THE LAGOS PORTUGUESE BRAZILIAN QUARTERS The Lagos Portuguese Brazilians Quarters is one of the significant areas in Nigeria that reminds us of the relics of transatlantic slave trade that occurred between the 16th and the 19th century.[1] The Brazilian Quarters is located in Lagos Island, Nigeria. This area typically depicts the legacy of the freed African slaves who returned from Brazil in the 19th century.[2] The neighbourhood was established in the 19th century by returnee slaves from Brazil. These individuals are also known as 'Agudas'(Yoruba word for Catholic) or 'Brazilians returnees' and they brought with them their unique cultural practices, architectural styles and language.[3] Till date some streets on Lagos Island bear some of the returnees names. Popular among them is Compos Street. History has it that Yoruba heritage survived only in liturgy, songs, food and names of the diaspora Yorubas that remained in Brazil after the transatlantic slave trade.
The Origin of the Lagos Portuguese Brazilian Quarters Transatlantic slave trade began from the 16th century onward. It is on record that the Europeans began arriving on the West African Coast, particularly the Portuguese, Dutch, British and French to trade for enslaved people. The Europeans exchanged firearms, textiles, and alcohol for slaves who were then transported across the Atlantic to the Americans to work on plantations particularly in Brazil, the Caribbean and the U.S. An approximately 3.5-5 million Nigerians were forcibly taken during this period. African rulers, such as kings and chiefs played active roles in capturing and selling slaves gotten from wars and raids.[4]
However, the British abolition of slave trade in 1807 led to the gradual decline in transatlantic salve trade.[5] The slaves retuned to Nigeria and established the Lagos Portuguese Brazilian Quarters.[6] The Lagos Portuguese Brazilian Quarters is a fascinating and unique neighbourhood because it depicts the rich cultural and the architectural background of the beautiful city of Brazil. The Lagos Portuguese Brazilian Quarters depicts the beautiful city of Brazil in the following areas.
Architectural Design The neighbourhood is characterized by beautiful colourful buildings that reflect the Brazilian and Portuguese architectural styles. These beautiful buildings are decorated with ornate balconies, flowers, tiles and intricate woodwork that reflect the architectural design of Brazil.[7]
[Culture]] The Lagos Portuguese Brazilian Quarters is known for it's vibrant cultural scene which reflects the African Brazilian and Portuguese roots. The neighbourhood is home to various cultural events and festivals such as the Festa do Divino Espirito Santo( Feast of the Divine Holy Spirit).[8]
Cuisine The neighbourhood is famous for it's unique cuisine which reflects the African Brazilian and Portuguese heritage popular dishes which include Feijoada(bean stew).[9]
Music and Dance The Quarters is known for their lively music and dance scene, which showcases the community's rich cultural heritage. The Afro- Brazilian and dance styles such as Samba and Forro are popular in the neighbouhood.
Fashion The community is known for it's vibrant and colourful fashion sense which reflects their African Brazilian and Portuguese roots. Their dresses and attires are usually a mix of traditional African attire and Brazilian Inspired clothing.
Language Although, English is the official language of Nigeria, you may still hear Portuguese and Yoruba being spoken in the Lagos Portuguese Brazilian Quarters.
PRESERVATION EFFORTS OF THE LAGOS BRAZILIAN QUARTERS BY THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT.
The Lagos Portuguese Brazilian Quarters is an interesting place in Lagos Island that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural history of Lagos and Nigeria. In recent years, efforts are being made to preserve the cultural heritage and architectural designs at the Lagos Portuguese Quarters. In a bid to do this, the Lagos State Government in collaboration with the Brazilian and Portuguese Government, has initiated projects to restore and protect the historic buildings and cultural landmarks in the area.[10]
- ^ https://slaveryandremembrance.org/articles/article/?id=A0002
- ^ https://theses.ncl.ac.uk/jspui/handle/10443/883
- ^ https://punchng.com/inside-brazilian-quarter-where-culture-unites-lagosians-of-different-religions/
- ^ https://rpl.hds.harvard.edu/faq/transatlantic-slave-trade-0
- ^ https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199730414/obo-9780199730414-0001.xml#:~:text=The abolition of slavery in,with the development of modern
- ^ https://punchng.com/inside-brazilian-quarter-where-culture-unites-lagosians-of-different-religions/
- ^ https://scholarlypublishingcollective.org/msup/jwah/article-abstract/7/2/115/294073/Brazilian-Style-Architecture-and-Lagosian?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- ^ https://www.google.com.ng/books/edition/Africa_and_the_Americas/LmFyGzpUS5oC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=similarities between brazil and lagos brazilian quarters&pg=PA239&printsec=frontcover
- ^ https://www.iberostar.com/en/inspiration-guide/gastro/traditional-dishes-of-brazilian-cuisine/
- ^ https://nannews.ng/2024/03/23/lasg-brazilian-descendants-to-host-3rd-popo-aguda-easter-extravaganza/