History of Maués

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Maués is deeply rooted in the past and is inextricably linked with the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, particularly the Sateré-Mawé tribe. It is from their name that the modern name of the city is derived. Originally, the Luzéa religious mission was founded in this territory in the late 18th century. The year 1833 is considered the official milestone in its history, when the settlement received the administrative status of a "vila" (small town), becoming an important point on the regional map.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a small mission into a significant centre of the state of Amazonas in Brazil was driven by a combination of natural and economic factors:

• Geography and Waterways: Its location on the banks of the Maués-Açu River provided the settlement with access to the transport arteries of the Amazon basin, which was critical for trade and communication in the jungle environment.
• "Land of Guarana": This is the main factor in the city's development. Local soils and climate proved ideal for growing guarana — a plant that the indigenous inhabitants had cultivated long before the arrival of Europeans.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period was built on extractivism — the collection of forest resources, cocoa, and spices — but it was the production of guarana that became the region's hallmark. Cultural life was formed at the intersection of Portuguese traditions and the rich heritage of the indigenous people. The legends of the Sateré-Mawé, especially the myth about the origin of the "eyes" of guarana, have become an integral part of the city's identity, creating a unique atmosphere that is preserved to this day.

• 1669: Jesuit missionaries found the first Maguazes mission in the territory where Maués is located today.
• 1798: Luís Pereira da Cruz and José Rodrigues Preto officially establish a settlement named Luzéa.
• 1833: Luzéa receives the administrative status of "vila" (small town), which is considered the official birth date of the municipality.
• 1850: The territory becomes part of the newly created province of Amazonas, becoming a separate administrative unit in Brazil.
• 1852: Active development of forest resource extraction and agriculture begins, attracting new settlers.
• 1865: The settlement is temporarily renamed Villa da Conceição in honour of the city's patron saint.
• 1892: The city is assigned its modern name, Maués, as a sign of respect for the indigenous Sateré-Mawé people.
• 1896: Maués is officially elevated to the rank of city (cidade) by state law, cementing its role as an important centre.
• 1930s: The arrival of Japanese immigrants contributes to the improvement of agricultural technologies, including the cultivation of jute and vegetables.
• 1979: The first Guarana Festival (Festa do Guaraná) takes place, bringing the city nationwide fame.
• 2003: The city receives widespread media attention as the "land of longevity" due to the high life expectancy of its population.

Key Stages of Transformation

The development of the city of Maués was not linear; it was shaped by the natural riches of the Amazon and the blending of cultural traditions. Several turning points can be identified that defined the modern economic and social character of this corner of Brazil:

• Administrative Establishment (Late 19th Century). Obtaining city status in 1896 became a crucial urban planning milestone. This event gave local authorities political autonomy to manage the budget, build schools, and organise a river port, transforming the settlement from a simple mission into a fully-fledged trading hub.
• Japanese Immigration (1930s). The arrival of settlers from Japan had a huge impact on the region's economy. Immigrants brought discipline and new agricultural technologies, successfully introducing jute and vegetable crops, as well as refining guarana processing methods, which significantly improved product quality.
• Commercialisation of Guarana. The transition from artisanal gathering to systematic plantation farming made the city a monopoly in the production of this valuable raw material. This ensured the economic stability of the region and formed a unique agricultural landscape around the city.
• Cultural Renaissance and Tourism (from 1979). The establishment of the Guarana Festival became a powerful driver for the development of the service sector. The festival not only preserved the folklore and legends of the Sateré-Mawé Indians but also required the modernisation of urban infrastructure to host thousands of tourists, stimulating the hospitality industry.
• Longevity Phenomenon (21st Century). The discovery of the anomalously high life expectancy in Maués (comparable to Okinawa, Japan) created a new brand for the city. This attracted scientific investment and contributed to the development of wellness tourism, shifting the development vector from purely agrarian to service-oriented.

Urban Development and Connection to the River

The architectural appearance of the city of Maués is inextricably linked to the Maués-Açu River. Urban development proceeded linearly along the coastline, which is typical for Amazonian settlements where rivers replace roads. The historic centre has retained features of the Portuguese colonial layout with a rectangular grid of streets oriented towards the port and the main town square. This arrangement ensured natural ventilation from the river, which is vital in a tropical climate.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The city's built environment lacks the monumental palaces characteristic of major capitals; however, a blend of European traditions and local adaptation is clearly visible here. The main trends include:

• Provincial Classicism and Eclecticism (Late 19th – Early 20th Century): Manifested in the oldest public buildings and religious structures. The style is characterised by symmetry, restrained decoration, arched windows, and the use of light plaster.
• Amazonian Vernacular (Traditional Style): A unique feature of the region is wooden houses on stilts (palafitas). This style, born out of the necessity for protection against seasonal floods, still dominates in coastal zones and the outskirts.
• Modern Functionalism (Late 20th – 21st Century): Typical concrete construction characteristic of modern Brazil. These are pragmatic buildings for schools, hospitals, and shops, where aesthetics give way to utility and protection against humidity.

Landmark Buildings

The architectural dominant of the centre is the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição). This is the city's main religious structure, executed in a concise style with elements of colonial tradition. The church's high bell tower serves as a landmark visible from the river, and the square in front of it is the heart of the city's public life.

Distinguished Personalities of Maués

The history of the city of Maués is rich with the names of people who made invaluable contributions to its development — from the founding of the first settlements to glorifying the "land of guarana" on a national level. Below are key figures from different eras.

• Luís Pereira da Cruz — Founder. In 1798, together with José Rodrigues Preto, he founded the settlement of Luzéa, which subsequently grew into the modern city. His initiative marked the beginning of organised life in this area of the Amazon.
• Bernardo José Paes — Politician, First Chairman of the Chamber. He headed the first municipal chamber in 1834, immediately after the settlement received "vila" status. He played a key role in establishing the administrative independence of the municipality.
• Eunice Michiles — Politician, Senator. A representative of a prominent local family, she went down in history as the first woman to hold the post of senator in Brazil (1979). Her activities contributed to raising the region's political status.
• José Baptista Michiles — Mayor. He became the first mayor of the city elected by direct popular vote in 1947. His election marked the transition to democratic governance after a period of appointed intendants.
• Silvio Proença — Entrepreneur and Cultural Figure. Known as the "Baron of Guarana" (Barão do Guaraná). Creator of the famous "guaraná turbinado" drink, which became a gastronomic symbol of the city and a major attraction for tourists.
• Alcinei Pimentel — Historian and Writer. A member of the Maués Academy of Literature, who dedicated his life to preserving the historical memory of the city and the Mundurucânia region through books and investigative journalism.
• Socorro Barroso — Writer and Poetess. One of the founders of the Maués Academy of Literature (ALMA). She actively promotes local culture and literature, inspiring new generations of residents to be creative.