Happy TravellerWelcome to Mossoró, the largest municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Located equidistant from Natal, the state capital, and Fortaleza, the capital of the state of Ceará, Mossoró is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. As the largest land-based petroleum producer in the country and situated in the heart of Brazil’s salt production area, Mossoró is an important economic hub with plenty to offer visitors.
History buffs will appreciate Mossoró’s unique place in Brazilian history. The city is famous for driving off an attack by Lampião and his gang of social bandits, who terrorized the sertão in the 1920s and 1930s. Mossoró was also the first city in Brazil to free its slaves, five years before the rest of the country abolished slavery in 1888. And in 1928, Professor Celina Guimarães Viana cast the first vote by a woman in Brazil, sparking a movement that led to the official recognition of women’s suffrage in 1934.
Mossoró’s semi-arid climate makes it one of the hottest cities in Brazil, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) throughout the year. However, the city’s beautiful beaches and many cultural attractions make it a popular destination for tourists. The Costa Branca Pole, just a short drive from the city, boasts several magnificent beaches, including the desert beaches of the city of Areia Branca and the world-famous Canoa Quebrada beach.
The Mossoró Cidade Junina (Mossoró Junina City Festival) is a must-see event, attracting more than a million people during the month of June. Other cultural attractions include the Museu Municipal Jornalista Lauro da Escóssia (Journalist Lauro da Escóssia Municipal Museum), also known as the Cangaço Museum, the Station Arts old railway station museum, the Oil Museum, St. Vincent Church, and the Cathedral of Santa Luzia. Don’t miss the famous Palace of Resistance, former residence of mayor Rodolfo Fernandes, who was the leader of the resistance against the Lamp band (Lampião).
For those seeking outdoor adventure, Mossoró has plenty to offer. The Auto Da Liberdade (The Procession of Liberty) is a massive play with an all-paid cast of 2,000 and a 600-member chorus, held each September as part of the city’s Festa da Liberdade (Brazilian independence celebrations). And the Hotel Thermas Resort, the largest thermal water park in Brazil, offers visitors the chance to relax in natural hot springs located in the vicinity of the city.
Mossoró also has a shopping center, Mossoró West Shopping, with a 5-screen multiplex cinema, Wi-Fi internet connectivity, children’s recreation and diaper changing area, ATMs, bowling alley, pharmacy, and food court among its many amenities. And with the Federal University of the Semi-Arid located in the city, Mossoró is a hub of education and innovation.
Come to Mossoró and discover why this beautiful city should be on every traveler’s bucket list!
