Feira de Santana history

The history of the city of Feira de Santana is closely linked to its geographical position and the development of trade in colonial Brazil. The city grew from a humble crossroads into one of the most important economic centres in the state of Bahia.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city's history begins in the 18th century with a farm (fazenda) named "Sant'Ana dos Olhos d'Água," owned by Domingos Barbosa de Araújo and his wife Anna Brandoa. Thanks to its location on the route of cattle drivers heading from the arid interior regions (sertão) to the coast in Salvador, a spontaneous market arose here. The city's name literally translates as "Saint Anne's Fair," which directly reflects its origins.

Key Factors of Establishment

• Geography: The city is situated at a strategic intersection of roads, which made it a natural centre of attraction for traders and travellers. This ensured rapid growth and economic prosperity.
• Trade: The main engine of the economy was the cattle fair (`Feira de Gado`), which eventually became one of the largest in north-eastern Brazil. This attracted not only cattle ranchers to the region but also artisans and merchants.
• Political Power: As its economic significance grew, the settlement received official status. In 1832, it became a villa (small town), and on September 18, 1873, it was granted city status (cidade).

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Feira de Santana was formed as a commercial centre, rather than an administrative or religious one. Its culture was imbued with the spirit of entrepreneurship and the traditions of the "tropeiros" (cattle drivers). The economy focused on livestock farming, as well as the production and sale of related goods, such as leather products. The city quickly established itself as a vital hub connecting the interior regions of the state of Bahia with its capital and port.

Timeline of Feira de Santana's History

The history of Feira de Santana is a journey from a humble fair to the second-largest city in the state of Bahia. Key events reflect its rapid growth as an important commercial and cultural centre.

• Early 18th Century — Foundation of the "Sant'Ana dos Olhos d'Água" farm by Domingos Barbosa de Araújo and his wife Anna Brandoa, marking the beginning of the future settlement.
• 1732 — Completion of the Cathedral of Saint Anne (Catedral de Sant'Ana), which became an important religious and social centre.
• November 13, 1832 — The settlement receives the official status of a villa (Vila do Arraial de Feira de Sant'Anna), becoming the first step towards municipal self-governance.
• September 18, 1873 — The villa receives city status (cidade), cementing its growing economic and political significance in the region.
• 1876 — Opening of the railway line connecting Feira de Santana with the port of Cachoeira, which significantly accelerated trade and development.
• 1960s — The city becomes a vital hub at the intersection of federal highways, reinforcing its nickname "Gateway to the Sertão" and stimulating a new wave of economic growth.
• May 31, 1976 — Foundation of the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), which transformed the city into a major educational and scientific centre of the region.
• 1980s — The opening of the Subaé Industrial Centre (Centro Industrial do Subaé, CIS) gave a powerful boost to the city's industrialisation.

Beyond its economic history, Feira de Santana is also renowned for its cultural events. Every year in April, the famous "Micareta" takes place here — one of the largest street carnivals in Brazil, attracting thousands of tourists.

Key Milestones in the Development of Feira de Santana

The development of Feira de Santana is a story of transformation from a trading crossroads into one of the key cities of the state of Bahia. The main stages reflect its economic dynamics and cultural formation.

• Commercial Birth (18th Century) — The city originated as a spontaneous cattle fair (`Feira de Gado`) on the route connecting the interior regions (sertão) with the coast. This defined its commercial character and laid the foundation for future economic growth.
• Gaining City Status (1832–1873) — Receiving official status, first as a villa (1832) and then as a city (1873), served as formal recognition of its growing economic and political importance in the region.
• Era of Railways (1876) — The opening of railway connections to port cities, such as Cachoeira, provided a powerful impetus for development. It simplified logistics, accelerated the turnover of goods, and strengthened the city's position as a trading hub.
• Transport Hub (1960s) — In the mid-20th century, Feira de Santana turned into an important hub at the intersection of federal highways. This secured the nickname "Gateway to the Sertão" and gave new momentum to the development of logistics and trade.
• Educational Transformation (1976) — The foundation of the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS) changed the social and cultural landscape of the city. It became a major educational and scientific centre, attracting students and researchers from all over the country.
• Industrialisation (1980s) — The creation of the Subaé Industrial Centre (CIS) marked the transition from a predominantly trading economy to an industrial one. This diversified the city's economic base and created new jobs.
• Cultural Symbol — "Micareta" — The establishment and popularisation of the "Micareta" carnival, one of the largest street festivals in Brazil, turned Feira de Santana into an important tourist destination and strengthened its cultural identity.

