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Pernambuco’s Zona da Mata

Pernambuco’s Zona da Mata: The historical, cultural and natural wealth of the Northeast

The cities of Pernambuco’s Zona da Mata, such as Carpina, Nazaré da Mata, Tracunhaém, Vicência, Goiana, Timbaúba and Aliança, were born around the great sugar cane mills and factories and have rural maracatu, popular culture and history as their attractions.

To this day, it is possible to experience Pernambuco’s historical past by visiting the preserved ruins in the interior of the state.

The Zona da Mata gave birth to this era, which boosted Pernambuco’s economy between the 17th and 19th centuries and transformed the region into a great cultural granary, combining the traditions of African slaves, white colonists and Indians..

Some of the old sugar mills have been preserved and are open to visitors with guides on hand, while others have been converted into restaurants where visitors can get in touch with local history, nature, gastronomy and handicrafts.

Towns such as Vicência, Nazaré da Mata, Paudalho and Carpina offer beautiful landscapes and an impressive historical heritage, as well as a variety of routes – both for relaxation and for the more adventurous.

The city of Vicência, 75 kilometres from Recife, has a natural beauty that attracts the most daring hikers. Waterfalls, Mountains and Forests provide the perfect backdrop for those seeking adventure tourism as well as history.

But no trip to the region would be complete without seeing how cachaça is made. Several producers open their doors to visitors. The town of Lagoa do Carro is home to the Cachaça Museum, with a collection of 8,000 bottles from different parts of Brazil and the world.

A tradition passed down from father to son for generations, Maracatu Rural (or Maracatu de Baque Solto) has its strongest presence in the town of Nazaré da Mata, known as the Land of Maracatu.

Only 65 kilometres from Recife, it is a great option for those who want to experience cultural manifestations. As well as Maracatu, it is rich in seahorses and coconuts.

For those in search of religion, it’s worth visiting the town of Paudalho, 44 kilometres from the capital, Pernambuco. The main attraction is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Luz, which houses the image of São Severino, considered miraculous, and attracts thousands of pilgrims. The city also has historic mills and a historic centre with houses decorated in the Portuguese style.

Getting to know the Zona da Mata means understanding an era that was fundamental to the history of the State and the cultural formation of its people.

All this can be experienced in the cultural shows, tasted in the local gastronomy – Pernambuco’s fascination for sweets was born in the mills – and kept as a souvenir in the handicrafts, as each city stands out for a typical production of its people..

Tourist attractions in the cities of Pernambuco’s Zona da Mata

1. Carpina

Location: About 65 kilometres from Recife.

Points of interest:

  • Jota Cândido Events Park: Stage for festivals and cultural events, such as the traditional Festival of St. John.
  • Igreja Matriz de São José: Historic architecture and religious importance.
  • Dr. Murilo Silva Events Square: Leisure area with green spaces and a promenade.

Events: Known for its June Festivities, with quadrilhas, bonfires and forró shows.

2. Nazaré da Mata

Location: About 65 kilometres north of Recife.

Points of interest:

  • Maracatu Festival: One of the most important cultural events in the state.
  • Maracatu Museum: Exhibition of costumes, instruments and historical documents.
  • Cane Mills: Preservation of the history of sugar and cachaça production.

Events: The city’s Carnival is famous for its Rural Maracatu and Caboclinhos Parades.

3. Tracunhaém

Location: Approximately 60 kilometres from Recife.

Points of interest:

  • Pottery: The city is famous for its utilitarian pieces and decorative sculptures.
  • Arts and Crafts Fair: Ideal for discovering the work of local craftsmen.
  • Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião: An important religious and historical monument.

Events: Festival of São Sebastião, with masses, processions and cultural performances.

4. Vicência

Location: Approximately 85 kilometres from Recife.

Points of interest:

  • Engenho Poço Comprido: Guided tours on the history of sugar.
  • Urubu Waterfall: Exuberant nature, ideal for swimming and hiking.
  • Igreja Matriz de Santa Ana: Historical architecture and religious importance.

Events: Festival of Santa Ana and June Fiestas, with religious and cultural programmes.

5. Goiana

Location: Approximately 65 kilometres north of Recife.

Points of interest:

  • St. Albert’s Church and Convent: Well-preserved colonial architecture.
  • Beaches: Catuama, Carne de Vaca and Ponta de Pedras offer beautiful scenery and tranquillity.
  • Historic Centre: Streets lined with old houses and reminders of the sugar cycle.

Events: Traditional religious festivals and cultural events celebrating local history.

6. Timbaúba

Location: About 90 kilometres from Recife.

Points of interest:

  • Mother Church of Our Lady of Sorrows: Symbol of local religiosity.
  • Old houses: Remains of the mill era.
  • Factories and museums: Linked to local industry, including the plaster and shoe industries.

Events: Festival of Our Lady of Sorrows and cultural events focusing on music and gastronomy.

7. Aliança

Location: Approximately 80 kilometres from Recife.

Points of interest:

  • Maracatu Rural: The town is home to several traditional groups that perform, especially during Carnival.
  • Engenho São João: Open to visitors, with a focus on the history of sugar cane and Afro-Brazilian culture.
  • Natural Beauty: Forests and nature trails.

Events: Carnival with a strong presence of the Maracatu de Baque Solto and other popular cultural manifestations.

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