Santa Rita de Cássia: Attractions and Activities

Published on January 1, 2013 · Updated on July 22, 2025

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Santa Rita de Cássia: A tourist destination in Bahia

Santa Rita de Cássia, located in the state of Bahia, is known for its main tourist attraction: the River Preto, which provides both recreation and support for the local population.

Founded in 1840, the town is 1006 kilometres from Salvador and is crossed by the Preto River, a tributary of the São Francisco River.

Santa Rita de Cássia na Bahia — Santa Rita de Cássia in Bahia

Natural attractions

On the right bank of the river is the Zabelê Ecological Park, also known as the Ilha Grande.

This park is a vast green area, ideal for hiking and horse riding. Near the park is a small island called Croinha, next to the remains of an old wooden bridge.

On the left bank is the Parque do Povo, popularly known as Piranhas.

This is the busiest and most popular spot on the river, where a variety of musical shows and cultural events take place, especially at weekends.

Cultural heritage

Another highlight of the city is the Mother Church, whose maintenance is guaranteed by donations collected during the Novena dos Conterrâneos, an annual event held in Brasilia, which sends funds to the parish of Santa Rita de Cássia.

Prédio da Igreja Matriz da Paróquia de Santa Rita de Cássia — Construction of the parish church of Santa Rita de Cássia

Ecology and economy

The city has vegetation that combines cerrado and caatinga and is home to a diverse fauna, including species such as macaws and toucans.

The climate is tropical, with average temperatures of around 25°C and a rainy season that lasts from November to April.

The local economy is mainly based on agriculture, with beans, cassava and watermelon being the main crops.

Events and culture

Santa Rita de Cássia’s culture is vibrant, with events such as Santa Folia, an off-season carnival held in December, and fiestas in honour of the town’s patron saint in May.

Points of interest in Santa Rita de Cássia

Santa Rita de Cássia na Bahia08:04

Santa Rita de Cássia - Documentário37:01

Parque do Povo (Piranhas) – A lively place full of cultural and musical performances.
Zabelê Ecological Park – Located on Ilha Grande, it is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and horse riding.
Rio Preto – The main tourist attraction, providing recreation and support for the local population.

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Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →