Brazil was a Portuguese colony for almost 300 years. It was in 1808 when the famous ruler Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Portugal. The Portuguese rulers fearing punishment shifted the Court of Justice from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro thereby creating the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and Algarves in 1815. This gave Brazil a bit of administrative independence.
But Prince Pedro, son of Portugal's king was the man behind Brazil’s real freedom. Although Prince Pedro’s wife strictly opposed the decision of declaiming Brazil, he called for Brazil’s autonomy from Portugal in 1822.
There is a famous incident related to this phase of history. Prince Pedro stood with his army near Brazil's Ipiranga River and made an announcement of independence. He tore the Portuguese symbol from his uniform and declared, "By my blood, by my honor, and by God: I will make Brazil free. " After that Pedro became the Emperor of Brazil and forced Portuguese forces to leave Brazil.
It took another 70 years for Brazil to become a democratic republic. In 1889 Brazil finished its monarchy but kept 7th September as its Independence Day.
September 7 has since then been declared as a National holiday and is celebrated with fervour and joy in Brazil. Parade and marches are organised that walk along the ‘Monumental Axis’ that is an area of various important ministerial houses in Brazil. All this happens in the presence of the President of Brazil.
The National celebrations are broadcasted live on TV NBR channel.
Reference: ClaendarLabs. com
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