The Interior of Paraíba: Culture, History and Must-See Attractions

Discover the Charm of the Paraíba Hinterland: Culture, History and Nature

The interior of Paraíba is a region rich in history and culture, with towns that bear traces of a time when cotton production flourished.

Interior da Paraíba
The interior of Paraíba

Videos about Campina Grande, Cabaceiras, Areia, the Ingá Archaeological Site and the Assis Chateaubriand Art Museum

Campina Grande na Paraíba
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Major towns and their attractions in the interior of Paraíba

In the inland region of Paraíba, highlights include Campina Grande, famous for its vibrant forró; the Ingá Archaeological Site, home to fascinating rock carvings; the Dinosaur Park in Sousa, an important palaeontological site; and the charming historic town of Areia, brimming with cultural heritage.

Each of these places offers a unique experience, reflecting the region’s rich diversity.

1. Campina Grande

  • History: During the height of cotton production in the 19th century, Campina Grande became the world’s second-largest cotton exporter, particularly during the American Civil War. Today, the city is renowned for its trade in coloured cotton, an eco-friendly product that is highly valued worldwide.
  • Festivals:  the St John’s Festival , considered “The World’s Biggest St John’s Festival”, and the Winter Festival.
  • Museums: Visitors can explore the Cotton Museum, which preserves the memory of the era when cotton was known as ‘white gold’, and the Campina Grande Historical Museum, which showcases local history from its earliest days, offering a rich and detailed insight into the region’s cultural heritage. In addition, the Assis Chateaubriand Art Museum boasts a diverse collection that includes works from various Brazilian artistic movements.
Campina Grande PB
Campina Grande, PB
Festa de São João em Campina Grande PB
St John’s Festival in Campina Grande, PB
Museu do Algodão em Campina Grande PB
Cotton Museum in Campina Grande, PB
Museu de Arte Assis Chateaubriand em Campina Grande PB
Assis Chateaubriand Art Museum in Campina Grande, PB

2. Cabaceiras

  • Film Culture: Known as the “Roliúde Nordestina”, the city is the setting for a number of film productions, including “O Auto da Compadecida”.
  • Goat Festival: Celebrates goat farming and takes place at the end of May, attracting tourists.
  • Natural Attractions: The Lajedo de Pai Mateus, with its rock formations and cave paintings, is a must-see destination.
Cabaceiras na Paraíba
Pumpkin plants in Paraíba
Festa do Bode em Cabaceiras na Paraíba
Goat Festival in Cabaceiras, Paraíba
Lajedo de Pai Mateus em Cabaceiras PB
Lajedo de Pai Mateus in Cabaceiras, PB

3. Ingá

  • Archaeological Site: The Pedra do Ingá is famous for its rock carvings, which date back thousands of years and continue to intrigue researchers.
  • History: The site is protected as a National Monument and there are various theories regarding the origin of the inscriptions.
Ingá na Paraíba
Ingá in Paraíba
Pedra do Ingá PB
Pedra do Ingá, PB

4. Sand

  • Tourism Development: Areia has been improving its hotel facilities, with the Hotel Bruxaxá undergoing refurbishment and expansion.
  • Cultural Heritage: Teatro Minerva was the first theatre in Paraíba, built in 1859, and the Pedro Américo Museum is the house where the famous Brazilian painter was born.
cidade de Areia PB
the town of Areia, PB
Teatro Minerva em Ingá na Paraíba
Minerva Theatre in Ingá, Paraíba
Museu Pedro Américo em Ingá na Paraíba
The Pedro Américo Museum in Ingá, Paraíba

See Areia, home to Paraíba’s first sugar mills and steeped in history

5. Sousa

  • Dinosaur Valley: One of the world’s most important palaeontological sites, featuring 51 dinosaur footprints.
  • Visitor information: The site is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, with guided tours available. Visitors can explore footbridges and viewing points leading to the footprint trails.
Sousa na Paraíba
Sousa in Paraíba
Vale dos Dinossauros - Deixadas no leito do rio do Peixe há aproximadamente 110 milhões de anos, as pegadas de dinossauros de Sousa compõem um dos mais longos rastros já encontrados desses animais. As 52 pegadas são observadas de passarelas construídas sobre o leito do rio. Todo o complexo também conta com museu, auditório e sala de exposição.
Valley of the Dinosaurs – Left on the bed of the Peixe River some 110 million years ago, the dinosaur footprints at Sousa form one of the longest tracks ever found of these animals. The 52 footprints can be viewed from walkways built over the riverbed. The complex also features a museum, an auditorium and an exhibition hall.

Concluding Remarks

mapa da Paraíba
map of Paraíba

The interior of Paraíba is a place where sertões and serras alternate, offering visitors a rich cultural and historical experience. If you’re interested in exploring this region, each town offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Paraíba’s history and culture.

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