Happy TravellerWelcome to Pirassununga, a municipality in the state of São Paulo in Brazil, with an altitude of 627 meters. The city has a population of 76,877 (2020 est.) in an area of 727 km2. Pirassununga is situated in the southeast region of Brazil and is home to many important institutions, including the Brazilian Air Force Academy. All current and future officers of the Brazilian Air Force are trained here. Pirassununga is also home to Fort Anhaguera, which once hosted the 13th Mechanized Cavalry Regiment of the Brazilian army. In addition to being an important region for the Brazilian military, Pirassununga is a hub for the agriculture and environmental sciences of Brazil. The University of São Paulos Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA), which translates to the College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, is located in the city. Pirassununga is also the location of CEPTA, the National Research and Conservation Center of Continental Aquatic Biodiversity, which is associated with the Chico Mendes Institute, an important research and conservation center in Brasília, the capital of Brazil.
Pirassununga has a rich history that dates back to the Tupi people, an indigenous group in Brazil. They gave the city its name, which means the sound of fish. Every December, the fish migrate upstream, causing loud sounds as they fight against the current.
Pirassununga is also known for its exports, particularly cachaça. The city is home to three sugar cane distilleries, Pirassununga 51 Cachaça, Cachaça Sapucaia, and Pirassununga Cachaça. The most popular brand, Pirassununga 51 Cachaça, was founded in 1959, just one year after Brazil had won its first FIFA Soccer World Cup. Pirassununga 51 Cachaça became a household name in the country during the 70s. 51, uma boa ideia, which translates to 51, a good idea, soon became a phrase in popular culture. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Pirassununga 51 Cachaça became an export to other parts of the world. Cachaça is used as the spirit of choice for Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha.
If you’re looking for tourist spots in Pirassununga, Waterfall Emas is a must-visit. It serves as a hydroelectric plant to power the city of Pirassununga. In addition to supplying the city with electricity, it is a local fishing and boating destination. Houses can be rented nearby for fishermen to be near the water. Around Waterfall Emas, one can find many restaurants serving the local fish, dorado.
Come and visit Pirassununga, a city with a rich history, important institutions, and delicious exports. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore this hidden gem in the southeast region of Brazil.
