Região Nordeste (in blue/azul)
Bahia
By Alfonso Alvarez
Bahia is located in the northeastern coast of Brazil, and is the fourth largest state in Brazil by population. The capital of Bahia is Salvador, and was founded in 1549. This city was originally named Cidade do São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, and was the first capital of Brazil. Salvador is also one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas.
Bahia’s Economic stronghold which was once in agriculture, slaving, and ranching, is now mainly powered by manufacturing interests. As of 2004, Bahia boasts the biggest GDP of the states of the North and Northeast. Bahia exports chemicals, mineral metallics, soybean, paper, and vehicles. Bahia is also the main producer and exporter of cacao in Brazil.
Gastronomy in Bahia is influenced by Portuguese and Amerindian cuisine, but the largest influence by far, is is African. Bahian cuisine contains generous amounts of malagueta chili peppers and dendê oil extracted from an African palm that grows well in the northeastern climate. Several Bahian dishes also contain seafood (usually shrimp), coconut milk, banana, and okra (ladies’ fingers).
Moqueca is one of the region’s most popular dishes. It is a mixture of shrimp – perhaps with other seafood as well – coconut, garlic, onion, parsley, pepper, tomato paste, and dendê oil. These ingredients are sautéed over a low flame and served with rice cooked in coconut milk
Another traditional dish is vatapá – a spicy shrimp purée made with palm oil and nuts – and carurú de camarão, which contains both fresh and dried shrimp, as well as sliced okra.
Sergipe
(by Erika Esser)
Sergipe is the smallest state in Brazil and is similar in size and population (approximately 2.5 million) to Utah. Although it does not have an extensively large land mass, its history reveals that other countries still had an interest in conquering this region.
Local tribes known as the Tupi had once settled here. In the 16th century it was conquered by sugar planters and cattlemen from Bahia. The Portuguese arrived in the latter half of the century and they established Sergipe’s first capital city, São Cristóvão, in 1590. Between 1641 and 1645 the Dutch were able to claim Sergipe, but shortly thereafter the Portuguese took back its control. Brazil won independence from Europe in 1822 and Sergipe became a state of the Brazilian Republic in 1889. The state was named after Serigy, a Brazilian indigenous leader who fought against the Portuguese colonization.
Perhaps the most well known music from Bahia, is
Axé. Axé is a musical genre that was created in Salvador in the 1980’s.
This Bahian music naturally includes heavy influences of Afro-Brazilian music such as forró, carixada, and frevo.
It is also considered a fusion of different Afro-Caribbean genres such as march, reggae and calypso. Here is an example of
Axé:
Axé. Axé is a musical genre that was created in Salvador in the 1980’s.
This Bahian music naturally includes heavy influences of Afro-Brazilian music such as forró, carixada, and frevo.
It is also considered a fusion of different Afro-Caribbean genres such as march, reggae and calypso. Here is an example of
Axé:
Sergipe
(by Erika Esser)
Sergipe is the smallest state in Brazil and is similar in size and population (approximately 2.5 million) to Utah. Although it does not have an extensively large land mass, its history reveals that other countries still had an interest in conquering this region.
Local tribes known as the Tupi had once settled here. In the 16th century it was conquered by sugar planters and cattlemen from Bahia. The Portuguese arrived in the latter half of the century and they established Sergipe’s first capital city, São Cristóvão, in 1590. Between 1641 and 1645 the Dutch were able to claim Sergipe, but shortly thereafter the Portuguese took back its control. Brazil won independence from Europe in 1822 and Sergipe became a state of the Brazilian Republic in 1889. The state was named after Serigy, a Brazilian indigenous leader who fought against the Portuguese colonization.
So, why was Sergipe so highly sought after? As it turns out, it is an area which contains many valuable resources.
Economy
The economy of the state is agriculturally rich. Oranges, coconut, and cassava (similar to yucca) are some of its main crops but sugarcane is number one. Livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, and hogs are also part of the economic wheel.Petroleum, potassium, rock salt, limestone, gypsum, and manganese can also be found here.
Hydroelectric complexes on the São Francisco River provide the electricity to extract and process many of these resources and they deliver power to homes as well.
Tourism is also popular in Sergipe it helps stimulate the economy. The beautiful landscapes certainly draw visitors to the area.
Geography and Aracaju
The eastern coast of Sergipe is lined with numerous white sandy beaches, palm trees, mangroves, swamps and a small portion of tropical rain forest. Inland, the state is mainly savanna, and some mountains can be found off to the west.