The architectural appearance of Feira de Santana reflects its dynamic history as a trade and transport hub. Unlike the older colonial cities of Brazil, its development was rapid and pragmatic, so later architectural styles prevail here, and urban planning is oriented towards functionality.

Main Architectural Stages

Colonial Heritage and Eclecticism (18th – early 20th Century)

The early development of the city was simple and functional, befitting its status as a trading settlement. The most significant building of this period is the Cathedral of Saint Anne (Catedral Metropolitana de Sant'Ana), construction of which began in the 18th century. Its appearance combines elements of Baroque and later Neoclassicism. With the attainment of city status in the late 19th century, representative buildings in the Eclectic style appeared. A striking example is the Paço Municipal Maria Quitéria (City Hall), built in the 1920s. Its architecture mixes Classical, Baroque, and Neoclassical details, which is characteristic of the Eclectic style of that time.

Art Deco and Modernism (Mid-20th Century)

In the first half of the 20th century, buildings in the Art Deco style appeared in the city. A key monument of this trend is the Mercado de Arte Popular (Market of Popular Art), built in 1914 as the main municipal market. Its geometric forms and functional structure make it an important architectural object. The era of Modernism, which began in the 1960s, coincided with the city's transformation into the region's main transport hub. This led to the formation of a modern urban grid with wide avenues. The architecture of this period is characterised by functionality and simple lines, clearly visible in the campus of the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS).

Modern Development (Late 20th – 21st Century)

The modern stage of urban planning is associated with the growth of industry and the service sector. Numerous shopping centres, modern residential complexes, and industrial buildings in the Subaé Industrial Centre (CIS) have appeared. The architecture of these objects is primarily subject to utilitarian tasks, forming the current business-like and dynamic appearance of Feira de Santana.

The city of Feira de Santana, known as the "Princess of the Sertão", has been the birthplace of many outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the culture and history of Brazil.

• Maria Quitéria de Jesus (1792–1853) — A national heroine of Brazil. She is considered one of the key figures in the country's war for independence. Disguising herself as a man, Maria joined a battalion and displayed exceptional bravery, becoming the first female soldier in the history of Brazil.
• Jorge Amado (1912–2001) — One of the most famous and translated Brazilian writers of the 20th century. Although he was not born in the city itself but in its vicinity, his life and work are closely connected to the state of Bahia. His novels, such as "Captains of the Sands" and "Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands", brought worldwide fame to the region's culture.
• Divaldo Pereira Franco (1927–2024) — A world-renowned medium, spiritualist, and philanthropist. He founded the charitable organisation "Mansion of the Way" (Mansão do Caminho), which has provided assistance to thousands of children and those in need. His humanitarian and educational activities have received recognition far beyond Brazil.
• Eurico Alves Boaventura (1909–1974) — An outstanding poet, lawyer, and essayist. He was an important figure in the modernist movement in the state of Bahia and was renowned for his poetic talent and contribution to literature.
• Colbert Martins da Silva Filho (born 1958) — A well-known political figure and physician. He served as the mayor of Feira de Santana, contributing to the modern development and governance of the city.
• Irmã Dulce (1914–1992) — A Catholic nun who dedicated her life to helping the poor and the sick. Although she was born in Salvador, her activities and influence extended throughout the state of Bahia, including Feira de Santana. In 2019, she was canonised by the Catholic Church, becoming the first saint born in Brazil.