Joinville history

The history of Joinville is a fascinating combination of European aristocracy and the perseverance of immigrants who laid the foundation for one of the largest industrial centres in the south of Brazil. The city, bearing a French name but built largely by German hands, possesses a rich and multifaceted past.

Foundation and Royal Roots

The official founding date of the city is considered to be 9 March 1851, when a ship arrived on the coast carrying the first settlers from Europe — primarily Germans, Swiss, and Norwegians. However, the city's name has royal origins. The lands on which it is located were part of the dowry of the Brazilian Princess Francisca, sister of Emperor Pedro II, upon her marriage to François d'Orléans, Prince de Joinville. Unable to manage the distant estates, the Prince sold part of the land to a German company for colonisation. Thus, the future city received the name Colônia Dona Francisca, and was later renamed in honour of her husband's title.

Key Factors of Development

The rapid development of Joinville was driven by several important factors:

• Immigration: From 1851 to 1888, approximately 17,000 German immigrants arrived in the city, bringing with them a culture of work, organisational skills, and craftsmanship.
• Geographical Location: Its location by the Cachoeira River and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean facilitated the development of trade and logistics, turning the city into a vital transport hub for the region.
• Industrial Development: Settlers quickly transitioned from agriculture to establishing manufactories. Joinville soon became known as the "Brazilian Manchester" thanks to its multitude of factories and plants.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Joinville was formed as a city with strong European, primarily German, influence. This was evident in its architecture, traditions, and way of life. The economy was based on industrial production — from metalworking and textiles to food production. The city quickly earned a reputation as one of the most hardworking and organised in the country, which is reflected today in its high standard of living and economic prosperity.

Key Dates in the History of Joinville

• 1843 – The lands on which the modern city is located become part of the dowry of the Brazilian Princess Francisca on the occasion of her marriage to François d'Orléans, Prince de Joinville.
• 9 March 1851 – Considered the official founding date of the city, when the first 191 immigrants from Europe landed, establishing the Dona Francisca colony.
• 1852 – The settlement is officially renamed Joinville in honour of the title of Princess Francisca's husband.
• 13 July 1892 – The Joinville Volunteer Fire Brigade (Corpo de Bombeiros Voluntários de Joinville) is founded, the oldest in Brazil.
• 1910 – Construction is completed on a vital section of the railway connecting the city to the port of São Francisco do Sul, providing a powerful boost for the export of industrial products.
• 1938 – The metallurgical company Tupy is founded, which would eventually grow into one of the world leaders in its sector.
• Mid-20th Century – The nickname "Brazilian Manchester" becomes firmly attached to the city due to the high concentration of industrial enterprises.
• 1983 – The Joinville Dance Festival is held for the first time, which would later become the largest dance festival in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records.
• 15 March 2000 – The Bolshoi Theatre School opens in the city — its only branch outside of Russia, cementing Joinville's status as the "City of Dance".
• Early 21st Century – Joinville becomes the most populous city in the state of Santa Catarina, confirming its status as a major economic and cultural centre of southern Brazil.

Stages of Joinville's Development: From Colony to Metropolis

The history of Joinville is a vivid example of how European heritage, hard work, and astute planning transformed a small settlement into one of the most prosperous cities in Brazil. Key milestones in its development reflect the transformation from an agrarian colony to a powerful industrial and cultural hub.

• Foundation and European Colonisation (1851): The arrival of the first immigrants from Germany, Switzerland, and Norway laid the cultural and social foundation of the city. They brought not only traditions but also a work ethic that became the basis for the future economic miracle.
• Industrial Boom (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries): The city quickly reoriented itself from agriculture to industry. Thanks to the establishment of numerous factories and plants, Joinville earned the nickname "Brazilian Manchester", becoming a leading industrial centre in the south of the country.
• Creation of the Metallurgical Giant Tupy (1938): The founding of the Tupy company was a turning point in the city's economic history. Today, it is a multinational corporation and one of the world leaders in the production of cast iron components, highlighting Joinville's status as a centre of high technology in metallurgy.
• Transformation into the "City of Dance" (from 1983): The establishment of the annual Dance Festival, which was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world, radically changed the cultural image of the city. This event attracts thousands of artists and tourists, making Joinville the dance capital of the country.
• Opening of the Bolshoi Theatre School (2000): The creation of the only foreign branch of the famous Moscow ballet became a unique cultural achievement. This strengthened the city's international reputation and its status as a centre of classical art in Latin America.
• Demographic Growth and Urbanisation (Early 21st Century): Joinville became the most populous city in the state of Santa Catarina, testifying to its economic appeal and high quality of life.
• Development as a Technological Hub: In recent decades, the city has actively developed the information technology and innovation sector, transforming into an important technological pole in southern Brazil and attracting new investments and qualified specialists.

