The celebration of the 116th anniversary of the Clube de Regatas do Flamengo began early, at 7 a.m., with the traditional Alvorada (Alvorada), attended by the entire three-time champion rowing team, president Patricia Amorim, and members of the Flamengo board, represented by the vice president of Fla-Gávea, Cacau Cotta. The flags of Brazil, the city of Rio de Janeiro, and Flamengo were raised to the sound of the Charanga Rubro-Negra (Red and Black Charanga).

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"116 years ago, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo was born, to our pride, to improve and give meaning to our lives. Today is a day of celebration, and I would like to thank Charanga for their partnership over so many years. May Flamengo continue writing its history, with victories and joy. If I could define the meaning of Flamengo in a single word, I would say: Eternal! That's how I define it. So much struggle, so much dedication, but everyone has to do their part. We've already achieved so much, like the renovation of the basketball and gymnastics gyms, the employee cafeteria, and our Training Center, which is in full swing. We haven't reached that excellence yet, but we are striving for the recognition that our Flamengo deserves, and that is the least," said the club's president, who made a point of recalling all the achievements achieved by the sports modalities in 2011.

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"The renovations are underway, and it's very gratifying. We've adopted the Zoo's King Vulture space. It's an exciting event because it's important to take care of our symbol. Many of you may not know yet, but yesterday (Monday) 50% of the employees' 13th-month salary was deposited. You can check your account! The board members have contributed greatly to this, much to my joy. The feeling as I reach the end of 2011 is of mission accomplished. The expectation now is that next year will be better than this one, just as 2011 was better than 2010. We've overcome adversity with the tenacity that Flamengo taught us. We've done a lot right, despite some mistakes, but the time will come when it will just be win, win, win. It's an honor to preside over this great institution called Flamengo."  

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After a hearty breakfast served on the banks of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the anniversary celebrations of Brazil's Most Beloved continued at the club's headquarters, with Chocolate Amigo, Reco Reco, and a mass celebrated by Father Benedito in the small Chapel of Saint Jude Thaddeus, the club's patron saint. The excitement took over Boca Maldita, where "Happy Birthday" was sung in the presence of members, fans, employees, and fans.

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In a ceremony held in the Rogério Steinberg Auditorium, led by Mauro Chaves, Director of Historical Heritage, 20 new Embassies were officially awarded diplomas. There are now 53 Embassies spread throughout the world, including Fla-Roma (Italy), Fla-Orlando (United States), Fla-USA, Fla-Angola (Portugal), Fla-Cruzeiro (São Paulo), Fla-Minas, Fla-Manaus, Fla-Castelo, Fla-Uruguaiana, Fla-Foz do Iguaçu, Fla-Itapema, among others.

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"Those who come to the Club every year have seen the improvements we've made to the club's assets. We renovated the gymnastics and basketball gyms, and we've improved the futsal court, which hasn't been done in 22 years. In January, we'll begin work on the volleyball court. Construction on the training center, a longtime dream, is in full swing. Our goal is to leave this legacy behind for you," said the president.

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The party also took over the Fadel Fadel Aquatic Park, the Urubinha Space and the lawns, with several football matches being held.