Barreirinhas history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Barreirinhas is inextricably linked to the Preguiças River (Rio Preguiças). The first settlements in this area emerged due to its favourable geographical position, which attracted people with its fertile lands and access to water. The year 1871 is considered the official milestone in the city's history, when the settlement received the administrative status of a villa (town), separating from the neighbouring region.

According to a common version, the city's name comes from the word "barreiras" — referring to the clay banks and small sand mounds characteristic of the local riverbed.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Barreirinhas as an important settlement was determined by several circumstances:

• Geography and Logistics: Its location on the banks of the navigable Preguiças River made the city a natural transport hub. The river served as the main artery connecting the interior regions of the state of Maranhão with the Atlantic coast.
• Agriculture: During its formative period, the region's economy relied on farming. Local residents actively cultivated cotton, rice, corn, and cassava, utilizing river transport to export their produce.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Barreirinhas was a quiet agrarian and trading centre. The population's life was entirely governed by the rhythms of the river: fishing and navigation on traditional boats formed the basis of daily life. The city's cultural identity was formed through a blend of indigenous traditions and the customs of Portuguese settlers, laying the foundation for the unique atmosphere of the region that can still be felt here today.

Major Historical Milestones

• Mid-19th Century — The first sustainable settlements begin to form on the banks of the Preguiças River, giving rise to the future city.
• 14 June 1871 — The settlement receives the administrative status of "villa" (town) and officially separates from the territory of the neighbouring municipality.
• 29 March 1938 — Barreirinhas officially receives city status (cidade) in accordance with a state decree of Maranhão.
• 2 June 1981 — The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is established, marking a turning point that transformed the city into the main gateway to the unique dunes.
• 2002 — Construction and paving of the MA-402 highway is completed, connecting Barreirinhas with the state capital, São Luís, and opening the region to mass tourism.
• September 2021 — Opening of the modernized Barreirinhas Airport, allowing for regular commercial flights and increasing the flow of travellers.
• July 2024 — The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, access to which is provided by the city, is included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list.

Stages of the City's Transformation

The development of Barreirinhas is a journey from an isolated agricultural settlement to the gateway of one of the world's most famous national parks. Key events that defined the modern look of the city include:

• Acquiring City Status (1938)
  Official recognition of Barreirinhas as a city granted administrative autonomy. This allowed local authorities to independently manage the budget and plan urban development, shifting focus from chaotic settlement along the river to a more organized street structure.
• Creation of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (1981)
  A turning point in the economy. Federal protection of the unique dunes attracted the attention of ecologists and the first travellers. This event laid the foundation for repurposing the city from an agrarian centre into a tourism hub.
• Construction of Highway MA-402 (2002)
  The paving of the road connecting Barreirinhas to the state capital, São Luís, brought the city out of transport isolation. Travel time was significantly reduced, leading to a sharp increase in tourist flow and the beginning of active urbanization in the outskirts.
• Formation of the Tourist Promenade (2000s – 2010s)
  Urban transformation of the Preguiças River coastline. The appearance of restaurants, docks, and walking areas turned the embankment into a centre of social and cultural life, shifting business activity closer to the water.
• Opening of the Commercial Airport (2021)
  The launch of regular flights connected the city with major Brazilian aviation hubs. This attracted a broader audience and stimulated investment in the high-level service sector, including the construction of comfortable hotels.
• UNESCO Heritage Recognition (2024)
  The inclusion of the park in the World Natural Heritage list secured Barreirinhas' status as a world-class destination. This event stimulates the improvement of urban infrastructure and the implementation of sustainable tourism standards.

Urban Development and City Structure

The architectural appearance of Barreirinhas was formed under the influence of its main geographical feature — the Preguiças River. Unlike colonial centres with a rigid street grid, this city developed organically and linearly along the water artery, which historically served as the region's main road.

The urbanization of Barreirinhas can be roughly divided into two stages:

• River Stage (19th – mid-20th Century): Development was concentrated exclusively near the water. Houses were built with facades facing the river or parallel to it, forming an elongated settlement structure.
• Tourism Stage (Late 20th – 21st Century): With the growing popularity of Lençóis Maranhenses, the city began to expand inland. New districts appeared with modern layouts, hotel complexes, and paved roads oriented towards accommodating motor vehicles.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Barreirinhas does not feature monumental palaces or lavish cathedrals characteristic of Brazil's large colonial centres. The architecture here is utilitarian but possesses its own charm, reflecting the lifestyle of small towns in the state of Maranhão.

The main styles that can be found in the city include:

• Traditional Provincial Architecture (Luso-Brazilian influence):
  Characteristic of the historic centre. These are one- or two-storey buildings with simple geometric forms, pitched roofs covered with ceramic tiles, and tall door-windows. Facades are often decorated with ceramic tiles (azulejos), a typical heritage of Portuguese culture in Maranhão that helps protect walls from humidity and heat.
• Modern Resort Architecture:
  Represented by numerous hotels (pousadas) and dining establishments. This style often imitates "rustic chic" (rustico), using natural materials: wood, buriti palm straw, and exposed brick. Such buildings blend harmoniously into the tropical landscape.

Landmarks and Districts

Despite its modest size, the city has several points of interest that form its visual image:

• Beira-Rio Promenade (Avenida Beira-Rio)
  The prime example of modern urban renovation in the city. The transformation of the old port zone into a landscaped promenade with wooden boardwalks, restaurants, and leisure areas has radically changed the look of the centre, making it a comfortable public space.
• Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição)
  The city's central Catholic temple. This building is distinguished by architectural modesty and simple lines, characteristic of religious structures in the Brazilian interior of the 20th century. Its white facade and concise bell tower serve as an important landmark in the city centre.
• Prefecture Building
  An administrative building retaining features of mid-20th-century official architecture, standing out against the residential development due to its size and stricter style.

Distinguished Personalities of Barreirinhas

As the gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, the city of Barreirinhas has nurtured and attracted many talented individuals whose work is connected to celebrating the beauty of this land, its governance, and cultural development.

Figures in Culture and Science

• José Manuel Macário Rebêlo
  Role: Writer, biologist, professor.
  A native of Barreirinhas who became a renowned academic and literary figure. His novel "The Wind, the Sea and the Sand" (O vento, o mar e a areia) is an important cultural work that artistically describes the life, nature, and social challenges of the Lençóis Maranhenses region.
• Carlos Dimuro
  Role: Poet, cultural project curator.
  A contemporary artist whose work is inextricably linked to the poeticization of local landscapes. His poems dedicated to the dunes and the city are immortalized on special commemorative totems installed in public places throughout Barreirinhas.
• Joel DuMara
  Role: Artist.
  A master of plastic arts whose works visualize the unique atmosphere of the "Brazilian desert". His creativity helps form the visual brand of the region, drawing attention to the aesthetics of the local landscapes.

Historical and Public Figures

• José Pacífico Serra
  Role: Cleric, historical figure.
  A 19th-century figure who played a role in the early administrative and spiritual organization of the settlement. He was appointed vicar in 1861, when Barreirinhas was just acquiring the features of an independent administrative unit (freguesia).
• Albérico de França Ferreira Filho
  Role: Politician, former mayor and deputy.
  A significant figure in the recent political history of the municipality. He served as mayor of the city and as a deputy, actively participating in the modernization of urban infrastructure during the period of rapid growth in tourist interest in the region.