Because it was discovered on the first of January as the Portuguese entered Guanabara Bay, and this bay was considered the mouth of the river, they named this place in honor of the day--Rio de Janiero or January River. Andres Goncalves is the one credited with making the discovery.
However, at least one site calls this merely "tradition." It is suggested that it was a couple years later in 1504 when the area was truly discovered Gonçalo Coelho. All I can say is, who knows? And when it comes down to it, what does it matter.
Bottom line, Rio was discovered, and just looking at the picture will confirm that no matter what, tourism has not died there!
If you would like to read more information, please check out these sites:
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0860748.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?Introduction-to-the-History-of-Rio-De-Janeiro&id=6571761
http://www.macalester.edu/courses/geog61/chad/history.htm
http://www.rio-de-janeiro-pictures.com/?gclid=CKfL3Nmirq0CFcYbQgodMjbImQ
Thank you so much for your support of my blog and continuing to read these posts. It is so wonderful to go into this year knowing that my blog has some kind of "niche." If you come across any information that you think should be featured in this section, please let me know. Thanks!
January River- cool!
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