On March 1, 2025, the city of Rio de Janeiro celebrated its 460th anniversary with grandeur and festivity, marking 460 years since its founding by Estácio de Sá back in 1565. The day started with a solemn mass at the iconic Christ the Redeemer, presided over by Archbishop Dom Orani Tempesta, who, along with Mayor Eduardo Paes, played significant roles in the inaugural events.
Paes took to social media expressing his pride for the city: "460 Anos da mais incrível de todas as cidades! Obrigado, cariocas, por me darem a honra de seguir à frente dessa terra abençoada. Rio, eu gosto - e MUITO - de você!" This statement echoed the sentiments shared by many during the day, as residents and visitors alike felt the pulse of Rio’s vibrant spirit.
The celebrations continued with the traditional cake-cutting ceremony organized by the Sociedade Amigos da Rua da Carioca (Sarca) and supported by Riotur. This festive event not only commemorated the historic milestone but also connected the community with the city's rich cultural heritage.
But more than just speeches and ceremonies, the anniversary coincided with the vibrant Carnival season, and the renowned Cordão da Bola Preta started the parades with the theme "Rio, eu te amo." Hundreds of thousands of jubilant revelers filled the streets, celebrating with samba rhythms and colorful costumes, particularly on the circuit through Rua Primeiro de Março leading to Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos. The procession began at 9 AM and culminated around 1 PM, capturing the hearts of all who attended.
For many, Carnival is symbolic of Rio itself—a blend of joy, beauty, and complexity intertwined. Márcia Foletto, a long-time photographer for O Globo, beautifully captured these contradictions throughout her career. She noted, "A relação é complexa, às vezes é bonita e feliz, às vezes é dramática e desigual" as she discussed her interpretations of the city. Her photography spans the entire spectrum of life in Rio, from the joyous celebrations to the sobering realities faced by its communities. Foletto’s work highlights not just the postcard-perfect beaches but also the struggles of those living on the fringes, reminding us all of the rich tapestries woven through the city’s social fabric.
The decade leading up to this anniversary has seen Rio undergo immense transformations, with major projects aimed at revitalizing the urban space, particularly post-COVID-19. Between the extravagant events like the 2016 Olympics, which put Rio on the global stage, and initiatives such as the Reviver Centro project—meant to breathe new life back to the Central Zone—the city’s evolution is evident.
Mayor Paes acknowledged these changes during his remarks, stating, "Hoje, o Rio já conseguiu retomar sua vocação de protagonista do Brasil... temos, claro, muito para fazer. E também muito para comemorar." His words reflect both the strides made and the challenges still faced, reinforcing the city's resilience and vibrancy.
The day’s festivities also catered to culinary experiences, showcasing restaurants with breathtaking views of classic landmarks across the city—from the picturesque Baía de Guanabara to the looming presence of Corcovado leading the city’s skyline. Restaurants across Rio offered dishes steeped not only in flavor but cultural significance, ensuring every bite served as both nourishment and celebration of history.
Even as the mass honored the solemnity of the occasion, the overarching sense was one of unity and joy. With music, dancing, and the joyous spirit of Carnival flooding the streets, the event was not simply about commemorative activities but showcased the soul of Rio: its people.
Finally, as the day drew to its conclusion, Rio de Janeiro stood not only as the Cidade Maravilhosa but as a city enriched by its history, present vibrancy, and hopeful future. Residents reflected on the beauty of their home, which continues to attract global attention through events and culture, reaffirming its place as Brazil's crown jewel.
This 460th anniversary is more than just another year—it is, truly, another chance to celebrate the merging of past and future, the contrasts of life within the city’s borders, and the unbreakable spirit of Rio de Janeiro.