Blumenau is a city in the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. It was founded around 1850. As of 2006, Blumenau had an estimated population of 300,000 people.
The main ethnic groups of the city are Germans and Italians. Many people in the rural area of Blumenau still speak German and practice Germanic traditions.
There are many historical and cultural reminders of Blumenau’s German heritage, such as traditional German architecture, statues, and memorials. The city is located in a valley bisected by the Itajaí-Açu River, surrounded by hills with forests. The lower areas, including towers and tall buildings in the city center, constantly suffer from the threat of floods. In the 1980s, Blumenau was hit by a severe flood and the waters of Itajai damaged a big part of the city. The city was completely isolated for weeks.
The municipality's economy is based on industry, commerce, and tourism. The city is a major textile center of Brazil. The metallic and machinery sectors are also relevant in the economy of the region. Recently, Blumenau has also become important in software development along with other economic development surrounding beer production.
In Blumenau, the most significant period for tourism is during Oktoberfest, a traditional beer festival. Another form of tourism is stroll through a combination of European homes, lovely parks and public squares, good hotels, and excellent restaurants and grills rooms.
(Courtesy of Wikipedia)
