File number: brdg0006

© South American Pictures/ Tony Morrison

Brazil: Santa Catarina state, Blumenau : German, Italian and other European immigrants began arriving in Brazil early in the 19th century. Blumenau founded in 1850 became the centre of the German community, and for many years the immigrants retained the customs and language of their homelands. Today buildings in the city reflect its German origin, and an annual Oktoberfest is held with German bands and dancers.