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Maceio is the capital of the state
of Alagoas, in northeastern Brazil, with a population of
approximately 325,000 people. It is situated below low bluffs
between the Atlantic Ocean and the Norte (or Mundaú) Lagoon.
Formerly called Macayo, the city dates from 1815, when a small
settlement there was made a villa. In 1839 it became capital of
Alagoas and was given city status. Though much of the colonial
buildings are gone, giving way to modern architecture, there still
remains the Government Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the
Church of Bom Jesús dos Mártires.
Maceio has an outdoor market of
local crafts ranging from dresses and t-shirts to handmade jewelry
and hammocks. Many unique gifts can be found to take back to loved
ones. The city offers a number of bars and discotheques, both on the
beach and in the city, with live music or recorded Brazilian music
playing. The cinema in Maceio has current Portuguese language films
made in Brazil and abroad. The city also offers a wide range of
annual events and the most famous are the street parties such as
Maceio Fest (an out-of-season carnival in November) and, of course,
the traditional Carnival in February. |
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