The many faces of Francisco Dias Velho

The disputed memory of the founder of Desterro

Abstract

This article intends to analyze the general development of the different narratives about the bandeirante Francisco Dias Velho, known as the founder of the village of Desterro, now Florianópolis, and colonizer of the island of Santa Catarina. The wide range of narratives can provide us with an general overview of how the character of Dias Velho has developed over time and how this has affected the construction of Florianópolis' historical memory. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Dias Velho was turned into a civilizing hero by nationalist historians, who omitted aspects such as his participation in the enslavement of indigenous people. The official narrative that was consolidated in the 20th century highlights him as a symbol of the city's identity, by monumentalizing his image and including him in the coat of arms of the municipality of Florianópolis.