They arrived at Brazil around the middle of the 19th century, they were received with love and respect by the Brazilian people, and chose the South American country as their new, second home. Last year in fact, with the President’s signature Luis Inacio Lula da Silvaa law was passed, establishing “National Greek Immigrant Day” in the fifth largest country in the world.

On September 21, 2024, the first anniversary of “Dia Nacional do Imigrante Grego” was celebrated in the Federal Parliament, in the presence – among others – of the rapporteur of the law and deputy of the State of GoiasZacharias Calil, of the presidents of the Greek communities and our ambassador in Brasilia, Ioannis Tsova-Mourouzis.

In the presentation of Mr. Calil, a famous pediatric surgeon, of Arab-Syro-Lebanese origin, for the introduction and passing of the relevant law, it was emphasized that this celebration is a recognition on the part of official Brazil of the contribution of Greek immigrants to the formation of the social and economic life of their host country, and her successful integration into Brazilian society.

As noted by Mr. Calil in his introduction to culture committee of the Federal Parliament, “Brazil has been characterized throughout its history as a country open to immigrants, who have always contributed to the enrichment of culture and our development. It was no different with the Greek immigrants who arrived here from the 19th century, in 1883. Fascinated by our values, nature and culture, many Greeks chose Brazil as their homeland, destination for a new life. They were received in it by welcoming the homeland with all the love and respect characteristic of the Brazilian people. And, like other immigrants, their ancestors worked for the growth and progress of our nation. Today, the Greeks and their descendants are scattered throughout the territory of Brazil…”

Referring to the immigration of the Greeks, Mr. Calil pointed out that the first phase took place during the Empire, with the arrival of a few families as part of his plan Dom Pedro II for the development of Brazil. It is mainly about the Kalogera family that came in 1841 from Corfu, headed by Joao Batista Calogerasdirector of the Secretariat of State for Imperial Affairs and 1st Cabinet Official for Foreign Affairs. His grandson Joao Batista Calogerasand most important member of the family, was Joao Pandia-Calogeras (1870-1934), who held the posts of Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, as well as Minister of Finance in the government Wenceslaus Bras(1914-18) while he was the only civilian to serve as Minister of War in the government Epitatio Pessoa (1919-22).

In the same report it was noted that about 30 thousand Greeks arrived in Brazil in the last 170 years.

According to the project “The Greeks in Brazil”, by Savas Apostolo PitsicaSeptember 21 was chosen because it coincides with the founding date of the first organized community of Greeks (mainly Dodecanese), in the state Santa Catarina (Florianopolis) in 1883.