Acre Standard Time (ACT)

Introduction

Acre Standard Time (ACT) is the official time zone for the state of Acre in Brazil. It operates five hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-05:00) and is observed uniformly across the state. This time zone is essential for maintaining a consistent schedule for business, government, and daily activities throughout Acre.

Time Zone History

The history of Acre Standard Time is closely tied to the history of the state of Acre itself. Acre was originally part of Bolivia but was annexed by Brazil in 1903 following the Treaty of Petrópolis. The time zone has undergone several changes over the years. Initially, Acre followed the time zone of the Amazon region (UTC-04:00). However, in 2008, the Brazilian government decided to change Acre's time zone to UTC-05:00 to better align with the rest of the country. This change was met with resistance from the local population, and in 2013, the time zone was reverted back to UTC-05:00.

Geographical Coverage

Acre Standard Time is observed exclusively in the state of Acre, located in the westernmost part of Brazil. The state is bordered by Amazonas to the north and east, Rondônia to the southeast, Bolivia to the south, and Peru to the west. Acre is known for its dense rainforests and is part of the Amazon Basin.

Daylight Saving Time (DST)

Acre does not currently observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). The state has experimented with DST in the past, but it was ultimately discontinued due to its limited effectiveness and the preference of the local population to maintain a consistent time throughout the year.

Major Cities

Major cities within the Acre Standard Time zone include:

• Rio Branco: The capital and largest city of Acre, known for its cultural heritage and historical landmarks.
• Cruzeiro do Sul: A significant city in Acre, known for its natural beauty and proximity to the Juruá River.

Local Culture and Traditions

Acre has a rich cultural heritage that reflects the diverse influences of its indigenous peoples, European settlers, and African slaves. The state is known for its traditional festivals, such as the Festival of the Holy Spirit and the Feast of Saint John. These events feature vibrant processions, music, dance, and traditional food.

Local Events and Holidays

Significant local events and holidays observed in Acre include:

• Anniversary of the Treaty of Petrópolis: Celebrated on November 17th, marking the signing of the treaty that annexed Acre to Brazil.
• Feast of Saint John: A major festival celebrated in June, featuring bonfires, fireworks, and traditional dances.

Other Names

Acre Standard Time is commonly abbreviated as ACT. It is also referred to as America/Rio_Branco in some contexts.

Interesting Facts

• Acre is one of the few states in Brazil that does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
• The state is home to the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, named after the famous environmentalist and rubber tapper who fought to preserve the Amazon rainforest.
• Acre's capital, Rio Branco, is named after the Baron of Rio Branco, a prominent Brazilian diplomat who played a key role in the annexation of Acre to Brazil.