Gravatá in the interior of Pernambuco located 80 km from Recife, on the BR-232 motorway that connects Recife to Caruaru, with an altitude of 447 m above sea level and with a pleasant climate, average temperature of 16 degrees, Gravatá has as its strong point the secular architecture of the […]
Agreste
Agreste de Pernambuco is a region rich in tourist attractions, combining natural beauty, cultural traditions and festive events. Here are some of the main sights and activities that visitors can enjoy:
Tourist Attractions in Agreste de Pernambuco
1. Caruaru
- Caruaru Fair: One of the largest open-air fairs in Latin America, where visitors can find a wide range of products, from handicrafts to food.
- São João de Caruaru: Considered one of the biggest and most traditional June festivities in Brazil, with lots of music, dancing, typical food and quadrilhas.
2. Garanhuns
- Garanhuns Winter Festival: One of the most important cultural events in the state, it takes place in July and offers a varied programme of shows, theatre plays, exhibitions and other cultural activities.
- Ruber van der Linden Park: Known as Euclides Dourado Park, it is an ideal place for walks and picnics, with a vast green area and diverse plant species.
3. Gravatá
- Pleasant Climate: Gravatá is famous for its mild and pleasant climate, making it a popular destination for those seeking rest and tranquillity.
- Farmhouses and Farm Hotels: They offer rural tourism experiences, with activities such as horse riding, ecological tours and the tasting of local products.
4. Bezerros
- Carnaval dos Papangus: One of the most traditional carnivals in the Agreste, where revellers dress up in masks and costumes called ‘Papangus’.
- Xylography Art: Bezerros is known for its artists who work with xylography, a wood printing technique.
5. Santa Cruz do Capibaribe
- Moda Center Santa Cruz: One of the largest wholesale clothing centres in Brazil, attracting buyers from all over the country in search of clothes at competitive prices.
6. Brejo da Madre de Deus
- New Jerusalem: The Open Air Theatre is the main tourist attraction, especially during Holy Week, when the famous staging of the Passion of Christ takes place.
- Serra da Prata: The Serra da Prata is a mountain formation that offers trails, waterfalls and panoramic views, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities and ecotourism.
- Matriz de São José Church: This church is an important historical and religious landmark in the city, known for its colonial architecture and cultural importance.
- Nilo Coelho Monumental Sculpture Park: A park that houses monumental sculptures made by local artists, offering a space to enjoy art and nature simultaneously.
Outdoor Activities
- Trails and Ecotourism: The Agreste region offers various opportunities for hiking and trails, especially in the mountain areas and natural parks.
- Horseback Riding: Many farms and hotels offer horseback riding, allowing visitors to explore the countryside in an authentic way.
Gastronomy
- Typical Food: Visitors can savour typical Northeastern cuisine, such as carne de sol, curd cheese, tapioca, pamonha and various recipes with corn and manioc.
- Restaurants and Markets: The towns of Agreste have a variety of restaurants and markets where you can sample and buy local products.
Festivals and Events
- São João: In addition to Caruaru, many other towns in Agreste celebrate São João with June festivals, including bonfires, quadrilhas, and lots of music and dancing.
- Cultural Events: Throughout the year, there are various cultural events that celebrate music, dance, handicrafts and other local traditions.
- The Passion of the Christ: The New Jerusalem staging of the Passion of the Christ takes place during Holy Week and attracts thousands of spectators from all over Brazil and abroad. The show features renowned actors from Brazilian television and film, as well as a large cast of extras.
Tips for Visitors
- Best Time to Visit: The June festivals in June and the Winter Festival in July are excellent times to visit, due to the rich cultural programme and pleasant climate.
- Accommodation: The region offers a range of accommodation options, from more sophisticated hotels to inns and farm hotels, ideal for those seeking contact with nature.
Geography and Climate
Agreste de Pernambuco is a sub-region located in the state of Pernambuco, in the north-eastern region of Brazil. This area is known for its transitional climate, lying between the more humid Zona da Mata to the east and the semi-arid Sertão to the west.
Some characteristics and important information about Agreste de Pernambuco:
- Location: It is situated between the Zona da Mata (forest zone) and the Sertão (semi-arid region).
- Topography: The landscape is predominantly mountainous with small hills.
- Climate: The climate in the Agreste is semi-arid, but milder compared to the Sertão, with a more defined rainy season.
Agreste of Pernambuco offers adventure and leisure – Travel Guide
The Agreste is the intermediate region in the interior of Pernambuco between the Mata and the Sertão. The agreste is characterised by a diversified economy, with the cultivation of crops such as corn, beans, cassava, among others, and dairy and beef cattle. The main dairy basin of the state, Agreste […]