Sao Joao dos Negros History: A Deep Dive into the History of Sao Tome and Principe
Located in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Africa, the two-island nation of Sao Tome and Principe is a hidden gem of the African continent. It is a small nation, with a population of just over 200,000 people, but it has a rich history that dates back centuries. One of the most interesting parts of the history of Sao Tome and Principe is the story of Sao Joao dos Negros, a small community of African slaves who escaped and settled on the islands in the 16th century.
In the early 1500s, the Portuguese began to colonize the islands of Sao Tome and Principe. As part of their colonization efforts, the Portuguese brought African slaves to the islands to work in the sugar plantations. Many of these slaves managed to escape and formed a small community in the hills of Sao Tome. This community was known as Sao Joao dos Negros, or “St. John of the Blacks.”
The community of Sao Joao dos Negros was a unique one. The slaves who lived there were able to maintain much of their African culture, including their language, music, food, and religion. They also developed their own system of government, with a leader known as the “king of the blacks.” The community was also able to establish trading relationships with other African communities, as well as with the Portuguese.
The community of Sao Joao dos Negros was able to survive for centuries, despite the fact that the Portuguese continued to capture and enslave more Africans. The community was eventually destroyed in the 19th century, when the Portuguese began to use the islands as a prison for political prisoners. However, the legacy of Sao Joao dos Negros lives on in the culture of Sao Tome and Principe. The islands are home to a vibrant culture that is heavily influenced by the African heritage of the community.
Today, the islands of Sao Tome and Principe are a peaceful and welcoming place. The people of the islands are proud of their history and culture, and they celebrate the legacy of Sao Joao dos Negros every year. The island nation is a great place to visit, and it is sure to provide an interesting and unique cultural experience.