Arguably, one of the most beautiful attractions of the State is the Xingó Canyon, with rocks that tower more than 50 meters high and many visitors enjoy the views as they tour the São Francisco River in small boats or catamarans.
Man has also contributed to the physical, as well as the cultural landscape of Sergipe, and the capital city of Aracaju (established in 1855) is one of the most popular areas to visit in the state. One can admire cobblestone streets, many cathedrals and churches, markets, museums, monuments, crafts and enjoy local foods such as the city's infamous crab dishes.
The largest June Festival (Festa Junina) in Brazil is also held in Aracaju. The celebration is a month to commemorate some of the most famous saints for Catholics: Saint Anthony, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Peter. Throughout the festivities there is always plenty of food, music and quadrilha dances (similar to square dancing).
Problems in Sergipe
While it is nice to paint a beautiful picture of a place, each comes with its own set of unique problems. Sergipe exemplifies some of the country’s water challenges, for instance. Often it is difficult to keep up with the demand for water, especially in areas like Aracaju where about 1/3 of the state’s population lives. Droughts in the region add to the complication, and water sanitation is yet another struggle. The “Sergipe Water Project” was implemented in 2012 to improve the situation.
Illegal animal trafficking is also prominent in areas of Brazil. Some of the species that suffer from this the most are song birds, birds of prey and reptiles. There is a demand for these creatures because they are kept as pets, are consumed or sold on the black market. In the process, some of the animals manage to escape, however some perish or remain in captivity.
Thankfully, there are efforts being made to save these animals. José Percílio Costa recovers and rehabilitates many birds of prey that have been confiscated from traffickers. He founded the Parque dos Falcões (Hawks Park) where owls, hawks and others are treated and often released back into the wild. The park is located about an hour away from Aracaju and is visited by not only tourists but also biologists, students, and researchers.
References
Topographic Map Aracaju http://en-au.topographic-map.com/places/Aracaju-5848522/
“Parque Dos Falcões.” Parque Dos Falcões, www.parquedosfalcoes.com.br/.
"Sergipe.". “Sergipe.” Gale Library of Daily Life: Slavery in America,
Encyclopedia.com, 2018,
www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sergipe.
Guilherme Fernando Gomes Destro, Tatiana Lucena Pimentel,
Raquel Monti Sabaini, Roberto Cabral Borges and Raquel Barreto (August 29th
2012). Efforts to Combat Wild
Animals Trafficking in Brazil, Biodiversity Enrichment in a Diverse World
Gbolagade Akeem Lameed, IntechOpen, DOI: 10.5772/48351. Available from:
https://www.intechopen.com/books/biodiversity-enrichment-in-a-diverse-world/efforts-to-combat-wild-animals-trafficking-in-brazil
Topographic Map Aracaju http://en-au.topographic-map.com/places/Aracaju-5848522/
“Parque Dos Falcões.” Parque Dos Falcões, www.parquedosfalcoes.com.br/.
"Sergipe.". “Sergipe.” Gale Library of Daily Life: Slavery in America,
Encyclopedia.com, 2018,
www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sergipe.
Guilherme Fernando Gomes Destro, Tatiana Lucena Pimentel, Raquel Monti Sabaini, Roberto Cabral Borges and Raquel Barreto (August 29th 2012). Efforts to Combat Wild Animals Trafficking in Brazil, Biodiversity Enrichment in a Diverse World Gbolagade Akeem Lameed, IntechOpen, DOI: 10.5772/48351. Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/books/biodiversity-enrichment-in-a-diverse-world/efforts-to-combat-wild-animals-trafficking-in-brazil
Alagoas
Pernambuco (Angie Madsen)
Overview
Located on the Eastern coast of Brazil, where the continent juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, Pernambuco is edged by187 kilometers (116 miles) of coastline. It is the seventh most populated state in the country, and the capital city Recife is the fifth most populated. Nearby Olinda is the second oldest city in Brazil. Pernambuco also boasts the largest Carnival celebration in the world.The peak tourist season generally begins in mid-December and runs through March, winding down after the Carnival celebrations. Cuisine is centered upon fresh fish and tropical fruits. One local specialty is carne do sol (a dried meat dish).
Football (soccer) was introduced to Pernambuco in Recife in 1902 by Dutch and English sailors who kicked the ball around on the beach. In 2014, Recife was one of 12 Brazilian cities to host the FIFA World Cup.
