Who was Aunt Eva? The story of the founder of a quilombo in Campo Grande cited in Enem 2026

Who was Aunt Eva? The story of the founder of a quilombo in Campo Grande cited in Enem 2026

Community created by a black woman who gained freedom after being enslaved is one of the historical references of Mato Grosso do Sul.

By Mirian Machado, g1 MS — Mato Grosso do Sul

The story of Tia Eva, founder of an old quilombola community, was the topic of question on the first day of Enem 2026, applied this Sunday (8).

Born into slavery, Eva founded the quilombo in 1905, in Campo Grande. The place with 250 families was listed this year by Iphan.

Aunt Eva passed away in 1926. In November, the community holds mass, walks and shows in honor of the 100th anniversary of her death.

The story of Eva Maria de Jesus, known as Tia Eva, founder of a quilombola community in Campo Grande, was the subject of a question on the first day of the National High School Exam (Enem) 2026, applied this Sunday (8).

The question was based on a report published by g1 MS on March 11, which told the story of the black woman and the importance of the historical recognition of the territory.

Enslaved as a child, Aunt Eva gained freedom at the end of the 19th century. Born in Mineiros (GO), she moved to the region where Campo Grande is today accompanied by her three daughters. In 1905, he purchased land and founded the community that bears his name.

This year, the territory made history by becoming the first quilombo in Brazil to be listed by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan), through a specific procedure for recognizing and protecting quilombola territories.

Currently, around 250 descendant families live in the community and preserve the history and traditions left by the founder.

In addition to founding the community, Tia Eva became known for her work as a midwife, faith healer, healer and teacher. A devotee of São Benedito, she also built the first church in the territory, which gave rise to the current Church of São Benedito.

The history of the temple is linked to a promise she made in 1919. At the time, Aunt Eva had a wound on her leg that had not healed for years. She promised to build a church in honor of the saint and hold an annual festival if she was cured.

After recovering, he fulfilled his promise and built a wattle and daub church. The tradition of the São Benedito Festival continues to be maintained by descendants.

Aunt Eva died in 1926, but the community she founded remains active and preserves its history and traditions.

In November, the community holds a special program in honor of the 100th anniversary of Aunt Eva's death.

On November 11th, at 7pm, a mass will be celebrated in the courtyard of the Church of São Benedito. On the 20th, the Aquilumbar meeting is planned, with the participation of other quilombola communities and representatives from African countries.

On the 21st, starting at 9:30 am, a walk will be held in the community. To end the month's activities, on the 28th, there will be cultural attractions, a fair and shows.