the sweet was named after 'brigadeiro eduardo gomes', who ran in the presidential election of brazil post-wwii in the mid-1940s - gomes was quite popular with the ladies, many of whom held bake sale fundraisers for his campaign selling sweet chocolate delights made of cocoa powder, butter, and condensed milk.

even though gomes' run for president was not a success, the brigadeiros were, and continue to be one of cariocas' favorite treats - today, there are many versions of the original brigadeiro such as the 'beijinho', 'casadinho', and 'cajuzinho', where some ingredients are slightly altered with sugar, coconut, cashews, and more - these super sweet treats can be found at children's parties, engagement parties, and many other special events.

what continues to be a charming and wonderful factor of rio de janeiro's distinctive culture today is greatly linked to the traditions of the past, strongly based around the well-being and survival of the community, sharing, and celebrating each other's company for both general and special occasions.