A brief history
Originally inhabited by numerous tribes of indigenous peoples who hunted and farmed for their support, the area that now includes Pernambuco was settled by the Portuguese in the 16th century and quickly grew, thanks to the prosperous sugar and cotton industries. Following several clashes with the French, the Dutch briefly occupied the area beginning in 1630. Portugal regained control in 1654.In March 1817 the area formally declared independence from Portugal. The short-lived Pernambucan Revolution ended in May 1817. Several failed attempts took place over the next few decades, until Pernambuco officially gained statehood in 1889.
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| A road in historic Olinda |
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| Avenida Mascarenhas de Morais, Recife |
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| Guararapes International Airport |
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| Recife Port |
What to do
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| Galo da Madrugada |
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| Festa Junina |
Festa Junina or Festa de São João - Introduced by the Portuguese and adapted from Europe's Midsummer's Day celebrations, the Festa Junina coincides with the end of Brazil's rainy season and the beginning of the Southern winter. The festivals begin 12 June on the eve of St Anthony's Day and last until St Peter's Day on 29 June, culminating on 24 June with the feast of St John the Baptist. Activities include bonfires, fireworks, traditional peasant costumes and fold dancing in the streets. Caruaru's celebration is the largest in the state.
What to See
Porto de Galinhas - Originally a tiny fishing village, during the height of the slave trade slaves would be brought into the trading post with the guineafowl, and the code would be given "tem galinha nova no porto" ("there are new chickens in the port"). Readers of Brazil's Voyage and Tourism magazine voted Galinhas "Best Brazilian Beach" eight years in a row based on the beauty of the natural tide pools and coral reefs, ecological trails, hotel infrastructure and proximity to the major city and airport in Recife.
Boa Viagem - Located in the upscale Southern zone of Recife, the coastline is protected by a long reef wall which provides calm water and warm temperatures. The urbanized sea front boasts the Shopping Center Recife, outdoor cafés, restaurants, night clubs, and most of Recife's best hotels. The beach is lit at night, drawing the younger crowds for night swimming.
Ilha de Itamaracá - The name is derived from the Tupi words itá ("stone") and mbara'ká ("shaker"). The island is separated from the mainland by the Canal de Santa Cruz, and is known for having one of the oldest if not the first Jewish communities in the Americas.
Wikipedia contributors. (2018, May 7). Pernambuco. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:23, June 4, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pernambuco&oldid=840110804
Wikipedia contributors. (2018, March 2). Olinda. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:56, June 4, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Olinda&oldid=828443330
Wikipedia contributors. (2018, May 11). Recife. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:56, June 4, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Recife&oldid=840699871
Wikipedia contributors. (2018, April 19). Galo da Madrugada. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:27, June 4, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Galo_da_Madrugada&oldid=837297493
Wikipedia contributors. (2018, May 27). Festa Junina. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:27, June 4, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Festa_Junina&oldid=843227732
Wikipedia contributors. (2018, March 29). Porto de Galinhas. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:28, June 4, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porto_de_Galinhas&oldid=833015391
Wikipedia contributors. (2017, June 14). Boa Viagem, Recife. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:28, June 4, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boa_Viagem,_Recife&oldid=785626632
Wikipedia contributors. (2018, January 13). Ilha de Itamaracá. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:28, June 4, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ilha_de_Itamarac%C3%A1&oldid=820243537
Ilha de Fernando de Noronha
Paraíba
Paraíba
By: Malcome Bennett
Paraíba is a northeastern state of Brazil that is bordered by the states of Rio Grande to the North, Ceará on the west, and Pernambuco on the south. East of Paraíba is the Atlantic Ocean. This state gets its name from the Paraíba river which is the primary source of water of this agricultural-centered state. The state was founded on August 5, 1585 but during the 16th century, explorers from Portgual, Spain, Olinda, and Itamarca founded Filipéia de Nossa Senhora das Neves which is now the João Pessoa, the state’s capital. João Pessoa which was nameds after the former governor, João Pessoa who was assassinated in 1930, is the state’s largest city with 733154 citizens followed by Campina Grande (387643) and Santa Rita (121166) respectively.
Economy:
Paraíba’s service sector and industrial sector account for 56.5%
and 33.1% of the state’s GDP. The state’s biggest exports are cotton,
footweares, sugar, alcohol, fish, and and crustaceans but the state relies
primarily on shoes, leather products, cattle and sugarcanes. Paraíba account
for 0.8% of Brazil’s economy.
