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Located
in a totally coastal environment, Maceio, embedded amongst palm trees,
mangroves and the ocean, stands out for its beauty. One can walk safely
and calmly along its seashore. It also has several beautiful urban
beaches.
Maceio, capital of the State of Alagoas, owes its name to the Tupi Indians
who, impressed by the natural phenomena they observed there, started
calling it “MAÇAYO” or “MAÇAI-O-K”, which means “that which
covers the marsh”.
The city began in an old sugar mill and plantation complex round the 18th
century. Its development started with the arrival of ships at Jaragua bay
where they were loaded with timber. As more sugar mills were opened,
Maceio began to export sugar, then tobacco, coconut, leather and some
spices.
As a result of its continued prosperity it was promoted to the status of
“village” on December 5, 1815 and, thanks to its continued growth,
Maceio took on the status of capital of the Province of Alagoas on
December 9, 1839.
The city has excellent infrastructure for tourism and can offer its
visitors not only good hotels, but also its cultural diversity, which is
reflected in its arts and crafts, cuisine and way of life.
Basic
information
Climate
It has a tropical, hot and humid climate. The hottest months are December
and January, when temperatures can reach 36ºC in the shade. The lowest
temperatures, with lows around 21ºC, usually occur in July and August.
Events
Guerreiro
(Warrior)
This is a typical Alagoas revelry, which resulted from the union of the
Reisado (an Epiphany celebration), the Auto dos Caboclinhos
(Caboclinhos’ Play), Chegança (public folk play depicting a naval
battle) and Pastoril (outdoor folk play). Its choreography is captivating
and dancers dress up in costumes adorned with multiple-coloured ribbons
and beads. On their heads, they wear huge hats covered in mirrors
reproducing the façades of our cathedrals.
Fandango
This is a dramatic dance inspired by the sea. Its songs, accompanied by
the sound of guitars and ukuleles, tell of the nautical adventures lived
by the first navigators.
Boi do Carnaval (Carnival Bull)
Boi do Carnaval is a display of popular culture derived from the
Bumba-Meu-Boi. It is always performed together with La Ursa (The Bear),
Vaqueiro (Cowboy) and accompanied by a percussion band whose rhythm
captivates all those who hear it.
Other events
- Bom Jesus dos Navegantes Celebration (January)
- Traditional Festival of Popular Culture and the city’s anniversary
(April)
- Jeep Circuit (May)
- Sao Joao (June)
- Motorcycle Racing Circuit (August)
- Penedo Fest (October)
- Pesca de Arremesso Gymkhana (November)
City
facts
Maceio
State: Alagoas
Region: Northeast
Population: 797,759 inhabitants
Area Code: (82)
Distances
Brasilia: 2010 km
Recife: 270 km
Aracaju: 290 km
Salvador: 610 km
Accommodation
/ Restaurants
Maceio
has many good lodging options. The city has a good infrastructure to meet
all your needs in the way of tourism. The options range from international
category hotels to cosy inns with more reasonable prices.
The star of the local cuisine is sururu, an edible mussel found in the
Manguaba and Mandau lagoons. It can be used in the preparation of several
dishes, a broth for example, and is said to be an aphrodisiac.
Among the options to choose from in the restaurants throughout the city
are many excellent fish and other seafood dishes, but visitors will also
find that other international cuisine food, is served in many of the
city’s restaurants.
How to get
there
By
Air: Maceio’s airport is served by flights from every large Brazilian
city as well as by some international flights.
By Highway: Maceio is connected to the main cities of Brazil by BR-104 and
BR-101 federal highways.
Services
Tourism
Information
Phone: +55 (82) 336-4409
Zumbi dos Palmares Airport
Phone: +55 (82) 214-4000
Coach Station
Phone: +55 (82) 221-4615
Bank Branches
Maceio has branches of all main banks in the country.
Attractions
Urban
Beaches
Jatiuca
Its name comes from the Indian word Y-ATI-UCÁ, and means “Tick”, the
parasite. There is also another version that says its name comes from the
fruit of the castor oil plant (mamona), a common plant in the region. The
beach is located approximately 4.5 km north of the town centre. The rough
seas along this stretch of beach makes it a good place to hold surf and
body board championships. Because it is located in the central area, there
are plenty of restaurants, beach stalls with showers, jogging and cycling
lanes, equipment for exercising, a shopping mall, hotels and inns.
Ponta Verde
A tip of land that rises out of the sea and is covered in green palm
trees. This is the phenomenon that gave its name to one of the most
frequented beaches in Maceio. In the past, it housed one of the most
famous symbols of the city, “The Rhea Neck”, a palm tree whose trunk
resembled a rhea’s neck. It was located near the present Yacht Club
Alagoas (Clube Alagoinha). The reefs form natural pools and it is very
common, during low tides, to see tourists bathing in these pools,
especially near the lighthouse. There are some stalls with live music,
bars, restaurants, snack bars, and hotels.
