The invention of Sete de Setembro, 1822-1831

Abstract

Using contemporary newspapers, travelers accounts, and the reports of foreign diplomats, this article examines the rapid invention of D. Pedro I's 7 September 1822 Cry of Ipiranga as Brazil's independence day. Contrary to those who have argued that it took some time to construct D. Pedro's actions that day as the Brazilian nation's founding moment, this article argues that, in fact, the day was recognized as Brazil's independence day in 1823. However, for much of the rest of the 1820s, it was considered less important a day of national festivity than 12 October, the emperor's birthday and the commemoration of his acclamation in 1822, and consequently the day on which the Brazilian empire was created. This article concludes with a discussion of the significant changes in the meaning of both days in 1830 and the abolition of 12 October as a day of national festivity in 1831, which left 7 September as Brazil's most important national holiday.