Attractions:
The name Casa da Pólvora translates to House of Gunpowder was built by the Captain-General, govenor Fernando
de Barros and Vasconcelos. Construction began on August 10, 1704 and was
completed in 1710. It is a symbol of Portuguese colonization in Brazil.
Parque Sólon de
Lucena (Lagoa)
It has been one of the city’s most notable landmarks since
opening in 1922 and sits on 15 hectares.
Food:
Fried Agulhinhas
Vatapá
References:
Brasil, V. (2018). Paraíba. Retrieved from http://visitbrasil.com/en/estados/paraiba.html
Britannica, T. E. (2012, November 21). Paraíba. Retrieved
from https://www.britannica.com/place/Paraiba
Meyer, A. (1970, January 01). Brazil.org.za. Retrieved from
https://www.brazil.org.za/paraiba.html
Rio Grande do Norte
Ceará (by Haley)
Background and History
Ceará (meaning turquoise or green waters) is by far one of the most beautiful states in Brasil because of its incredible beaches and nature areas. As the eighth largest state by population, it is often regarded as one of the top vacation spots of the Brasilians and international tourists alike. There is incredible diversity in this state as it has around 370 miles of coastline, mountains, valleys, and the National Forest of Araripe.
The state was originally inhabited by many indigenous peoples such as the Tabajara, Kariri, and Paicaú who had a commercial relationship with Europeans, namely the French. The Portuguese settled Ceará in 1603 to better support Portugal in war with the French however there was a great problem of drought and many unsuccessful attempts before a military regime was officially established. In 1637 the Dutch settled the state with the help from the native people who fled Portuguese persecution and were in possession of the area until signing it over to Portugal in 1661. The fight for Brasilian independence was strong in Ceará in 1822 and after a brief reign of terror / chaos, it was the first state to abolish slavery in 1884. Railroads and dams were built to increase productivity and agriculture became the focus. Today the state is known for agriculture, tourism, and industry.
Economy
Ceará contributes largely to the overall Brasilian economy leading with the service sector at 56.7%, industrial sector at 37.9%, and agricultural sector at 5.4%. Ceará has traditionally been known as an agricultural state and today exports primarily leather, crustaceans, woven cotton, cashews, fruit juices, honey, and carnauba wax. After the military regime of 1964-1985, the industrial sector grew immensely and remains a huge component of their economy today.
Music
One musical style that is popular throughout Ceará is forró. Here is a band, Falamansa, from Fortaleza, Ceará that plays forró.
Food
When it comes to food, there are many similarities with food from around Brasil that has already been mentioned in this class. Here is an awesome article mentioning more traditional food that pertains to Fortaleza and Brasil in general. The central Fortalezence dish is called Paçoca and is made of beef, red onion, and cassava flour.
https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/brazil/articles/8-traditional-foods-you-have-to-try-when-in-fortaleza/
Star Cities
1. Municipio Fortaleza (capital)
Acquario Fortaleza
2. Jericoacoara
Praia Jericoacoara
Jijoca de Jericoacoara
Maranhão
by: Jaime Estrada
Maranhão is a state in northeast Brazil and is characterised by the dense Amazonian forests in its northern areas and long stretches of barren beaches along the Parnaíba River and coastline. It is bordered by Piauí, Tocantins and Pará as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
The extensive beaches and sand dunes are protected, due to their ecological importance and contribution. This makes them particularly beautiful to see, as human interference is minimal. The capital city of this state is São Luís, which is also the largest city in the state. São Luis’ old city, the streets are lined with bright facades and intricate tiling, and signature details of Brazilian architecture.
The 16th century was a time of global exploration for the Europeans. Although various parts of South America had been occupied by the semi-nomadic tribes that were native to the area for centuries, the 1500’s saw the introduction of other nations, cultures and tongues. Records indicate that the Spaniard, Vicente Yáñez Pinzón, was the first person to explore Maranhão in 1500. However, the area was officially given to João de Barros in 1534 as a Portuguese hereditary captaincy. It was 60 years later, in 1594, that the French established the first settlement in what is today known as Maranhão. In 1612, a French colony was also established on São Luís Island. This was a short-lived victory as the Portuguese ousted the French in 1615 and maintained power until 1641, when the Dutch took over.
