Camino Novo, the road connecting Rio de Janeiro with Ouiro Puerto, that was built at the beginning of the 18th century, made it possible for establishment of settlements on route to gold mines. In first years, houses were slowly appearing on that densely forested area. The first citizens of a settlement, as it is often the case on highly travelled roads, were owners of inns, farmers and merchants. Only in 1850 the settlement got city’s charter.
It is when the dynamic development has started – railway reach the place, and in 1889, by the river Paraibuna, was built the first in Latin America water power plant. In the times of rapid industrial growth, the region was mostly known for production of high quality textiles. Juiz de For a was back then one of the richest city in the country. A run of luck came to an end, when coffee, that was one of the main sources of income for locals, next to textiles, was started to be grow in the region of São Paulo. Fertile soils there gave better and better seeds.
Juiz de Fora is a real cultural melting pot. The history of the town was created by immigrants from Portugal, Italy, Germany, Syria, Lebanon, as well as from China. It is mirrored not only in architecture, but mostly in local cuisine. In the heart of the city, alongside Avenida Rio Banco, there are situated the best restaurants from each corner of the world. Of course you will also find there indigenous Brazilian food and getting more popular – even in Brazil, the country, where meat is basis of dishes – vegetarian cuisine.
Every year in July there is organized the most important event in the city – the festival of Brazilian Colonial and Ancient Music, for which arrived the best musicians in the country. But in popularity it is chased by an August feast – Miss Brazil Gay. Some audience also eagerly take part in other August festival – Rainbow Fest dedicated to LGBT community. There are organized gigs, colourful parade but also numerous debates.
