Penápolis

Penápolis is a municipality in the state of São Paulo in Brazil. The population in 2006 is 59,893 and the area is 710.42 km². The elevation is 416 m.

Historical formation

region first populated for the "Crowned Indians" (or Kaingang or still Caingangue}. The first presence of the Brazilian State in the region was, in the end of century XIX, a military colony in to the Jump to the Avanhandava, that was nicknamed Banishment.

The Patrimony appeared in donated lands, in 1906, for the Farmer Eduardo Jose de Castilho, to the priests "Capuchinhos". These and the enterprising colonel Manuel Bento de a Cruz had established the Patrimony of Santa Cruz of the Avanhandava, in 25 of October 1908.

Immediately afterwards, in 2 of December 1908, it arrived at the new town, the Railroad the Northwest of Brazil that stimulated the encraising of the region.

The pioneers had found its bigger obstacles in the attacks of the Indians and the "malaria". The Indians alone finally had been pacified with the action of colonel Candido Rondon.

Administrative history

In 17 of November 1909, the patrimony is raised the district, and passes if to call Villa de Pennapolis, in homage to the just-deceased president Alfonso Pena. It was raised to the city, in 22 of December 1913. It was raised to the judicial district in 10 of October 1917. The installation of the judicial district occurred the 27 of July 1918.

The original territory of the city of Penápolis was vast, going until the River Paraná, but very it was reduced with its successive dismemberments in new cities.

Economy

At the beginning of its population blossomed the forest, coffee, sugar cane and cattle industries, and carriage and railroad transport. Later came the dairy industry. Currently it counts on an alcohol-sugar agro-industry, an industrial district and strong private educational sector.

Cultural aspects

Little remained of the previous culture of the Crowned Indians. The city was, however, enriched with other Brazilian and European traditions, since immigrants of several European countries established there. Migration from Minas Gerais also introduced traditions of that region, in the form of candies, cheeses, and in artisanal activities related to the sugar cane culture.

The beaches at the edge of Tietê River, along with the artificial lakes created by the Nova Avanhandava Power Plant are major touristisc attractions.

They are children of Penápolis: the Bishop of the Diocese of Duke of Caxias, Dom Mauro Morelli; the Bishop of the Armenian Church of São Paulo, Dom Vartan Waldir Boghossian; the actress Pepita Rodrigues and the composer and singer Francisco Gottardi (the Southerner), of the pair "caipira" Sulino & Marrueiro.

Hymn of the Foundation of Penápolis

In the high night, silence is deep, Alone if it hears of animals voice, and to far, the fierce shout and crazy Of the wild Indian made use to attack.

In the way of the forest, facing the jaguar, a handful of brave, Intends a city to form. E in the following, Sparkling morning of light, In the bare place raises an "altar" and a cross.

E the city blunts, Under the look of Jesus, and the fruitful work Of Manoel Bento de a Cruz! E the Capuchinhos fidiciary offices With bravery and conjunct Go opening the ways Of the Civilization.