Witmarsum, Palmeira (Brazil)
| Witmarsum, Palmeira (Brazil) | |||
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| Coordinates | 25 ° 25 ′ S , 49 ° 49 ′ W | ||
| Basic data | |||
| Country | Brazil | ||
| State | Paraná | ||
| ISO 3166-2 | BR-PR | ||
Located in the district of Palmeira (state of Paraná ), the settlement Colônia Witmarsum was founded in July 1951 by Mennonites who emigrated again from Witmarsum (state of Santa Catarina ). The Mennonites in Witmarsum, Palmeira, belong to the German-Russian Mennonites originally from Friesland . They had emigrated through Prussia to Russia and the Ukraine in the 18th century , from where they fled communism in 1929 . In 1930 they came to Brazil , where, following a time in Witmarsum (Santa Catarina), they founded the settlement "Colônia Witmarsum" (Paraná). With the support of North American Mennonites, they succeeded in acquiring the "Fazenda Cancela" estate on June 7, 1951.
It extends over an area of approx. 7800 hectares and has around 1500 residents. Five villages, named from No. 1 to 5, are located in a circle around the commercial and social center, which is built on the site of the original center of the Fazenda Cancela.
The economic basis lies in agriculture and animal husbandry, especially in the production of dairy products. Among other things, pigs and chickens are raised for meat , and soybeans and corn are grown.
A few years ago the colony also started tourist activities. Since then it has become the main source of income for several farmers. At the beginning of 2016, the Witmarsums tourist center was founded in the center of the colony. There, visitors can find out about the beautiful inns, delicious cafes and restaurants, riding activities on horses and ponies, abseiling and walks on hiking trails, organic and homemade products, handicrafts, etc. The retirement and nursing home was inaugurated in 2015 with the aim of beautifying the pioneers' old age. There they experience peace and quiet as well as care and support in days of illness and weakening. Today this special right - the care of body, soul and spirit - is extended for all these residents.
Two new companies were also founded in Witmarsum: HORSCH Maschinen do Brasil Ltda and SCHÜCK PVC window construction elements.
