'Raízes Series': Brazilian and Dutch culture mix in Holambra Fields covered in flowers, windmills, exposed brick facades and streets that resemble small towns in the Netherlands. This is the scenario of Holambra (SP), one of the seven Brazilian destinations nominated for the Best Tourist Villages award, from UN Tourism. The result will be announced in December, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In addition to Holambra, Araçá (SC), Conceição de Ibitipoca (MG), Delfinópolis (MG), Lençóis (BA), São José do Barreiro (SP) and Vila Flores (RS) were nominated. Created in 2021, the award recognizes small locations that preserve local culture, value traditional activities and encourage sustainable tourism. To participate, municipalities must have up to 15 thousand inhabitants and maintain a strong connection with activities such as agriculture, livestock, fishing or forestry, according to the Ministry of Tourism. With typical architecture, Tourist Portal welcomes those who visit Holambra Alexandre Pottes Macedo A piece of Holland in the interior of São Paulo Located in the Metropolitan Region of Campinas (SP), Holambra emerged with the arrival of Dutch immigrants to Brazil shortly after the Second World War. ? More than 70 years later, this heritage is still present in the city. It appears on facades inspired by Dutch architecture, in flower gardens, in typical cuisine, in folklore performances and even on sidewalks, decorated with designs of tulips, clogs and windmills. Some residents still speak Dutch, and cycling continues to be part of the city's routine. The name of the municipality itself brings together Holland, America and Brazil. Today, the city has an estimated population of 15,718 people, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Immigrant family upon arrival at a farm in Holambra Collection Historical Museum of Holambra From farms to flower fields Flowers are everywhere in Holambra. It is no coincidence that the city received the title of National Capital of Flowers and became one of the main hubs for Brazilian floriculture. But that was not the plan of the first residents. According to the city hall's official tourist guide, when they arrived at the old Fazenda Ribeirão, the immigrants wanted to transform the region into a large milk producer. Tropical diseases that affected the herd changed plans. At the end of the 1960s, flower cultivation began to gain ground and ended up becoming the city's main economic activity. ? Today, Holambra accounts for around 40% of the national production of flowers and ornamental plants and approximately 80% of Brazilian exports in the sector, according to the city hall. In September, the city hosts Expoflora, considered the largest flower exhibition in Latin America. Expoflora, considered the largest flower exhibition in Latin America Fabiano de Bruim The mill that became a symbol of the city It is difficult to talk about Holambra without mentioning the Moinho Povos Unidos. Opened in 2008 to celebrate 60 years of Dutch immigration, the monument is 38 meters high, has five floors open to visitors and is considered the largest typical mill in Latin America. From the viewpoint, it is possible to observe the city and the flower fields that surround the municipality. Moinho Povos Unidos in Holambra City Hall of Holambra/Flickr International competition ? This year, Holambra competes for the Best Tourist Villages award alongside 268 other locations from different countries, according to the Ministry of Tourism. For Mayor Fernando Capato (PSD), the nomination recognizes the work to preserve the city's cultural identity. "Being among the seven destinations chosen to represent Brazil is a source of great pride. This nomination highlights the care taken to preserve cultural identity, the traditions inherited from Dutch immigrants and the sustainable development of tourism", he stated in a statement. The municipal director of Tourism and Culture, Alessandra Caratti, stated that the selection increases the municipality's international visibility. "More than an achievement, this selection strengthens Holambra's image as a differentiated destination, capable of uniting culture, history, agricultural production, sustainability and hospitality. It is an opportunity to show the world everything our city has to offer." Since the creation of the award, in 2021, only two Brazilian destinations have achieved the UN Tourism seal: Testo Alto, in Pomerode (SC), and Antônio Prado (RS). With this year's nomination, Brazil has 27 participating locations in the history of the initiative, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Residents of Holambra (SP), a Dutch colony in the interior of São Paulo, wear typical clogs Roberta Steganha/g1 Campinas VIDEOS: everything about Campinas and the region See more news about the region on g1 Campinas