Roraima
Situated in Brazil’s extreme north, the state of Roraima borders Venezuela and Guiana. The country’s least populated state, Boa Vista, is the only Brazilian capital located north of the equator.
Roraima’s history is interconnected with that of the Rio Branco. It was the crossing of this river that allowed the Portuguese to make their arrival. The River Branco Valley, initially occupied by indigenous Venezuelan tribes, was a target of the English and Dutch, who made their way into Brazil across the Planalto das Guianas. The Spanish also left their footprint on the region, entering via Venezuela, before being expelled by the Portuguese, who, during the 18th century, named the region the Captaincy Real de São José do Rio Negro. In 1943, the area was designated a Federal territory, and in 1988, the new Brazilian Constitution named it a state.
Roraima boasts unique natural beauties across various landscapes, such as savannas dotted with waterfalls and mountainous regions.
With one of the country’s largest indigenous populations, the state has a rich historical and cultural heritage full of ancient customs, myths, dances, legends, and belief systems.
Indigenous culture is visible in regional crafts, ceramic sculptures, and different types of accessories made from seeds and wood, bamboo, and straw items.
Local gastronomy is also marked by tribal traditions, with delicacies such as Tacacá (traditional Amazonian soup with varied seasonings, prawn, and jambu) and Paçoca (a seasoned flour made with mandioc root, meat, and onion).
Monte-Roraima is a regional postcard at an altitude of 2,785 metres in the National Park that borders Brazil, Venezuela, and Guiana. The park is on an immense table-shaped plateau, one of Earth’s most ancient places. Cave inscriptions tell us that the region was inhabited thousands of years ago and are visible in places such as the Pedra Pintada, 140km from the capital city.
The powerful Indigenous influence, spectacular landscapes and remote distance ensure that Roraima is a little-known but fascinating Brazilian gem.
