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Have you ever been confused between Bombs and Firecrackers? He is not alone. The similarity of the names of these two locations often raises doubts among tourists who plan to visit the coast of Santa Catarina.
Although they share similar names and are located in Santa Catarina, Bombas and Bombinhas are distinct places, each with its own unique characteristics and stories. In this article, you will discover the main differences between these two regions and understand why, despite the similarity in their names, they are completely different destinations.
The Story Behind the Names Bombs and Firecrackers
The origin of the names Bombas and Bombinhas has a fascinating history that dates back to the first explorers of the region. The peculiar sound of the waves crashing against the shore was the inspirational element for both names. When the first people arrived at the scene, they mistook the noise of the waves for the sound of explosions.
Interestingly, the difference between the names has an interesting explanation:
- Praia de Bombas (formerly called Praia Grande) received this name because it is longer and has larger waves, producing more intense sounds
- Bombinhas Beach earned its name in the diminutive due to the smaller and gentler waves
Before the emancipation of the municipality, the current Praia de Bombinhas was known as Praia de Bombas, and the current Praia de Bombas was called Praia Grande by the native residents. It was only in 1992, when the municipality emancipated itself from Porto Belo, that there was a need to make the names of the beaches official, establishing the nomenclature we know today.
It is worth mentioning that Bombinhas is the name of the entire municipality, while Bombas is one of its neighborhoods. This distinction is key to understanding the current organization of the region, although similar names still cause confusion among visitors.
Development and Emancipation of the Municipality
The development of Bombinhas as an independent municipality marks an important chapter in the history of the Santa Catarina coast. In 1992, after years of being part of Porto Belo, the region gained its autonomy through a historic democratic process, where 1,454 citizens voted in favor of emancipation.
You may be surprised to learn that, after emancipation, Bombinhas became the smallest municipality in Santa Catarina, with only 34.5 km². Despite the compact territory, the development was expressive, especially in the tourism sector.
Population growth followed this evolution:
- From 6 thousand inhabitants in 1996
- To 8,700 in 2000
- Reaching approximately 20 thousand inhabitants today
With the development, the region has become one of the main tourist destinations in the state. During the summer season, the floating population reaches 80 thousand people, distributed among the 23 neighborhoods of the city, including the neighborhood of Bombas.
It is worth noting that Bombinhas achieved an HDI of 0.781, positioning itself as the 19th city in Santa Catarina in this regard. This index reflects investments in infrastructure, such as the water network, electricity and public transport, which benefited both the central region and the neighborhood of Bombas.
Geographical and Territorial Features
Located in the Vale do Itajaí region, the territory of Bombinhas has unique geographical characteristics that make it one of the most special destinations in Santa Catarina. As the smallest municipality in the state, with only 34.5 square kilometers, you will find here an impressive concentration of natural beauty.
The territorial configuration of Bombinhas is peculiar: to the north, south and east, the municipality is embraced by the Atlantic Ocean, while to the west it borders Porto Belo. This privileged peninsula is home to nine main neighborhoods:
- Bombas
- Center
- Canto Grande
- Junipers
- Mariscal
- Morrinhos
- Four Islands
- Sertãozinho
- José Amândio
What makes the geography of Bombinhas even more fascinating is the presence of
39 beaches
distributed throughout its territory. In Bombas, you will find an extensive strip of sand with 3 kilometers, ideal for bathing in the sea. In
Canto Grande
, a unique feature draws attention: the neighborhood is located on an isthmus, featuring two opposite beaches known as Mar de Dentro and Mar de Fora.
The topography of the region is marked by hills, coves, cliffs and escarpments, creating stunning landscapes. In the center, you can visit the Morro do Macaco Municipal Park, the second highest point in the city, from where you can contemplate the Ilha do Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve.
Conclusion
Now you know that, despite the similar names, Bombas and Bombinhas are different places, each with its own identity. Bombinhas is a complete municipality, full of natural beauty distributed in its 34.5 square kilometers, while Bombas represents one of its main neighborhoods.
The story behind the names, originating from the sound of waves on the shore, helps to better understand this distinction. The development since emancipation in 1992 has transformed the region into a prominent tourist destination, preserving the unique characteristics of both the municipality and the neighborhood of Bombas.
FAQs
- What is the main difference between Bombas and Bombinhas in Santa Catarina?
Bombas and Bombinhas are often confused, but they represent different locations within the same municipality. Bombas is the first beach that receives visitors in the municipality of Bombinhas, being known for the intense sound of its waves, which resembles explosions, hence the name “Bombas”. - Why was Bombinhas beach so named?
The name “Bombinhas” may originate from the sound of the waves that resembles the bursting of small bombs or the noise that is heard when walking on the sand, which resembles the crackling of small firecrackers.
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