Maceio Facts And Figures For The Learned Traveler
Here are some Maceio facts that might be nice to know if you are planning to go to the city.
Maceio is the capital of the state of Alagoas in the northeastern part of Brazil. While much of Brazil's population is centered in the southeastern coastal cities of Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro, with a pocket of population density in the midwestern capital of Brasilia, Maceio is a little beach side oasis.
Maceio is located between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Mundau, just below the bluffs on the lakeside. Beyond Maceio in the ocean are reefs that form natural swimming pools. Most of the town rests along a stretch of beaches.
The population of Maceio is 325,000 people, which is tiny by Brazilian standards. Every year more and more foreign travelers visit the city, and the city's economy grows with the tourist trade.
Maceio was founded in 1815 as a sugar plantation. At that time, it was called Macayo. In 1839, it became the capital. Since then, most of the city's colonial architecture has disappeared, giving way to modern architecture that came about as a result of the city's real boom in the late 20th century as a resort town.
What are Maceio's biggest exports? In the old days, Maceio was a port for exporting sugar, timber, coconut, tobacco and leather goods. Nowadays, it is a tourist destination, and the seat of the state government, and this is what fuels the economy.
Maceio is also known for its handmade crafts. Maceio is known in particular for its intricate lace work, which produces high quality clothing, hammocks and other goods. It is also known for its delicious seafood and great nightlife.
Here's a fun Maceio fact - Maceio has it's own local version of Brazil's Carnival. It is called Maceio Fest, and is held for four days every November. It resembles Carnival, but emphasizes local crafts, foods and entertainment. This is a very popular event, drawing tourists from all over the world to Maceio during November.
More Maceio Facts And Figures:
- The name "Maceio" comes from the Tupi Indians, who named the area "Maca-O-K," which means "the land that covers the marsh."
- The climate is tropical, with summer in December and January. It gets coldest in the wintertime months of July and August, sometimes getting as low as 21 degrees celsius.
- About 90% of the land area of Maceio is owned by just 28 families, who have tried to keep the land from being over-developed. This is one reason why Maceio, which is a major tourist destination like Rio and other popular beach spots, still remains fairly pristine. Compared with other beach resort areas, Maceio has few environment concerns.
For more Maceio facts, check out these sites:
BrasilTravel.com - travelbrazil.net/International/Info/Maceioi2.html
Brazil Tourism Portal - www.braziltour.com/site/gb/cidades/materia.php?id_cidade=7440®ioes=1030&estados=1255
From Maceio Facts back to Brazil Maceio Guide
Maceio Food and Drink
Come to the beach and experience Maceio food and drink! With everything from Italian fine dining, to vendors on the beach serving fish and vegetables straight out of the sea, Maceio food and drink has everything you could want.
Maceio Links
If you're looking for more, here are some Maceio links with information about this popular tourist town. This list of Maceio links directs you to related web pages for more information about this destination.
Map of Maceio brazil
On this page, you'll find maps of Maceio, including city maps, tourist maps and detailed maps of Maceio neighbourhoods. There are not only maps of Maceio, but also maps of the state of Alagoas and the surrounding area.
Maceio Sightseeing
There is plenty of Maceio sightseeing right in the middle of town, but if you want to get out and see some more of the area, Maragogi is the best. The small fishing village of Maragogi offers Maceio sightseeing at its best.
Maceio Guide Books
There are no Maceio guide books on the market, but a good Brazil guide book that covers the norheast beaches will do just fine. Here are some recommendations for good Maceio guide books.
Maceio Culture Attractions
You don't want to miss seeing Maceio cultural attractions as well as the beaches. Maceio is not just a tiny resort town; because of the area's unique history, there are many Maceio cultural attractions to enjoy, including colonial architecture, fine art, music and dance.
Maceio History
Come for the beaches and tropical drinks, and stumble upon Maceio history along the way. Maceio history is vibrant and interesting, and it's one of the attractions that travelers to Maceio should not miss.
Maceio Museum
Maceio museums are a great way to experience the culture and history of Maceio and the State of Alagoas. Maceio museums are considered some of the best in northeastern Brazil.
Festa Junina
Festa Junina in Maceio is a unique experience. Held every year in June, Festa Junina is an old European celebration given a uniquely Brazilian twist.
Bairro do Jaragua
One of the most famous areas of Maceio is its Jaragua District. Once the main shipping port of the area, now the Jaragua District's old historic buildings have been turned into nightclubs, bars and restaurants.
Teatro Deodoro
The Maceio Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most important of the area's cultural attractions. Worshippers and tourists alike come from all over to see the Maceio Metropolitan Cathedral.