Did you know Rio de Janeiro translates to river of January

Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay

Rio de Janeiro translates to "River of January" in Portuguese. However, it's interesting to note that there isn't actually a major river that runs through the city itself.

Here's the fascinating story behind the name:

• Explorers' mistake: In 1502, Portuguese explorer Gaspar de Lemos arrived in Guanabara Bay during the month of January. Mistaking the large bay for the mouth of a river, he named it "Rio de Janeiro" ("River of January").
• Evolving terminology: The word "rio" in Portuguese could refer to both rivers and bodies of water like bays or estuaries. In the centuries that followed, "Rio de Janeiro" stuck as the city's name, even though it technically lacks a major river flowing through it.

So, while it's a bit of a misnomer, the name "Rio de Janeiro" encapsulates the city's history and its beautiful connection to the Guanabara Bay, a landmark that continues to be a defining feature of the city landscape.

Here are some additional interesting facts about Rio de Janeiro's name:

• The full name of the city is São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro ("Saint Sebastian of the River of January"), in honor of the city's patron saint.
• The Portuguese pronunciation of "Rio de Janeiro" is "Riu di Janeyruh".
• The nickname for Rio de Janeiro is "Cidade Maravilhosa" ("Marvelous City")