state in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Paraiba (Portuguese: Paraíba) is a state in Northeast Brazil. The state is a tourist and industrial hotspot; it is known for its cultural heritage, amenable climate and geographical features, ranging from the seaside beaches to the Borborema Plateau.

Cities

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Map
Map of Paraíba
  • 1 João Pessoa — the state capital has beautiful historic buildings and few foreigners
  • 2 Campina Grande — has countrywide fame for midwinter parties, Festa Junina or São João, in June, and hosts a large out-of-season carnival, Micarande, in April, and a few rodeos throughout the year
  • 3 Conde town close to the Tambaba and other beaches
  • 4 Sousa — known for its fossil sites (Vale dos Dinossauros)

Other destinations

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A view of the Pedra do Altar archeological site in the city of Barra de Santana
  • 1 Vale dos Dinossauros —  an area that contains many fossilized dinosaur tracks
  • 2 Pedra do Altar — archaeological site near the town of Barra de Santana

Understand

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It is named after the Paraíba river.

The Paraíba economy is largely based upon the making of shoes and other leather products, the raising of cattle for beef, and sugarcane. Pineapple, corn, and beans cultivation are also widespread. The other important economical sector in the state is tourism, especially the state urban and unspoilt beaches, ecotourism and festivals such as "carnaval" and "São João."

Climate

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Paraíba goes through wet and dry seasons, with most of its rain falling in the first third of the year, especially in March and April. However, in the east, including the coast and the agreste mesoregion, most rainfall occurs from April to June.

In the entire state, the period from October to December is the hottest and driest of the year, whereas June to August is the coldest, with temperatures in some areas reaching below 20°C.

Get in

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Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport is 8 km (5 mi) from downtown João Pessoa.

The BR-101 and BR-230 highways cross Paraíba. 

Get around

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Festa Junina (Saint John Festival) is celebrated on the 24th of June during the winter solstice. The festivities traditionally begin after the 12th of June, on the eve of St Anthony's day, and last until the 29th, which is Saint Peter's day. During these fifteen days, there are bonfires, fireworks, and folk dancing in the streets. Once exclusively a rural festival, today it is largely a city festival during which people joyfully and theatrically mimic peasant stereotypes and clichés in a spirit of jokes and good times. Typical refreshments and dishes are served. Like during Carnival, these festivities involve wearing peasant costumes, heavy drinking, fireworks display and folk dancing.

The four-day period before Lent leading up to Ash Wednesday is Carnival time in Brazil. Rich and poor alike forget their cares as they party in the streets.


Drink

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Stay safe

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Go next

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This region travel guide to Paraíba is an outline and may need more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. If there are Cities and Other destinations listed, they may not all be at usable status or there may not be a valid regional structure and a "Get in" section describing all of the typical ways to get here. Please plunge forward and help it grow!