

ee also

* Immigration to Brazil
* White Brazilian
* Norwegian people
* Swedish people

References