Pajuçara
This beach is approximately 2 km from downtown. It is a beach with calm
waters thanks to the reefs, which make it safe for swimming, especially
for children. Near the arts and crafts fair in Pajuçara, rafts depart in
the direction of the natural pools formed by coral reefs, where tourists
will find entertainment from the floating bars.
Cruz das Almas
This is an urban beach with stalls, restaurants and hotels. The site, once
an Indian cemetery, is filled with mysticism, which is emphasised by the
force of its waves. During the day, it is a surfers’ paradise; on nights
when the full moon shines, it is the ideal setting for lovers who, without
knowing it, celebrate the legend of the young Indian couple that was
sacrificed because they belonged to rival tribes. Some say that when the
moon is most beautiful, the Indian couple comes to bathe in the sea.
Sobral
The name of this beach is also the name of a neighbouring district. The
area around it, formed by farms and groves of palm trees, belonged to Mr.
Manoel Sobral Pinto, Commander Sobral, who gave his name to the place.
Pontal da Barra
This beach which, in the past, was adorned by moving sand dunes and native
palm trees, is the stage for one of the most beautiful natural phenomena:
the meeting of the waters from the Mandau lagoon with the sea.
North Coast
The North Coast is rich in native palm trees, sea cliffs, mangroves,
rivers, and a diversity of vegetation. Visits to Guaxuma beach, with its
simple, cosy seashore bars; Sonho Verde, with its green waters and vast
groves of coconut trees; and the famous island of Croa, in Barra de Santo
Antonio, are a must.
Barra de Santo Antonio
It is located on the Golden Coast of Alagoas, 50 km from Maceio, and
boasts some wild beaches with reefs forming natural pools of clear water
and light sands.
The Santo Antonio River divides the town into two sections. Along its
banks, on one side, is most of the city’s urban structure; on the other,
the main tourism attractions such as Croa Island and Carro Quebrado beach.
A river ferry, small rafts and barges are used for crossing the river.
Croa Island
This is Barra’s busiest attraction. It has many natural pools and simple
bars serving seafood dishes. It is on the left bank of the Santo Antonio
River, and access is by ferry.
Carro Quebrado Beach
This is an untamed beach with white sand, dense coconut groves, strong
waves and green waters. To the south, the colourful sea cliffs are the
main attraction.
Tabuba Beach
It is located at the mouth of the Sapucai River. There are many reefs,
forming pools of clear water where it is possible to observe colourful
fish and to bathe. The beach is the departure point for the rafts which
tour the natural pools.
South Coast
Frances Beach
This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the southern coast. A reef
barrier, which forms a natural pool where there is a rich assortment of
sea fauna, surrounds the bay, and the water ranges in colour from blue
turquoise to green.
Gunga Beach
This was elected one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the country. Its
white sand, framed by lines of palm trees, moves towards the sea to where
the São Miguel River water blends with the ocean.
Barra de São Miguel
The proximity of the reefs forms a natural pool along almost the entire
expanse of this beach. It is a favourite beach for tourists as it is for
the people from Alagoas. It has many vacation houses and a very complete
infrastructure.
Urban Attractions
Jaragua
Today, the Jaragua district, an old bohemian refuge, is a reference for
the Maceio nightlife. After renovating the area, the old warehouses and
two-story residences were given new colours and shapes and were
transformed into bars, nightclubs, show houses and restaurants. Jaragua
still conserves part of its heritage comprised of imposing buildings and
residences of extraordinary architectonic richness.
Avenida da Paz (Peace Avenue)
This is the setting for Maceio’s most beautiful sunset, and it received
its name in celebration of the end of Second World War.
Shopping
Lace
In Pontal da Barra, on the banks of the Mandau lagoon, skilful lace makers
create articles in filet, bobbin, labyrinth and renaissance lace. Several
small stores, distributed all around the district, sell hand towels,
blouses, beach shirts and pants, and curtains. Some of these same products
can be found at the Pajuçara beach arts and crafts fair.
Sebrae Warehouse
Sculptures, decorative articles, lace, embroideries, shoes, furniture,
sweets, and sugar cane rum, produced in several of Alagoas’ regions can
be found here – Avenida da Paz, 878 (Jaragua). Phone:82-2238200; open
from 10 am to 10 pm, from Monday to Friday; and from 9 am to 1 pm on
Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.
Coruripe (93km) – Straw Arts and Crafts
The Pontal do Cururipe, a small village 10 km from the town centre,
produces arts and crafts made of ouricuri straw, a type of midget palm
tree with long leaves. The raw material is transformed into purses,
handbags, rugs, place mats, jewellery cases and beach mats.
Information provided by
Embratur
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