Maceio History Offers More Than Just Beaches And Natural Beauty
Beyond the beaches and sunshine, Maceio history has a lot to offer travelers to northeastern Brazil. A major shipping port and regional cultural center, Maceio has lots of buildings and museums where you can see Maceio history kept alive today.
Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Indians who lived in the area called Maceio "Maca-yo," or "Macai-o-k," a name which means "The place that covers the swamp." Long before Brazil existed, these Indians enjoyed the area's rich coastline and natural beauty.
The first Europeans to arrive were Dutch settlers who came to Brazil to start a sugar cane plantation. In the early 1600's, sugar was in much demand in Europe. The Dutch settlers were few in number, but they set up the sugar cane production in the region, which the Portuguese continued when they gained control of the area in the 1650's.
The village grew around the sugar plantations. A port was built and expanded so that sugar and other goods could be easily shipped to the old country. This port is still there today, in the famous Jaragua District, where the old warehouses and buildings have been turned into shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
With a large port built, Maceio grew and grew. Timber became a big industry, replacing sugar production, and with the big port in place, Maceio began to also export tobacco, coconuts, leather and spices. The port at Maceio became a major hub of northeastern Brazil, and the village grew to officially become the city of Maceio in 1815.
It was only natural that the town of Maceio would become the capital of the newly established Brazilian State of Alagoas, and it did in 1839. With the establishment of the state capital, the city grew even more.
One of the things that distinguishes Maceio in Brazilian history is that, although Alagoas is a small state in the country of Brazil, it was home to Brazil's first two presidents, Marechal Deodoro and Floriano Peixoto. The hometown of the first president, also called Marechal Deodoro, is now a major tourist attraction. Not far from the city of Maceio, it is a quaint historical town, with old preserved buildings and cobblestone streets. This fact also puts Alagoas history on the map of Brazilian history.
After it became the capital of Brazil, Maceio naturally grew in importance. It is now the cultural capital of northeastern Brazil, with rich colonial architecture and a flourishing art scene. This is why Maceio history is interesting. Many travelers come to Maceio for the beaches and fun, and discover Maceio history along the way.
From Maceio History 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 Facts
Here are some Maceio facts to make your trip more fun and interesting. Learn a little about the town with these Maceio facts.
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 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.