Cruzeiro

Cruseiro is a Portuguese term with several related meanings. In everyday usage it commonly refers to a sea voyage for pleasure, a cruise. The word can also describe the act of traveling by ship over a vacation period or the itinerary of such a voyage. In addition to its general meaning, cruzeiro is used as a proper noun in Brazil to denote various specific uses.

Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, usually known simply as Cruzeiro, is a Brazilian football club based in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. It is one of Brazil’s most historically successful clubs, with multiple national league titles and cup victories, and it has won several international competitions as well. The club plays its home matches at the Mineirão stadium and maintains a large supporter base in the country.

Historically, cruzeiro has also been the name of Brazil’s currency during several periods between the 1940s and the 1990s. The currency series underwent multiple redenominations to combat inflation, including phases commonly referred to as cruzeiro novo and cruzeiro real. In 1994, Brazil introduced the current currency, the real, replacing the cruzeiro system.

Other uses of cruzeiro include references to geographic locations and cultural terms derived from the same root, reflecting its linguistic and historical presence in Portuguese-speaking regions. The term remains part of the standard lexicon in relation to travel, finance, and Brazilian popular culture.