The Quadrado is not only Trancoso’s most charming area, it is also the most historic too. It was right there that the culture and tradition of one of the most distinctive villages of Bahia, such as Trancoso, was born and developed.
Anyone who passes by Quadrado and is dazzled by its simple, rustic and relaxing vibe, which has as a background the St John the Baptist’s Church, the football pitch and the colourful colonial houses, hardly imagines that it was exactly over there that some of the most important characters helped shape the history of the village. One of these inhabitants, perhaps the most eminent one, was Mr Joao Alves, or “Seu João Alves” as we say in Brazil.
However, before explaining who was Seu João, we have to tell a bit of Trancoso’s history, that’s the only way you will understand why this is such an unique place.
Did you know that many of Quadrado’s houses, including Seu João Alves’ one, are available for holiday rentals? That is the best option for those keen on enjoying all the charming and tranquillity of Trancoso, yet being not far away from the best beaches of the region. Check here our complete list of properties in Quadrado..
Trancoso’s History
Trancoso is one of the oldest villages of Brazil. It was founded by the Jesuits, back in 1583. Despite its long existence, the place remained practically isolated from the rest of the world, without electricity, motorway or any infrastructure at all until 1970. That was when a group of hippies arrived over there, fell in love with the place and decided to stay.
The inhabitants, mostly fishermen and farmers, going against all odds, liked the newer visitors and welcomed them with great enthusiasm. It was from this junction and fuse of such distinct cultures, traditions and knowledge in a heavenly place isolated by the forest that the atmosphere of Trancoso was shaped.
Anyone who visits Trancoso today is impressed of how such a simple place can offer such diversity, comfort and contemporaneity.
Seu João Alves
Early XX century, when Trancoso was still just an isolated fishermen village, one of the most important families from there was the “Alves”. As well as farmers, they were also known by their happiness and musicality, which seems to had passed from generation to generation. Amongst the Alves, one stood out: Seu João. He was a proper dancer and the one who organised the best social gathering of the village!
João Alves lived not so near the city centre with his wife Carmosina. However, he had a house in the Quadrado for the party days. Everyone else knew that, when Mr João Alves arrived, the party arrived too. All the village gathered in Seu João and Carmosina’s house for endlessly parties, having the most famous the Saint Sebastian Party, celebrated up to date.
Zé Barbudo
Before passing away with 84 years old and leave the whole of Trancoso village mourning, Seu João sold his house in Quadrado to his granddaughter’s husband, Zé Barbudo, who was an intelligent, clever and chatter man.
Zé Barbudo also loved music and didn’t take too long until he opens a bar in Trancoso, which became the official meeting point amongst locals and hippies. Anyone who had arrived from outside Trancoso, brought the best songs of the time for Zé, thus the bar only played good music, such as Gilberto Gil, Rolling Stones, Jimmy Cliff and so on. Soon enough, the Zé Barbudo’s Bar became the best and most lively place of the 70’s, an ideal place to meet up, enjoy life and talk about art, politics, architecture, love and culture. A place which truly represented what was going on in Trancoso.
The Zé Barbudo’s Bar and the Mr João Alves’ House are still there in Trancoso and not so many people know about the importance of these places in shaping the atmosphere of the village.
The Seu João Alves’ house
Currently, the old Seu João Alves’ House is available for holiday rentals and is one of the most comfortable houses we have. The house has rustic furniture, very airy and surrounded by nature, it also has its décor signed by Wilbert Das, a renowned Dutch designer.
The balconies, the chairs and the wooden sofas with white cushions make an environment which every guest falls in love with and feels embraced by its neatness and comfort. The living room facing the Quadrado is definitely the highlight of the house. Details of its history are also seen on its design and interior décor, telling a bit more of the history of this fishermen village.
For further information and price of the Mr João Alves’ House, visit our website or contact us by the email raulstreet@bahiahomes.com.br or by the phone +55 (73) 99983 1212.
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