NORTHEAST BRAZIL - Brazil - page 203

SERGIPE, ALAGOAS &
PERNAMBUCO
L ong stretches of white beach bathed by a warm, blue-green ocean

comprise the magnificent coastline of Sergipe, Alagoas, and
Pernambuco. In contrast, much of the interior of this region is
dry sertão , where the landscape is barren and harsh. Despite, or
perhaps because of their material poverty, these northeastern states
are culturally rich in music and folklore.

The states of Sergipe,
Alagoas, and Pernambuco
in the Northeast were
among the first parts of
Brazil to be colonized by
Portugal, and for centuries after-
ward they were the richest region
of colonial Brazil. The wealth of
the region came from sugar. With
slave labor, sugar cane could be
cultivated in abundance, and sugar
sold in the burgeoning markets of
Europe. In 1654, the Portuguese
reclaimed Pernambuco after a brief
Dutch takeover, but opted to keep
the new city, Recife, as the capital
instead of Olinda.
Sugar still dominates the economy,
but the beaches make this region
one of Brazil's hottest tourist des-
tinations. These states have also

developed a rich culture and
penchant for lively festivals.
Popular musical styles such
as forró and frevo began or
culminated in the Northeast.
All three states have pretty,
historic towns, stunning coast-
lines, and picture-perfect beaches.
Reefs of stone and coral provide
natural habitats for fish, sea turtles,
sharks, and other tropical marine life.
The island archipelago of Fernando
de Noronha, a municipality of
Pernambuco, is one of Brazil's prime
marine habitats and a preferred
destination of scuba divers. The Rio
São Francisco, the longest river in
Brazil, passes through the beautiful
scenery of Sergipe and Alagoas in the
last leg of its journey before finally
meeting the Atlantic Ocean.

Dois Irmãos (Mount of the Two Brothers), Parque Nacional Marinho de Fernando de Noronha

The serene Igreja Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Vila dos Remédios, Fernando de Noronha