Goiás city designated symbolic capital of Brazil's Goiás state

On Monday, 20 July 2024, the city of Goiás was formally declared the symbolic capital of the state of Goiás during a ceremony held in front of the historic Palácio Conde dos Arcos. The event marked the transfer of the state’s Executive, Legislative and Judicial powers to the city as part of the celebrations for the municipality’s 299th anniversary.

Governor Daniel Vilela, accompanied by First Lady Iara Vilela, signed the transfer term and said the gesture reconnects the state with its origins, adding, “It was here where everything began and this change is a sign of respect.” Officials from the Court of Justice, the Legislative Assembly, the Public Ministry and local authorities also participated. A working group was announced to plan the city’s 300‑year commemorations.

The annual tradition, set out in Decree No. 10.935 of 22 June, also moved the municipal holiday to 20 July for this year, highlighting the historical, political and cultural significance of the former capital.