João Fernandes Lavrador was a Portuguese explorer who is best known for his role in the discovery of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1498. He was born in the late 15th century in the Portuguese city of Viana do Castelo. His family was of noble descent and he was educated in the court of King John II of Portugal.
At the age of twenty-five, Lavrador was chosen by King John II to lead an expedition to explore the Atlantic Ocean. The expedition was part of the Portuguese Age of Discovery, which was a period of exploration and colonization of the New World. Lavrador was accompanied by two other Portuguese explorers, Gaspar Corte-Real and Miguel Corte-Real.
The expedition set sail in May of 1498 and headed west. After a few weeks, they reached the island of Newfoundland. Lavrador and his crew were the first Europeans to set foot on the island. They explored the area and mapped the coastline. They also encountered the native Beothuk people, who were friendly and welcoming.
The expedition continued south and eventually reached the mainland of what is now Canada. Lavrador and his crew explored the area and mapped the coastline. They also encountered the native Mi'kmaq people, who were also friendly and welcoming.
The expedition returned to Portugal in October of 1498. Lavrador was praised for his accomplishments and was given a pension by King John II. He was also given the title of “Lavrador do Mar”, which translates to “Laborer of the Sea”.
Lavrador's accomplishments were significant and he is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Portuguese exploration. He is credited with the discovery of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the first European contact with the native peoples of the region. His legacy lives on in the names of many places in the region, such as the city of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Lavrador's legacy is also remembered in the annual celebration of “João Fernandes Lavrador Day”, which is celebrated on the first Monday of August in Newfoundland and Labrador. The day is a celebration of Lavrador's accomplishments and his role in the history of Portuguese exploration.
João Fernandes Lavrador was an important figure in the history of Portuguese exploration and his legacy lives on in the names of many places in the region. He was a brave explorer who helped to open up the New World to European exploration and colonization. His accomplishments are remembered and celebrated to this day.