Maranhão is home to approximately 6.5 million people, with over two-thirds of the population living in urban areas. It remains one of the poorest Brazilian states.The highest point, the Serra da Cinta, is 4,373 feet (1,333 metres) in elevation. From these highlands a number of river systems run generally northeastward into the Atlantic. Area 128,179 square miles (331,983 square km). Pop. (2010) 6,574,789.The service sector is the largest component of GDP at 70%, followed by the industrial sector at 19,6%. Agriculture represents 10,4%, of GDP (2015). Maranhão is the 4th largest economy in the Northeast and 17th in Brazil.
Cabana do Sol– An award-winning culinary mecca made for the carnivore, serving savory “carnes” plates with the traditional Brazilian sides: rice, beans and yuca. Take home a bottle of the pimenta sauce.
Piauí (Gilda)
Teresina is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Piauí, located in the northeast and it is located on the Atlantic Ocean. It has the shortest coastline of any of the states in Brazil, at only 66 kilometers in length. The total area of the state is a little over 251 529 square kilometers (or 97 116 square miles) and it has a population of approximately 3.1 million people.
Another fact for which Piauí is known is that its capital city is the only one in the northeast to be located inland, because this state was originally inhabited from the inland areas and then extended outwards towards the coast. It is bordered by Maranhão, Ceará, Pernambuco, Bahia, Tocantins and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean
Aerial view of Teresina, capital city of Piauí, of and river Poti.
This area was once inhabited by native “Indians”, as the Europeans called them. These ones were hunter-gatherers who were semi-nomadic, living off the land and surviving well on its produce. They left ample evidence of their existence and lives in the form of archaeological ruins and cave art, which remain as testimony to the intriguing lives of these ancient civilizations.
Bandits fleeing from São Paulo were the first official inhabitants of Piauí, establishing cattle farms and small settlements. During the 1600’s, this area attracted the poor and enslaved. However, large cattle farmers soon saw the merits of the uncultivated land and moved, with their livestock, from neighboring states into Piauí.
Cattle farming continued to grow and, by the 20th century, was the largest industry in Piauí. With this sort of farming came the cultivation of other products, such as cotton,
sugar, tobacco, rubber and dyewoods. In 1852, the city of Teresina was the first to be planned.
The Piauiense coastline is one of Brazil’s main crab-producing areas so on the coast don’t miss out on all the crab specialties. The state also grows a lot of cashew trees - you can eat the fruit, the toasted nuts and they even make alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the juice, not to mention caramelized sweets from the fruit itself.
Local specialities include:
Carne de sol - meat that has been preserved by the sun.
Baião de Dois – rice, beans, cheese and herbs
Maria Isabel – rice with sun dried meat
Panelada - Tripe
Linguiça do porco - a type of pork sausage
Drink
Cajuína - a soft drink made from cashew fruit - is produced in Piaui. Caetano Veloso, one of Brazil's best-known singers, wrote a song about Piauiese cajuína.
The state of Piauí is almost completely situated in the Parnaíba Basin. The northern part of the state is low and marshy, while the south (which is inland) gradually becomes a high plateau. The main rivers and waterways that feed this plateau include the Poti, the Longa, and the Canindé. Between river valleys are flat-topped highlands called chapadas. The marshy areas of the south are low in nutrients, yielding low evergreen forests that can handle such compromised conditions. The Maranhão Babaçu forests stretch westward into Maranhão from the low plateaus. The east is home to drier scrubland vegetation, while the southwest boasts Cerrado savannahs. As with much of Brazil, Piauí’s climate is hot and humid, while the higher lying areas are slightly drier, with cool nights.
In terms of its economy, Piauí is one of the poorest states in the country. The services sector, industrial sector and agricultural sector makes up the state’s major GDP contributions in descending order.
Its exports play a major role in the economy, and include essential oils, soybeans, cotton, cashew nuts, certain seafood and leather.
A need to concentrate on tourism has been identified in an effort to attract visitors to the country, which is so rich in cultural and historical heritage.
Pedra Furada, Parque Nacional Serra da Capivara, Estado do Piauí.
