Tag: Brazil

Been There – Curitiba

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Been There – Curitiba is a mug for the capital of Paraná state in southern Brazil. It was founded in 1693, though it truly flourished in the 19th century with European immigration, particularly from Poland, Germany, Italy, and Ukraine. The city transformed dramatically under Mayor Jaime Lerner in the 1970s, who pioneered innovative urban planning solutions that made Curitiba internationally renowned as a model of sustainable development. From its pedestrianized downtown and pioneering Bus Rapid Transit system to its extensive green spaces and cultural programs, Curitiba represents Brazilian urbanism at its most creative and livable.… Read more

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Been There – Gramado

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Let’s review another mug from Brazil, this time it’s Been There Gramado. There are two more in the queue, stay tuned!

Gramado’s history begins in the mid-19th century when European immigrants, primarily from Germany and Italy, settled in the mountainous Serra Gaúcha region of Rio Grande do Sul. The city was officially founded in 1913, though its development accelerated in the 1940s when improved roads connected it to larger urban centers. What started as a small agricultural community transformed into one of Brazil’s most beloved tourist destinations, as visitors discovered its cool climate, stunning landscapes, and distinctive European-influenced architecture.… Read more

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Been There – Salvador

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Been There Salvador is a mug for the capital of the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil. It is one of the oldest cities in the Americas and the birthplace of Afro-Brazilian culture. Founded in 1549 as the first capital of colonial Brazil, it became a major port in the Atlantic world. Its historic center, Pelourinho, is known for colourful buildings, lively squares, and deep cultural traditions shaped by African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences that continue to define Salvador today.

– One of the figures on the mug represents a traditional drummer, highlighting Salvador’s strong musical heritage.… Read more

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Been There – Belo Horizonte

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Starbucks Been There – Belo Horizonte is a mug for the capital of Minas Gerais state in southeastern Brazil, which stands as one of the country’s first planned cities, founded in 1897 to replace Ouro Preto as the state capital. The city’s name translates to “Beautiful Horizon” in Portuguese, a fitting tribute to its stunning location surrounded by mountains and hills that create a natural amphitheatre. Designed by engineer Aarão Reis, the city was conceived during Brazil’s Republican era as a modern administrative center that could accommodate the growing needs of Minas Gerais.… Read more

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Been There – Porto Alegre

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Once again, I have no excuse for delaying my review of this mug, which debuted four years ago.

Been There – Porto Alegre is a mug for a city founded in 1772 by Portuguese settlers from the Azores, becoming an important port and administrative center in southern Brazil. Its strategic position along the Guaíba Lake made it a hub for commerce and immigration throughout the 19th century. The city played a key role in the Ragamuffin War (1835–1845), which shaped local identity and politics.… Read more

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Been There – Florianópolis

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Here are some photos of the Starbucks Been There – Florianopolis mug that a friend shared with me.

Florianópolis, the capital of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, has a rich and unique history. Originally inhabited by the Carijó people, the area later attracted Portuguese settlers in the 16th century. The city was officially founded in 1726 under the name Desterro and became a key port and colonial settlement. In 1894, the name was changed to Florianópolis in honor of Marshal Floriano Peixoto, the second president of Brazil.… Read more

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Been There – Brasília

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Starbucks Been There – Brasília mug was released quite a while ago, and it remains widely available in stores.

Brasília wasn’t born organically like most capitals – it was imagined, designed, and raised from the ground in the middle of Brazil. Inaugurated in 1960 under President Juscelino Kubitschek, it was built to move the capital from coastal Rio de Janeiro to a more central location, spurring internal development. The city’s name simply reflects its role: the capital of Brazil – Brasília.… Read more

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Been There – Rio de Janeiro

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Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City) is joining BT mugs series with Starbucks Been There – Rio de Janeiro.
Did you know that the name of the city literally translates as the River of January? And the reason for this is pretty prosaic: Portuguese expedition under explorer Gaspar de Lemos first encountered Guanabara Bay on 1 January 1502 and named it Ria de Janeiro (“January’s Lagoon”). Ria became Rio (river) later and the actual city was only founded on 1 March 1565 under the name São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro.… Read more

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Been There – São Paulo

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Here’s another Brazilian mug for your collection: Starbucks Been There – São Paulo. It is the largest Portuguese-speaking city in the world with about 22 million people living in the metro area. According to historical documents, the city was founded on January 25, 1554, after Paul the Apostle.
These are some architectural elements to consider when visiting the city:
– I believe it is Paulista Avenue on the left to the handle which is a symbol and the center of the economic and political power of São Paulo where the headquarters of many financial and cultural institutions are located.… Read more

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Been There – Brasil

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There are three Brazilian mugs from BT series so far. Starbucks Been There – Brasil is the first one. As you can see, the Portuguese spelling was used. Using local spelling for mugs has been a common practice for Starbucks.
Here are some points of interest and symbols from the mug:
– The Amazon River is the largest river by discharge volume of water in the world. Did you know that the river starts in Peru? Peruvian part is also known as Marañón.… Read more

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