Located in the northeastern region, the state of Pernambuco has played an important role in Brazil’s history.

As early as the 1500s, the country’s oldest economic hub was the epicentre of the Brazilian wood trade and where the sugar cane industry first blossomed. The Captaincy of Pernambuco, as it was then known, was once the biggest sugar producer in the world. As one of Brazil’s oldest states, it has had many a part to play in its diverse history.

Its capital, Recife, has the most significant urban population in the North/Northeastern region. TNortheasternneighbouring Olinda—Brazil’s oldest UNESCO-registered city—immensely contributes to the region’s historical, artistic, and architectural heritage, harking back to colonial times.

With varied landscapes, including tablelands, mountainous regions, sertão and beaches with incredible reefs and natural swimming pools, Pernambuco is a trendy nature tourism destination.

The most popular places are the stunning beaches of Porto de Galinhas, Carneiros, Cabo de Santo Agostinho, and the archipelago Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO Heritage site. Among Noronha’s principal attractions are its lively dolphins, which can be seen from various points around the island.

One of the main attractions in Recife and Olinda, separated by a bridge, is the carnival, which attracts partygoers from all over the globe. The Galo da Madrugada, in Recife, is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest carnival block party in the world and brings together over a million revellers annually.

Another famous city is Caruaru, also known as Princesinha do Agreste. It boasts the most famous open-air market in Brazil, with its charmingly diverse handicrafts, folk traditions, and varied gastronomy.

Among Pernambuco’s most well-known cuisine is Carne-de-Sol, Escondidinho, Sururu, Caldeirada, Cozido, Caldinho de Peixe, Tapioca, Angu and Buchada.

Known for its rich and active popular culture, the state is the cradle of many local traditions, such as frevo and maracatu, as well as great names in Cordel literature and poetry.

With all its history, parties, colour and flavour, Pernambuco is one of Brazil’s most intriguing states and home to one of its most unique cultures.