DISCOVER RIBEIRÃO PRETO
Ribeirão Preto, which translates to “black stream” in Portuguese, is a city located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. It has earned the nickname “Brazilian California” due to its economy rooted in agribusiness, high technology, wealth, and a consistently sunny climate throughout the year. With a population of 694,534 residents, Ribeirão Preto ranks as the eighth-largest municipality in the state. The city covers a total area of 652.2 square kilometers and is situated at a latitude of 21° 10′ 42″ South and a longitude of 47° 48′ 24″ West. It is located 330 km from the state capital and 708 km from Brasília, the federal capital. The average altitude in Ribeirão Preto is 546.8 meters.
HISTORY
The city was founded on June 19th, 1856, by farmers who had migrated from the southeast of the São Paulo State in search of a favorable climate and fertile soil for coffee cultivation. The city is situated along a stream known as the “Black Stream,” from which it derived its name. Over time, the farmers’ decision proved to be highly suitable, and the fertile soil of the Ribeirão Preto region enabled Brazil’s highest crop productivity.
ECONOMIC FORMATION
After the New York Stock Exchange crash in 1929, Ribeirão Preto, which had relied solely on exportation crops, faced an economic collapse. The city had to adapt to its new circumstances. Given its relatively remote location from other major Brazilian urban centers, Ribeirão Preto identified a new economic path in the services and commercial sectors, focusing on local and regional demands. The second economic boom in Ribeirão Preto’s history occurred after the oil crisis in the 1970s. The surge in oil prices prompted Brazil to seek alternative fuel sources, leading to the establishment of the ethanol fuel program known as ProÁlcool. This program spurred the development of technology enabling the use of ethanol (sugarcane alcohol) as both an automotive fuel and a gasoline additive. The latter improved performance and reduced pollutant emissions. Under the ProÁlcool program, local farmers received government subsidies to cultivate sugarcane. The high land productivity in the vicinity of Ribeirão Preto swiftly positioned the region as the world’s largest producer of ethanol and sugar, responsible for 30 percent of Brazil’s sugarcane alcohol fuel. In contrast to the city’s initial economic boom, this time Ribeirão Preto’s farmers and entrepreneurs diversified their investments, making the city one of Brazil’s most significant agribusiness hubs. Apart from sugar and ethanol, Ribeirão Preto’s major products include orange juice, cotton, rice, meat, dairy products, textiles, machinery, steel, furniture, building materials, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and beer. The sugarcane boom ushered in a new era of prosperity for the city, earning it the moniker “Brazilian California” during the 1980s and early 1990s. This increased wealth transformed Ribeirão Preto into a sophisticated services center serving Brazil and South America
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Pinguim- The famous Brazilian beerhouse was built by Antartica (the first beer-producing factory in the city, which today is a brand from AB InBev). There are now 2 Pinguim places in the block, a beerhouse, and a gift shop.
Pedro II Theater- The 2nd biggest Brazilian opera theater in public capacity (after Municipal Sao Paulo Theater) first opened on October 8th, 1930. In 1980 a big fire hit the building and after more than a ten-year period of abandon, the city hall decided to rebuild it and it was reopened in April 1996. It’s located on the same block as Pinguim, being the main attraction.
Metropolitan Cathedral- When the cathedral at XV November Square was put down, this new one was built, and then founded in 1920. Stylized in romantic and gothic lines, its main attractions are the colored glasses in the window and the paintings inside from Benedito Calixto, dated 1817. It’s located downtown, in front of Praça das Bandeiras, which presents people with a craft fair on weekends.
