Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PIAUÍ & MARANHÃO
A
lthough part of the Northeast, Piauí and Maranhão are different
from the rest of the region culturally and geographically.
Both states have violent histories. Piauí was the site of many
skirmishes between the indigenous population and cattle herders, and
Maranhão was forcibly settled in 1612 by the French. Today, the area is
abundant in natural and cultural riches.
Unlike its southern
neighbors, Piauí was settled
by ranchers on horseback
pushing northwards from
the sugar plantations of Bahia
in the late 1700s.
Largely visited in transit, Piauí is
sparsely populated and possibly
the poorest state in Brazil. The eco-
nomy here is greatly dependent on
agriculture and livestock. The only
significant industry revolves around
the
carnaúba
palm, which yields a
wax that is an important ingredient
of shellac. However, Piauí boasts a
few fascinating natural attractions.
The state capital, Teresina, located
more than 186 miles (300 km) inland,
is the only capital in Northeast Brazil
which is not on the ocean, and has
some interesting sights.
For many years after they first came
to Brazil, the Portuguese showed little
interest in the area that now forms
Maranhão. Taking advantage
of the Portuguese neglect of
the Maranhão coast, the
French, in 1612, landed a
sizable force and founded
São Luís, named in honor of
King Louis XIII. Portuguese
forces laid seige for four years to
drive the new French colony out.
Maranhão's golden age came in the
19th century, with a rich agricultural
export economy based on cotton and
sugar. Ports such as São Luís and
Alcântara grew wealthy. When slavery
was abolished in 1888, Maranhão
sugar and cotton industries collapsed,
causing an economic slump that
lasted for most of the 20th century.
Maranhão is today an exciting
destination, both in terms of natural
and cultural treasures. The state's
main festival, Bumba-meu-boi, cele-
brates the indigenous, Portuguese,
and African cultures.
Mesmerizing sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses in Maranhão
Festa do Divino celebrations in Alcântara, Maranhão