Tourist attractions in Piauí include:
• The Central Market (Mercado Central)
• Palácio do Karnak - for classic Greek and Roman architecture enthusiasts
• The Piauí Museum
• Luís Correia – a quaint beach and coastal village
• Parque Nacional das Sete Cidades - where impressive archaeological ruins are displayed
• The Zoo and Botanic Garden
• The National Park of Serra da Capivara - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Palácio do Karnak - for classic Greek and Roman architecture enthusiasts
• The Piauí Museum
• Luís Correia – a quaint beach and coastal village
• Parque Nacional das Sete Cidades - where impressive archaeological ruins are displayed
• The Zoo and Botanic Garden
• The National Park of Serra da Capivara - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades is located between Teresina and Parnaíba (nearest town Piracuruca). Well worth a visit for its weird and wonderful rock formations and prehistoric cave paintings. There is a guesthouse located within the national park, and another, larger one, just outside the main gate. The best way to see the park is by bicycle, which can be rented at the visitor's center. Other options include walking (a warning: it gets very hot) or by car. In every case you must hire an official guide, who are all very friendly and well trained, although its doubtful any will speak more than rudimentary English. They are always available at the visitor's center.
The town of Pedro II, in the hills not far from Sete Cidades National Park. This is one of only two Opel producing areas in the world (the other is in Australia). The town is pleasant, sometimes called the "Switzerland of Piauí", somewhat of an exageration, but nice enough anyway and cooler than the rest of the state also. Visit the Opel mines, all mined by hand, with a local guide. Ask for one in any of the many stores selling Opel products. Pedro II is also known for its weaving, with many stores and workshops spread around town.



































This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTeresina is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Piauí, located in the northeast and it is located on the Atlantic Ocean. It has the shortest coastline of any of the states in Brazil, at only 66 kilometers in length. The total area of the state is a little over 251 529 square kilometers (or 97 116 square miles) and it has a population of approximately 3.1 million people.
ReplyDeleteAnother fact for which Piauí is known is that its capital city is the only one in the northeast to be located inland, because this state was originally inhabited from the inland areas and then extended outwards towards the coast. It is bordered by Maranhão, Ceará, Pernambuco, Bahia, Tocantins and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean
This area was once inhabited by native “Indians”, as the Europeans called them. These ones were hunter-gatherers who were semi-nomadic, living off the land and surviving well on its produce. They left ample evidence of their existence and lives in the form of archaeological ruins and cave art, which remain as testimony to the intriguing lives of these ancient civilizations.
Bandits fleeing from São Paulo were the first official inhabitants of Piauí, establishing cattle farms and small settlements. During the 1600’s, this area attracted the poor and enslaved. However, large cattle farmers soon saw the merits of the uncultivated land and moved, with their livestock, from neighboring states into Piauí.
Cattle farming continued to grow and, by the 20th century, was the largest industry in Piauí. With this sort of farming came the cultivation of other products, such as cotton, sugar, tobacco, rubber and dyewoods. In 1852, the city of Teresina was the first to be planned.
The Piauiense coastline is one of Brazil’s main crab-producing areas so on the coast don’t miss out on all the crab specialties. The state also grows a lot of cashew trees - you can eat the fruit, the toasted nuts and they even make alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the juice, not to mention caramelized sweets from the fruit itself.
Local specialities include:
Carne de sol - meat that has been preserved by the sun.
Baião de Dois – rice, beans, cheese and herbs
Maria Isabel – rice with sun dried meat
Panelada - Tripe
Linguiça do porco - a type of pork sausage
Drink
Cajuína - a soft drink made from cashew fruit - is produced in Piaui. Caetano Veloso, one of Brazil's best-known singers, wrote a song about Piauiese cajuína.
Tourist attractions in Piauí include:
• The Central Market (Mercado Central)
• Palácio do Karnak - for classic Greek and Roman architecture enthusiasts
• The Piauí Museum
• Luís Correia – a quaint beach and coastal village
• Parque Nacional das Sete Cidades - where impressive archaeological ruins are displayed
• The Zoo and Botanic Garden
• The National Park of Serra da Capivara - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ceará (by Haley)
ReplyDeleteHaley, thank you so much for your blog post! I loved reading about Ceará. I wasn't very familiar with the state before and I loved learning about all of the diverse natural attractions available. It's so cool that there are beaches, coastline, a national forest and mountains! Your blog says that it's one of the top spots in Brazil for vacationing and I can see why now! I'll have to keep it in mind. :)
Piauí (Gilda)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed learning about Piauí! I had no idea that Piauí was a major crabbing area, how random is that? And that they have a major cattle industry? I have never really put much thought into the major food industries that exist in Brasil, but I think it is really neat to learn that information. I was sad to read that Piauí has one of the lowest economies in Brasil, despite the crabbing and cattle farming. It sounds like an interesting place to visit. Thank you so much Gilda for teaching me more about Piauí!
