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Paraiba
Paraiba Travel Guide
North-East Brazil
Paraíba offers historic sites in João Pessoa, the easternmost point of the Americas at Ponta do Seixas, and quiet beaches along its coastline.
About the State of Paraiba, Brazil
Paraíba is a state in northeastern Brazil, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and known for being the easternmost point of the Americas, at Ponta do Seixas. It has a population of about 4 million people and covers roughly 56,400 square kilometers. The state capital, João Pessoa, is one of Brazil’s oldest cities, founded in 1585, and is recognized for its mix of colonial, Art Deco, and modernist architecture. João Pessoa is also known for its urban greenery and coastal preservation; it has strict building height regulations along the waterfront to protect natural light and sea breezes. The state is home to cultural traditions such as repente (improvised poetic duels), xaxado dance, and the use of renda renascença (renaissance lace), especially in cities like Monteiro and Caruaru. Campina Grande is best known for hosting the "Maior São João do Mundo" (World’s Largest Saint John Festival).
Paraíba offers a diverse landscape for tourism, combining coastline and semi-arid hinterlands. Along the coast, João Pessoa features beaches like Tambaú, Cabo Branco, and Coqueirinho, known for their warm waters, natural reefs, and for being relatively uncrowded compared to other northeastern capitals. The coast is also home to ecological preserves such as the APA da Barra do Rio Mamanguape, where manatees are protected. Inland, the Cariri Paraibano region includes rocky plateaus and rare geological formations, such as those found in the Vale dos Dinossauros (Valley of the Dinosaurs) in Sousa, where hundreds of prehistoric footprints are preserved. The Serra da Borborema, a highland region in the center of the state, offers cooler temperatures and scenic towns like Areia and Bananeiras, known for their colonial-era architecture and cachaça distilleries.
Paraíba was historically part of Brazil’s sugarcane economy during the colonial period, and later saw the growth of cattle ranching and cotton cultivation in its semi-arid interior. Today, Paraíba's economy is driven by services, agriculture, and a growing tourism sector. The state is a leading producer of sisal and cashew nuts, and it has a strong textile and footwear industry, particularly around the cities of Campina Grande and Santa Rita. Campina Grande is also recognised as one of Brazil’s main technology and academic centers in the Northeast, housing the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG) and a number of tech startups.
Quick Facts: Paraiba, Brazil
Population of Paraíba: Approximately 4.1 million (IBGE 2022 estimate)
Area of Paraíba: 56,469 square kilometres
Major Airports in Paraíba
Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (João Pessoa)
Castro Pinto Airport (Campina Grande)
Sousa Regional Airport
Climate and Best Time to Visit Paraíba:
Tropical climate
Rainy season: April to July
Dry season: August to March
Best time to visit: September to March
Top Attractions in Paraíba
Ponta do Seixas - eastern most point of the Americas (João Pessoa)
Praia de Tambaú (João Pessoa)
Cabo Branco Lighthouse
Areia Vermelha Sandbank (João Pessoa)
Historic Centre of João Pessoa
São Francisco Cultural Centre (Campina Grande)
Maior São João Festival (Campina Grande)
Picãozinho Natural Pools (Cabedelo)
Ingá Stone (Ingá)
Açude de Coremas Dam (Coremas)
Cariri Paraibano region for ecological tourism
Must-try Regional Dishes in Paraiba
The cuisine of Paraíba reflects its diverse landscapes: from the arid sertão (countryside) to the Atlantic coast. Its cuisine features sun-dried meats, tropical fruits, cassava, and fresh seafood prepared with regional techniques and spices.
10 Must-Try Regional Dishes in Paraíba:
Rubacão – A staple in rural Paraíba, this dish melds rice, beans (usually red or green), charque (sun-dried beef), and vegetables in a rustic, smoky one-pot preparation.
Guizado de Bode – A beloved dish in the interior, especially in cities like Patos and Sousa, it consists of goat meat slow-cooked with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, usually served with rice and pirão.
Buchada de Bode – A traditional sertão delicacy made with goat tripe and viscera, seasoned with vinegar, herbs, and garlic, then simmered in a rich broth, sometimes encased in the animal's stomach.
Arrumadinho Paraibano – Unlike versions in other states, Paraíba’s arrumadinho often includes feijão verde (fresh green beans). It also includes carne de sol or calabresa, farofa, and a vinaigrette salad, arranged neatly in sections.
Peixada Paraibana – A stew made with local fish (like cioba or robalo), tomatoes, bell peppers, coriander, and coconut milk, often served with pirão and rice.
Arroz de Camarão com Leite de Coco – Shrimp cooked with rice and finished with coconut milk and herbs.
Filé de Siri Mole – A coastal dish from the mangrove-rich estuaries around Lucena and Cabedelo, featuring soft-shell crab (siri mole) sautéed in garlic, oil, and herbs—rare and prized during the harvest season.
Sopa Sertaneja de Legumes com Macaxeira e Charque – A soup made with cassava, vegetables, and pieces of charque or beef, often consumed during the cooler months or São João festivities.
Carne de Sol com Macaxeira – Lightly salted beef, sun-dried and then grilled, served with boiled or fried cassava and often a buttery garlic sauce.
Doce de Caju – A uniquely Northeastern dessert using the cashew fruit (not the nut), cooked with sugar and cinnamon until jam-like. Often served with slices of queijo coalho (grilled cheese).
Festivals & Events in Paraiba
São João de Campina Grande – Known as one of the largest and most famous June Festivals in Brazil, this month-long celebration features traditional forró music, quadrilha dances, colorful decorations, and massive outdoor parties drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Festa das Neves – João Pessoa – A historic religious festival held in August honoring Our Lady of the Snows, with solemn processions, masses, and cultural events centered around the Igreja das Neves church.
Festival de Inverno de Cabaceiras – A unique winter arts festival held in the semi-arid town of Cabaceiras, showcasing music, theater, dance, and local handicrafts against the backdrop of the "Lajedo de Pai Mateus" rock formations.
Feira de Artesanato da Paraíba – Campina Grande – One of the biggest craft fairs in the region, featuring traditional handmade goods, textiles, ceramics, and woodwork, highlighting the state’s rich artisanal heritage.
Festa do Bode – Areia – An annual celebration focused on goat farming and regional cuisine, including goat meat dishes, music, and cultural presentations reflecting the rural traditions of Paraíba.
Vaquejada de Sousa – A traditional rodeo event popular in the Sertão region, where cowboys (vaqueiros) compete in catching cattle by the tail, accompanied by live forró music and regional festivities.