Avaré, São Paulo
Encyclopedia
Avaré is a city in the State of São Paulo
São Paulo
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the southern hemisphere and South America, and the world's seventh largest city by population. The metropolis is anchor to the São Paulo metropolitan area, ranked as the second-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas and among...
, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, located 270 km from the capital. Established on September 15, 1861 by Major Vitoriano de Souza Rocha and Domiciano Santana, the city was developed around the chapel of Our Lady of the Good Death ("Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte").
The population in 2000 was about 77,000 inhabitants. The economy is based on agriculture, cattle ranching and tourism. The attractions include the Jurumirim Hydroelectric Dam. The city has its own airport, Avaré-Arandu Airport.
Tourism is an important aspect in Avaré, which today is virtually a large ranch. Traditional events occur throughout the year, such as the Feira das Nações (Fair of the Nations), where typical foods of various countries are served, and the FAMPOP, (Fair of Popular Music), whose objective is to highlight and award singers, musicians and composers. Natural attractions such as Terra da Água, do Verde e do Sol ("Land of water, the green, and the sun") also invite tourists to the beauty of Avaré's large reservoir.
The city is also distinguished as a center of higher education. Many students from the surrounding region come to Avaré seeking a quality education and a chance to study. The Faculdade Sudoeste Paulista (São Paulo State Southwest College) and other higher education institutions are located there.