Temer sanctions law touting Blumenau as national beer capital

When signing the bill touting Blumenau, in Santa Catarina state, as the national beer capital, President Michel Temer pointed out the social aspect of beer. Addressing at the presidential palace, the author of the bill passed into law, congressman Décio Lima (member of the Workers Party), said that touting Blumenau as the beer capital is "an expression of love for the state and for the city ",

Temer also noted the importance of the title to Blumenau. "Your words, Décio Lima, revealed that this is an act of love. In fact, the idea of love, brotherhood, and fraternization," said the president. "Moreover, beer is a social congregational phenomenon. We never see a person drinking it alone. They are often in a bar with four or five other people drinking beer and talking excitedly. This is also the spirit displayed in the city of Blumenau," he added.

Temer pointed out the social and peaceful aspect of Oktoberfest, a traditional festival made for beer lovers and tourists in Blumenau. "This phenomenon of draft beer and beer is very interesting, people are always photographed filled with joy. People dance, talk, and smile. The Oktoberfest is a peaceful party. I have never heard of segregation in the Oktoberfest, with some people on one side and other on the other. On the contrary: everyone is on one single side," said the president.

"We feel a great brotherhood there, and not only with people of the city. It is national, and even international [event], because a lot of people go there for this festival. I have not had the great opportunity to come yet, but let's see if, after the invitation made by these gentlemen, I may drink at least a few mugs. I've already received the mugs, but they have not brought the beer yet. So I'm going to have the beer there," he joked.

Temer also mentioned the city's large economic pole, which goes beyond the beer. "We really need this strong industrial production, of the tourism," he said. "We are aware that Blumenau is an extraordinary tourist center, especially now, when the economy starts to breathe again. We have the first symptoms of it, as inflation and interest are sharply falling and the economy is slowly recovering. Then I think that this is a moment of celebration, because it is good not only for the beer lovers with different labels for everyone; but it is also good for people from Blumenau, with new jobs, income, and recognition, because concerning the brewing art, they never lose," he added.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta