Guarulhos

Guarulhos was founded on December 15, 1883. Originally a small village, it grew over the years due to its strategic location near São Paulo. The growth of the city accelerated in the 20th century alongside industrialization and urban development. Guarulhos eventually became one of the largest cities in the state of São Paulo and a key economic hub in Brazil.

Construction of the São Paulo/Guarulhos Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport began in the late 1950s, driven by the need for a larger airport to serve the São Paulo region. It officially opened in 1985 and has since become the busiest airport in Brazil. The airport has played a crucial role in both regional and international air travel, contributing to local and national economies.

Guarulhos gained political and administrative independence from the municipality of São Paulo in 1989. This transition to an independent municipality allowed Guarulhos to establish its own city council and mayor, thereby gaining more control over local governance. Since becoming independent, Guarulhos has further expanded its infrastructure and services to accommodate its growing population.

The Guarulhos Cultural Center was inaugurated on November 14, 1995. This cultural hub was designed to promote arts and culture within the city and has become a focal point for cultural events and activities. The center offers various programs including theater performances, art exhibits, and music festivals, enhancing the cultural life and educational opportunities for residents of Guarulhos.

The completion of the São Paulo Metropolitan Beltway passing through Guarulhos significantly improved transportation and logistics in the region. This infrastructure project involved a series of major highways encircling the São Paulo metropolitan area, aiming to ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity. The beltway has been fundamental in facilitating commerce and transit.

In 2014, Guarulhos played a key role in hosting international visitors for the FIFA World Cup held in Brazil. As a major gateway to the country through its international airport, Guarulhos saw a significant influx of tourists and football fans arriving for the event. This brought opportunities and challenges to the city, highlighting its importance in global sporting events and tourism.

Renovations were completed at the Guarulhos International Airport in December 2017. This involved significant upgrades to terminal facilities, enhancing passenger experience and increasing capacity. The upgrades were part of a broader effort to modernize the airport infrastructure, making it a state-of-the-art facility designed to handle the growing demand for air travel.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the city of Guarulhos, as it did globally. The city's healthcare system faced significant challenges, necessitating rapid response measures. Lockdowns and social distancing protocols were implemented to curb the virus's spread. Guarulhos focused on expanding healthcare capacity and ensuring the safety of its residents during the pandemic.

In August 2021, an expansion of the industrial park in Guarulhos was completed, which aimed to boost economic development in the region. This expansion attracted several new businesses and industries to the area, providing job opportunities and stimulating economic growth. The enhanced industrial facilities further solidified Guarulhos' position as a major industrial center.

In June 2022, a major environmental initiative was launched in Guarulhos to preserve and restore the city's urban forests. This effort, involving local government and environmental organizations, focused on reforestation and the conservation of green spaces. The initiative aimed to enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide recreational spaces for residents.