Article Author: Andreza S. C. Maynard, Dilton C. S. Maynard

Abstract:

At the time of World War II, cafés in Aracaju, the capital of Sergipe, which is the smallest state in Brazil, were very important spots. Places of "chat" and "tittle-tattle", they took part of the daily life of the small city. An observer wrote in those days: "Life here consists—with a few exceptions—of a harmful dispersion of energy in conversations full of mysterious gestures in the cafés on the sidewalks of João Pessoa street" (Correio de Aracaju 4). In Aracaju, with approximately 60 thousand inhabitants in those days, there were "cafés" for different tastes. Places like Ponto Chic, for example, which historian Ariosvaldo Figueiredo classified as one of the spots of the regional oligarchy: "It is in 'Ponto Chic' that you know everything, the possible truths, the probable lies" (Figueiredo 23). A space for politicians, intellectuals, journalists, lawyers, Ponto Chic offered drinks, soft drinks, cigars, ice cream, etc. It was a common space for the city's elite. In addition to that café, there were also Café das Sete and Café Central, which brought together "businessmen, job seekers, the most distinguished professionals" (Correio de Aracaju 1).

Keywords: Cafés; Sex; Cunning; Nocturnal History; World War II

Article Review Status: Published

Pages: 41 - 43

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