The architectural appearance of Joinville is a visual history of its development, from a modest settlement of European immigrants to a major industrial centre. Its urban fabric harmoniously combines the legacy of German colonists with features of Brazilian modernism.

German Heritage: Half-Timbered Style

The basis of the city's historical buildings consists of structures erected by German settlers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The most recognisable style of this era is half-timbered (Enxaimel). This framing technology, where visible wooden beams form a rigid structure and the space between them is filled with brick or clay, was brought by immigrants from Europe. The characteristic features of this style — the contrasting combination of dark beams and light walls — still define the look of many buildings in the rural areas around Joinville, as well as some structures within the city itself. A striking example is the Pórtico district at the city entrance and several buildings on Rua das Palmeiras (Palm Avenue).

Industrial Architecture and Eclecticism

With the growth of industrial importance in the early 20th century, buildings in the style of eclecticism and early industrial functionalism began to appear in the city. Old factory buildings, railway stations, and public buildings of this period are distinguished by their monumentality, use of red brick, and strict geometric forms. The National Museum of Immigration and Colonisation, located in the former residence of the colony's administrator, is a fine example of mid-19th-century colonial architecture, combining elements of neoclassicism with the practicality characteristic of that era.

Modernism and Contemporary Development

In the second half of the 20th century, during a period of rapid economic growth, Joinville's architecture began to reflect national Brazilian trends. Buildings appeared in the modernist style: with clean lines, large glass surfaces, and the use of reinforced concrete. An example is the Cathedral of São Francisco Xavier, whose conical shape and monumentality make it stand out against the urban landscape. Modern urban planning is aimed at creating a comfortable urban environment, which is expressed in the development of public spaces, parks, and the famous network of cycle paths, earning Joinville the fame of the "city of bicycles".

Distinguished Figures Connected to Joinville

The history and culture of Joinville have been shaped by many talented and determined individuals. From founding politicians to world-renowned artists, here are some of the key figures who have left their mark on the life of the city.

• Ottokar Doerffel (1818–1906)
  Journalist, politician, and lawyer.
  One of the most important figures in the early history of Joinville. Arriving from Germany, he founded the city's first newspaper, the "Kolonie-Zeitung", played a central role in organising public life, and became the first mayor (president of the municipal council) of the colony. His leadership qualities and cultural contribution laid the foundation for the administrative and social development of the city.
• Fritz Alt (1902–1968)
  Sculptor and artist.
  A native of Germany, Fritz Alt moved to Joinville and became one of the pioneers of art in the region. He is the author of numerous sculptures adorning the city's public spaces. His most famous work is the Monument to the Immigrant, created for the centenary of Joinville in 1951. The house where he lived now functions as the Casa Fritz Alt Museum, where his works are exhibited.
• Juarez Machado (born 1941)
  Painter, sculptor, cartoonist, and set designer.
  Born in Joinville, Juarez Machado is one of the most famous Brazilian artists on the international stage. His unique style is recognisable worldwide. Despite global recognition, he maintains a strong connection with his hometown, where he founded the Juarez Machado Institute — an important cultural centre hosting exhibitions and events.
• Luiz Henrique da Silveira (1940–2015)
  Politician.
  One of the most influential figures in the modern political history of the city and the state of Santa Catarina. He was elected mayor of Joinville three times and served as state governor and federal senator. His activities as mayor and governor contributed to significant economic and infrastructural growth in Joinville, strengthening its status as an industrial leader.
• Ana Moser (born 1968)
  Volleyball player.
  Although Ana Moser was born in neighbouring Blumenau, she is often associated with Joinville, where she spent part of her life and where her sporting successes evoke immense pride. She is one of the greatest volleyball players in Brazilian history, and her main achievement was the bronze medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta — the first Olympic medal for the Brazilian women's volleyball team.
• Marli Sutil
  Cultural figure, founder of the Dance Festival.
  The name Marli Sutil is inextricably linked to the city's main cultural event — the Joinville Dance Festival. She was the visionary and organiser of this event, which eventually grew into the largest dance festival in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Her contribution transformed Joinville into the "City of Dance".