Dia do Fico

The Cortes issued orders to Prince Regent Pedro de Alcântara, one of which demanded his immediate return to Portugal and the appointment of a governing junta for Brazil.^[2] In response, the radical liberals organized a movement to gather signatures in favour of the prince's stay, which amounted to 8,000 - resulting in a significant pressure on Pedro. It was then that, contrary to the orders issued by Portugal, he declared to the people:

If it is for the good of all and the general happiness of the nation, I am ready! Tell the people I stay.^[3]

As a result of this episode, Pedro I came into direct conflict with Portuguese interests in order to break the link that existed between Portugal and Brazil within the framework of the United Kingdom.

This episode culminated, months later, in Brazil's declaration of independence, proclaimed on September 7 of the same year.^[3]

On the famous Dia do Fico, the Prince Regent, aged just 22, publicly defied the courts, which were pressuring him to return to Lisbon, and, by staying in Brazil, set off the whirlwind of events that would lead to the Grito do Ipiranga, eight months later. Even so, it is tempting to think: what would have been the fate of the country if Pedro had returned to Portugal?