Oi, Alfonso. I really enjoyed your focus on Bahia’s gastronomy. Moqueca, vatapá, and carurú de camarão sound very delicious. I love shrimp, chili, and coconut combinations. It’s also interesting to learn about the African, Portuguese, and Amerindian cuisine influences. It reminds me of the influences African cuisine has had on the gastronomy of the southeastern United States. Obrigada!
ReplyDeleteOi, Erika. Thank you for bringing the Xíngo Canyon to my attention! I recently took a physical geography course which taught me about weathering and erosion. I think it would be amazing to take a tour of the canyon via the São Francisco river and see the rock and sediment formations up close. I wonder if there are kayaking tours or rentals available. It would make the trip even more enjoyable and adventurous. Obrigada!
ReplyDeleteAlfonso,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed learning about the state of Bahia! I thought you did an excellent job at discussing relevant and interesting information. I especially found it interesting that Bahia was the first capital of Brazil and is also known for being one of the oldest colonial cities. The popular dish of Moqueca sounds delicious and is definitely something I would eat! Since Bahia is the main producer of cacao I wonder if the state has a popular dish that uses this ingredient? This is something I will look in to!
Erika,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing so much information about Sergipe! Its fascinating how many resources there are for such a small state! I enjoyed reading about the economy of Sergipe because it was interesting to learn about all the different resources and products it has. I especially thought it was neat that the state is home to diverse minerals such as gypsum, potassium, rock salt and limestone. Despite the issues that are evident in Sergipe, it is nice to hear about people like José Percílio Costa who do rehabilitation work for animals that have been a part of illegal trafficking.
I'll enter two other comments about the specific content of my classmates' blogs. (Which just in general I'm loving, btw, thanks everybody! The part I look forward to in every unit is reading your stuff) I hope you don't mind if I do a quick comment on some meta-stuff re writing for web content.
ReplyDeleteBlogging is def a 21st c. skill, so I'd recommend taking a little time to learn about it (it's easy), in the same way that as college students at some point you've learned to write research papers / long form essays. I write web content professionally, so maybe I go a little overboard, but when I publish anything, here's a little check list I use:
* edit on one page, view on another (this helps you check out formatting stuff like how your post looks on the page: font sizes, spacing, alignment, blahblahblah)
* picture citations (technically if you just take the first image off a google search, like I do, there's a good chance you're using someone else's content without a license. This is usually fine, but I like to hyperlink the picture to the actual website that originally posted the image. That way there's a bit of credit given.)
* read it to myself out loud, from the page that visitors will see (not the page where I'm making edits). I can't believe how many things I miss until I read it out loud to myself.
Keep up the good work guys! Thanks for all the great reading :) I think for the end of the semester someone should make a playlist of all the music we've discovered on this blog. It's the best part of my favorite part ;)
Obrigado pela sua leitura.
Great tips!!! Obrigada!!!!
DeleteAlfonso, you sold me on the food in Bahia so hard. Lots of chilis, coconut milk, and shrimp is pretty much my dream food for every meal. Do you know what it is that makes it so cacao is a major product in some places (like Bahia) but not in others? I mean, it's not like sugarcane, which it seems is grown everywhere. Great work!
ReplyDeleteHaley, a question about Ceará: you mentioned it was the first place to abolish slavery in 1884. I thought that was interesting, 1) because I didn't know Brazil worked like USA where different states can have significantly different legislation, and 2) it made me wonder, is Ceará traditionally progressive (heh) throughout history w/r/t other human rights issues? Indigenous people, LGBT, etc?
ReplyDeleteAlso NO THANKS AT ALL for posting that creepy forró video by Falamanza! That voyeuristic clown will haunt my dreams lol good job.
I had some experience with the forró when I was a ballroom instructor. I had someone come in who wanted to learn. It has become quite popular now in Brazil more so than even the samba. It started out with more sophisticated music and moves (opposite of American swing, which started out crazy and then was created the sophisticated west coast swing), and now has adapted to the younger generation with more party music with influences of salsa and samba. How fun!
ReplyDeleteOi Erika, I really enjoyed reading your post. I found it interesting that even though the state is quite small it was heavily sought after. I can see that with all of the natural resources that everyone would want to conquer the lands. I liked reading about the canyon and the pictures that were included. It made me want to visit these areas. The June Festival seems like an exciting time in the state. I know many Catholic friends that would also love to visit during this time. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOi Jaime, I really enjoyed this post. I learned a lot of information about the state. It is great that the beaches are protected so that they maintain their beauty. The capital city is beautiful with all of the brightly colored facades. It is unfortunate that the state is one of the poorest in the countries. Cabana do sol seems like an amazing place to visit. Hopefully with time, tourism can continue to thrive here and more investments can be made in this state. Obrigado!
