Jaraguá do Sul

Jaraguá do Sul is a city located in the northern part of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and community spirit. The city has grown over the years, becoming an important place for both its residents and visitors. People in Jaraguá do Sul enjoy various activities and events that bring the community together. The city’s location makes it a interesting spot to learn about life in Brazil.

History

The city of Jaraguá do Sul was founded on July 25, 1876, by engineer and Brazilian Army colonel Emílio Carlos Jourdan and his family. It was first named Jaraguá, but the name was changed to Jaraguá do Sul because there was already another city named Jaraguá in Goiás state.

Etymology

The name "Jaraguá" comes from a Tupi–Guarani language and means "Lord of the Valley." It was the name the local indigenous people gave to Boa Vista Hill (Morro da Boa Vista).

Geography

Jaraguá do Sul is a city in Brazil that shares borders with several other places. To the north, it borders Campo Alegre and São Bento do Sul. To the south, it borders Blumenau, Massaranduba, Pomerode, and Rio dos Cedros. To the east, it borders Guaramirim, Joinville, and Schroeder, and to the west, it borders Corupá.

The Itapocu River flows through the city and is an important part of the area. The weather there is temperate, meaning it has mild temperatures. Summers can get quite warm, sometimes above 35 °C, and winters are cooler, with temperatures sometimes dropping near 12 °C. Frost is common in winter, but very cold temperatures below zero are rare.

Sports

Jaraguá do Sul has a famous futsal team called Malwee/Jaraguá. This team has won the national league two times. In 2007, the city's arena, Arena Jaraguá, held important matches for the Grand Prix de Futsal. The arena also held two big fighting events in 2013 and 2014.

The city has a football (soccer) team named Grêmio Esportivo Juventus. Two famous football players, Eduardo Roberto Stinghen and Filipe Luís, were born here. Eduardo, known as Ado, was born in 1946, and Filipe Luís played for Flamengo.

Industry

Jaraguá do Sul’s economy is mostly centered around metallurgy and clothing. The city is where many well-known companies started, such as WEG Industries, which makes electric motors and industrial electronics, as well as Marisol and Malwee, which make clothing. It is also the home of Duas Rodas, which produces food seasoning, and Menegotti, which makes construction equipment. Today, Jaraguá do Sul has the 7th largest economy in its state.

FEMUSC

Jaraguá do Sul hosts the Festival de Música de Santa Catarina (FEMUSC). This music festival was started by Alex Klein. It happens every year in late January and brings together students and teachers from many places around the world. The festival includes recitals, orchestra and band shows, and special music lessons and classes.

Schützenfest

The Schützenfest, also called the Festa dos Atiradores in Brazil, is a special celebration that happens every year in Jaraguá do Sul. It started in 1988 and is held in October. This festival is one of many enjoyed in October in the Santa Catarina area, thanks to the history of German people living there.

Demographics

Ethnic groups

Jaraguá do Sul was first home to the indigenous people, including the Xokleng and the Kaingang. Over time, many other groups moved to the city, such as Germans, Hungarians, Italians, Poles, and Africans. Research in 2002 showed that 45% of the people in Jaraguá do Sul have German roots. Other big groups include Italians (25%), Poles (6%), and Hungarians (3%), with 21% having other backgrounds.

Infrastructure

Transports

Airports

Jaraguá do Sul has a small airport for private or business flights. For bigger flights, people travel to Joinville Airport, about 50km away, or Navegantes International Airport.

Urban

The city's main bus station is in Getúlio Vargas Avenue, downtown, and is served by Viação Canarinho.

Intermunicipal bus system and Highways

Jaraguá do Sul has a bus station that has been in use since 1992. It is in the Vila Baependi area and serves around 600 people each day. The building also includes several local organizations.

The city can be reached using these highways:

• BR-280 – Connects to other parts of Santa Catarina and the nearby state of Paraná.
• SC-110 – Leads to nearby towns like Pomerode and Rio dos Cedros.
• SC-108 – Connects to Joinville and Blumenau.

Notable people

Jaraguá do Sul is home to some well-known individuals. Filipe Luís is a football player, Taila Santos is a mixed martial artist, and Aloísio Sebastião Boeing is known as Venerable.

Population growth

Bairros

Bairros are the neighborhoods in Jaraguá do Sul.