Pref. Dr. Luiz Roberto Jábali Park / (Curupira Park)– Opened on 18th December 2000, the environment complex is the largest leisure area in the city. There are 152 thousand m² with artificial lakes, waterfalls, and paved trails that can be ridden on foot or by bicycle. There is a great tropical forest in the area with a variety of birds and little mammals. It is open daily from 6 am to 7 pm Address: Av. Costábile Romano, 337
Dr. Luis Carlos Raya Park- Opened in 2004, this park is great for walking, playing games, to relaxing watching the artificial waterfalls. It is situated in the so-called wealthiest area of the city, the south area. Address: Av. Wladimir Meirelles Ferreira, s/n. 12
Parque das Artes- Located near the Ribeirão Shopping in Nova Aliança neighborhood, the Park received an investment of R$2.5 million to be restructured and revitalized. With 45,000 m2 of green area and about 23,000 m2 of three interconnected artificial lakes, the park features an indoor running track and walk about 1,500 meters long and three meters wide. The Arts Park, which is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm.
CLIMATE
Ribeirão Preto is a very warm city during the whole year. Generally between May and September, the temperature drops considerably in the mornings and at night, but it is still hot during the afternoons. It´s strongly important to remember that in these months, the air humidity is considerably very low and it rarely rains. ·Average winter temperature 19º C (68º F) ·Average summer temperature 35º C (90º F)
TRANSPORTATION
You can get around on foot in the downtown area, once the places aren’t so far. But if you want to go anywhere else, you are strongly recommended to go by bus, by car or by taxi.
By car
To drive in Brazil, foreigners must have either a foreign driver’s license with a translation or an international driver’s license. They are allowed to drive for a period of up to 180 days after entering the country. After this duration, they are required to take the Brazilian driving exams.
By bus
Be aware that the city buses in Ribeirao Preto are managed by the company “Ritmo” which does not accept cash. You can only use a specific card that can be purchased at strategic points such as the Coach Station, Airport, USP Campus (near the Clinic Hospital), Central Bus Stations, and Shopping Malls. The specific card for students (with a 50% discount on the fare) may be issued after enrollment at FEA-RP. Instructions on this matter will be given at the orientation meetings. You can either check online the itineraries and schedules on Ritmo´s website or use apps on your phones and tablets. The apps available are them before arriving in the city. Moovit and CittaMobi. Remember to download
By taxi
Uber is a very popular way of affordable and comfortable transportation. It operates in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, and in other main capitals. Taxi is the most expensive way to get around, but it is also comfortable and faster. You can ask for one on the street, go to any taxi stop, or call one by phone. Ask your buddy for the number of a good taxi company. You can use the apps 99Taxis and Easytaxi on your smartphone to call certified cabs.
OPENING HOURS
Shopping centers
Ribeirão Shopping, Shopping Iguatemi Ribeirão, Novo Shopping and Santa Ursula Shopping Malls are open from 10 am to 10 pm from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and holidays, they open from 2 pm to 8 pm.
Street commerce
Usually, it’s open from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays and Holidays Banks It’s open from Monday to Friday, between 10 am and 4 pm. On the USP campus, there are branches of Banco do Brasil, Santander, and Bradesco.
NIGHTLIFE
Ribeirão Preto is predominantly a city for young people. With seven big universities within the city, it draws young students from all over the country to study. Due to this and the pleasant climate, Ribeirão has a great nightlife. The city is renowned as the “Terra do Chopp,” which translates to “The Land of Draft Beer,” thanks to its reputation for having the best draft beer in the country. Good music can be found all over the town within a wide range of tastes, from traditional MPB (Música Popular Brasileira- Brazilian Popular Music) and Samba to Heavy Metal. There are various venues where you can enjoy music, not only at bars that feature live performances but also at concerts. Ribeirão Preto holds spacious halls that are frequently utilized for gigs, concerts by bands and singers, as well as orchestral performances. Throughout the week, you can attend parties, typically organized by student groups or university students themselves. These gatherings take place in “Repúblicas” (student communal houses) or at local nightclubs within the city. Bars are also a popular choice for students. Some of these establishments are conveniently situated near USP, attracting numerous students who gather to celebrate special occasions or simply socialize with friends. Others are renowned for hosting live music events in the evenings, creating a lively atmosphere where people enjoy drinks and dancing.