ReplyDeleteOi Alfonso (Bahia)!
ReplyDeleteThe one thing that really caught my eye while reading your post is the great African influence that this state has! Not only from the food and the culture, but also from the music. I had the opportunity to have some Moqueca in a brazilian restaurant here in Seattle and it is delicious!! I highly recommend it!! Also, Axé is super catchy! I love the influence of african beats and the livelihood of the singers. Job very well done my friend!! Obrigado!!
Oi Haley (Ceará)!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite states in all of Brazil would have to be Ceará. Ceará beaches are mesmerizing! One thing I noticed about your post is that Ceará has a lot of French influence til this day. You can not only see it in their cuisine but also in their music. If you pay close attention to Forró you can hear a little of that french influence. Also the beauty of their national parks like Jericoacoara is National Geographic worthy! What a beautiful way to describe this amazing state! Obrigado!!
Okay, carne de sol sounds delicious… until I read that the meat sits in the sun for days to cure. I’m not sure how that sounds edible…but I would be up for at least trying it. Apparently they used to do it as a means of preserving the meat. To me it sounds a bit counterintuitive. Haha. Be that as it may, this dish is widely popular not only in the northeastern region where it originated, but in restaurants across the country.
ReplyDeleteAlfonso, Bahia is really interesting, thanks for all of your research. The local cuisine with the African influence sounds amazing and I'd really like to try moqueca. That Axé is very different. It sounds like they tried to combine every genre in one, I got through the song, but just barely. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI never knew that the Dutch had tried to expand their territorial claims into Brazil, but after reading that brief history about Sergipe and how it was briefly captured I guess it makes sense. It really looks like a beautiful place that I'd love to visit one day.
ReplyDeleteBahia,
ReplyDeleteHello Alfonso, thank you for sharing a lot of good information. I really enjoyed reading about the state and Moqueca. I am learning more about Brazil's culture and its different places. I found really interesting that Bahia's gastronomy was influenced by Portuguese and Armenian cuisine. The food in the video that you shared looks delicious.
Alagoas Pernambuco,
ReplyDeleteAngie, I really appreciate the pictures and the list of things that a tourist can do in Pernambuco. Boa Viagem is one of the cities that caught my attention, It is such a beautiful city, I think I've seen it before in music videos. The other cities look beautiful as well, but I would love to visit Boa Viagem.
ALfonso (bahia)
ReplyDeleteWhen I first Learned that Brazil had a state named Bahia, It quickly became my favorite without knowing a thing about it simply because of the name. The name took me back to 5 years ago when I studied marine biology along the sea of Cortes in Baja California, Mexico in a town called Bahia de Los Angeles. I couldn't wait to read about the Bahia in Brasil, They are two different Areas, but the name itself brings back memories as i said. their dish the Vatapa and Moqueca, really caught my attention. I'm sure its absolutley delicious. I Love shrimp and anything in Garlic is a plus. the coconut cream sounds great too. i might have to try my own version here at home. YUM. The music i liked. Try working out to one of those at the gym. must be fun. I might be a little bias towards the name but that was a good read.
RIO GRANDE DO NORTE (HAYLEY)
ReplyDeleteHi again, Those pictures of the shore were amazing, so breath taking, Such a gorgeous photo of those crystal blue and turquoise waters. I could go for a swim in that right about now. It is hot here in California. I thought the Maldives or one of those vacation tourist sports by that one company "Sandals" had the best beach and ocean views, but they have nothing in comparrison to RIO GRANDE. you said:
"There is incredible diversity in this state as it has around 370 miles of coastline, mountains, valleys, and the National Forest of Araripe. "
You wernt kidding. i can see how it is becoming more of a tourist place now. It really is a hidden treasure.
Erika:
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your information. I love traveling, so i definitely enjoyed reading about the white sandy beaches and the tropical rainforest nested in the region. Hopefully one day I'm fortune enough to visit Xingo Canyon, the pictures look breathtaking!
Alfonso:
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. The part I loved the most was the significant dishes from your region. I'm a foody so I will definitely look up the recipes for moqueca and vatapa. They both sounded delicious.