Case file · Sacred site
José Maria and the 'holy city' of the Contestado
In 1911 a healer calling himself José Maria appeared at Campos Novos, Santa Catarina, claiming the mantle of the monk João Maria. On 22 October 1912 a Paraná force attacked his camp at Irani; he and the colonel leading the troops were both killed. His followers expected him to return with an enchanted army, and the Contestado War followed until 1916.
1912 CE · -27.02, -51.90 · status: official
The account
Peasants displaced by a railway concession and logging company formed 'holy cities' governed by visionaries, often young girls, who claimed to receive José Maria's messages. Thousands died before the army crushed the movement.
Connections in the atlas
- The wandering monk João Maria and his holy springs
- The Mucker revolt
- Canudos (Belo Monte) and Antônio Conselheiro