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In 1535, the portuguese settlers left Recife towards the region where Natal is
located today, to expel the French who had invaded that part of the coast side. Only during 1597 Christmas, with the arrival of reinforcements
coming from Paraíba and Pernambuco, the Portuguese won, what originated the name of the city, “Natal” (“Christmas”, in Portuguese).
What marked the beginning of the development of Natal was the construction of
Reis Magos Fortress, started in 1598. The fortress was the place of departure of expeditions that populated places where are now the states of
Ceará, Maranhão and Pará.
During the 17th Century, the region was taken by Dutch’s and the city
was renamed as “Nova Amsterdã” (New Amsterdam), until 1654, when it was taken back by the Portuguese. Until the middle of the 20th
century, Natal was just a small coast city. With the beginning of World War 2nd, the strategic importance of the city was noticed,
due to the proximity to Africa.
During WW2nd, American bases were installed there and the American
habits influenced the population. Until their arrival, for example, the population didn’t swim in the sea and the beaches were frequented only
by the less favored population and by fishermen. In the after war period, the population grew considerably, but the tour potential of Natal was
explored just in the decade of 1970.
Today, the city is an important tourism center, attracting people from all around
the world, who come to visit the nice beaches of the coast side of the State of Rio Grande do Norte. |
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