João Pessoa

Name	João Pessoa
Settlement type	Municipality
Official name	The Municipality of João Pessoa
Nickname	Green City; The City where the sun rises first
Map caption	Location of João Pessoa in the State of Paraíba
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision type2	State
Subdivision name
Subdivision name1	Northeast
Subdivision name2	Paraíba
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Luciano Agra (PSB)
Established title	Founded
Established date	August 5, 1585
Area magnitude	1 E9
Area total sq mi	81,25
Area total km2	210,45
Population as of	2010
Population total	723.514
Population density sq mi	1214,9
Population density km2	3.293,3
Population urban	983.925
Population metro	1.090.624
Timezone	Central
Utc offset	-3
Elevation m	40
Area code	+55 83
Postal code type	Postal Code
Postal code	58000-000
Website	http://www.joaopessoa.pb.gov.br
Website	João Pessoa, Paraíba

João Pessoa (), is a city in the state of Paraiba, was founded in 1585 and sometimes called the city where the sun rises first, is a Brazilian city and the easternmost city in the Americas at 34º47'38"W, 7º9'28"S. Local residents call its easternmost point Ponta do Seixas. It is also considered "the second greenest city in the world". The city has more than of forested land, second only to Paris, France. It gained this distinction in 1992, after a survey of urban centres in various countries carried out by the United Nations (source: Embassy of Brazil in the UK). The city is characterized by the juxtaposition of tropical beaches, modern architecture and historic buildings from colonial periods.

João Pessoa is the capital of Paraíba, a state in the northeast region of Brazil and home to some of the most noted Brazilian poets and writers such as Augusto dos Anjos (1884–1908), José Américo de Almeida (1887–1980), José Lins do Rego (1901–1957) and Pedro Américo (1843–1905) (mostly known for his historical paintings). It took its current name in 1930, in homage to state president (governor) João Pessoa Cavalcanti de Albuquerque, who was assassinated on 26 July of that year. It is the state's largest city, with a population of circa 702,000 (about one sixth of the state's population - 2009 IBGE estimate). Its metropolitan area comprises eight other satellite cities (Bayeux, Cabedelo, Conde, Lucena, and Santa Rita) and about 384,000 people, totalling more than one million inhabitants.

It is the capital with the shortest distance from another capital (Recife, PE) which is approximately away, as well as Natal, RN, north of João Pessoa. Due to the high growth rate of these three capital cities, it is believed that for the next few decades an informal megalopolis will be set up, especially between Recife and João Pessoa.

The city is one of the oldest in the northeast of the country. Theatres, auditoriums and convention centres are part of the available infrastructure in the city; ready to host the most varied types of events and business meetings.

The new Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport connects João Pessoa with many Brazilian cities and also operates some international flights.

The new "Estação Ciência, Cultura e Artes" (Science, Culture and Art Station) located at the most eastern point of the Americas (Ponta das Seixas) is both an educational and cultural institution as well as a national landmark. The complex, inaugurated in 2008, was created by world renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and is one of his latest projects.

Geography

Climate

João Pessoa has a tropical climate, specifically a tropical wet and dry climate, with warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity throughout the year. However, these conditions are relieved by a near absence of extreme temperatures and trade winds blowing from the ocean. Rainfall is heavy at around per year, though there is a fairly dry period from about October to January. The wettest months are from April to July when moist southeasterly winds are strongest and are uplifted by the escarpment.

Environment

João Pessoa has approximately of beaches (both residential and virgin) as well as many small, natural islands. The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism (BMT) notes that "on the outskirts of the capital are the most popular beaches in the State, such as Tambaú and Manaíra. Nearby, it is possible to find one of the few Brazilian nudist beaches (naturism) that is officially recognized, Tambaba." In addition, BMT emphasizes that it is "full of parks and avenues which abound with fruit and ornamental trees; João Pessoa has many forest reserves, where one can find the coconut tree and many other species of tree which constitute the coastal woodland landscape that attracts thousands of tourists every year."

João Pessoa has many green areas distributed among its avenues, parks, and residential neighborhoods, which support its claim as "the second greenest city in the world" with more than of forested land, second only to Paris. It was considered thus in 1992, after a survey of urban centres in various countries carried out by the United Nations (source: Embassy of Brazil in the UK).

Worldpress.org notes that "João Pessoa is full of preserved natural forests, squares and gardens, which is why it is considered one of the cities with the highest index of green area per inhabitant in the world. Another beauty of the city is the Ponta das Seixas, the easternmost point of the Americas, which can be seen from the majestic Farol do Cabo Branco (Cabo Branco Lighthouse)" and "natural pools of Picãozinho on the island Areia Vermelha."

Vegetation

João Pessoa is situated in a tropical zone, with regular rain regimen and thus a lush vegetation (tropical rain forest).

History

João Pessoa is one of the oldest cities in Brazil and has had a tumultuous history. The first Europeans who entered the area were French traders of Brazilwood. Following a war between the French, their indigenous allies, the Tabajara, and the Portuguese, the city was founded by Portuguese settlers from Pernambuco on August 5, 1585. They named it Nossa Senhora das Neves, --Our Lady of the Snow—after the Saint of that day. Initially, the city was under Spanish influence, as Spain and Portugal were united in the Iberian Union (1580–1640), and in 1588 the city was even renamed Filipéia de Nossa Senhora das Neves after Philip II of Spain.

The area soon proved perfect for sugar production, with the French, the Dutch and the Portuguese all fighting to control the Paraíba region as a place to grow the lucrative sugarcane. The fortress of Santa Catarina, near João Pessoa, was built by the Portuguese to protect the city from the invading Dutch, who soon became the greatest threat to Portuguese supremacy in Portugal's Colonial Brazil. From 1634 through 1654, the city was held by the Dutch, who renamed it Frederikstadt, after their stadtholder Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange. They renamed it "Fort Margaretha after the mother of Count Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen, Governor of Dutch Brazil (or New Holland). The names Nossa Senhora das Neves'' and Santa Catarina were restored after the Portuguese reoccupation.

In 1817, the city was once again renamed Parahyba do Norte. After a visit to the city by Emperor Pedro II of Brazil in 1859, the city acquired the title of "Imperial City."

On July 26, 1930, during the Brazilian Revolution of 1930, the governor of Paraíba, João Pessoa, was assassinated in Recife by his political adversary, João Duarte Dantas. On September 4 of that same year, Parahyba's citizens voted to honor him by renaming the city "Joao Pessoa."

Demographics

According to the IBGE of 2009, there were 702,000 people residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 45.72% White, 38.72% Pardo Brown (Multiracial), 2.77% Black, 0.25% Asian or Amerindian.

Religion

Source: IBGE 2000.

Education and culture

The official language is Portuguese, and the dialectal differences regarding other Brazilian varieties are mainly phonological (Northeastern accent). Portuguese is the primary language taught in schools and it is spoken by 100% of the population. English and Spanish are part of the official high school curriculum.

Higher education

The city is home to the Federal University of Paraíba and several other universities and faculties. Below are some of the higher education institutions at João Pessoa:

Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB);

Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology (IFPB);

Paraíba State University (UEPB);

João Pessoa University Center (UNIPÊ);

Paraíba Institute of Higher Education (IESP);

Maurício de Nassau College (FMN);

Paraíba Medical Sciences College (FCM);

Nova Esperança College of Medicine (FAMENE);

Asper College (ASPER);

and many others.

Cultural centers

.]] Espaco Cultural Espaco Cultural is one of the largest arts centers in the northeast of Brazil. It features modern architecture and is a major cultural venue for the state. Its architectonic complex includes a live concert plaza, convention facilities, movie theater, play theater, art gallery, planetarium, craft stores, and more.

Estacao Ciencia, Cultura e Artes (Science, Culture and Art Station) [in progress] A project entitled ESTAÇÃO CIÊNCIA, CULTURA e ARTES (Science, Culture and Art Station)

The per capita income for the city was R$ 7,604 (2005).

Social problems

Main article: Crime in Brazil and Social issues in Brazil

Tourism, culture, and recreation

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João Pessoa is located in the easternmost point of the Americas and is the second greenest city in the world, coupled with 40 km of tropical beaches. Tourism is one of João Pessoa's chief economic activities, together with construction, food, metalworking, and other industries. Sugar cane agriculture and related industries are also important. Historically, Tarcisio de Miranda Burity, a former governor, has made major strides to improve the infrastructure of the city and to support the arts. Today, João Pessoa has a growing tourist and commercial industry. The second-largest mall in the Northeast region of Brazil, Shopping Manaira, is located in Joao Pessoa.

João Pessoa has one publication which highlights its tourist attractions: The Guia Mais Joao Pessoa. Major local newspapers, such as O Correio da Paraiba and O Norte, highlight a wide range of events on a weekly basis. Below are a few of the major attractions.

Historical sites

Barroco Park It is formed by the colonial mansions scattered around the upper and lower regions of the city.

Theatro Santa Roza A building from 1889, this theatre was decorated in baroque style. It is one of the oldest theatres in the country. It is located at Pedro Américo Square.

Redenção Palace Erected in 1586, Redenção Palace used to be the home of the old Jesuits convent. Today the building is the State Government headquarters.

Santa Catarina Fortress The fortress built in 1586 comprises the captain's house, a chapel and cannons from the 16th century.

Saint Francis Church and Saint Anthony Convent Totally embellished in baroque style, the church and the convent were built in 1589 and 1779, respectively. The highlights are the chapels of the Third Order of Saint Francis and Saint Benedict, featuring Portuguese ceramic panels and sacristy. The spaces also feature, regularly, popular art exhibitions.

São Frei Pedro Gonçalves Church Erected in 1843, the church was restored in 2002 and features the foundations from the old 17th century building. In front of it there are many restored colonial mansions.

Parks

Solon de Lucena Park Located at the commercial centre of the paraibana capital, Solon de Lucena Park, also known as "Lagoa", is filled with centenary imperial palm trees, golden trumpet trees and acacias – the tree symbol of the city. At the centre there is a luminous fountain.

Arruda Câmara Park Also known as "Bica", because of an old mineral water fountain, it features a zoo, botanic garden and leisure areas.

Monuments

Cabo Branco Lighthouse It is located at the easternmost inland point in the Country and allows panoramic views of the city; from there all the Ponta das Seixas beach can be seen.

Museums

Museum of Cultural Center of Saint Francis Permanent exhibition of Religious and Baroque Art. Also, the center offers contemporary art and craft exhibitions. Located in the site of Saint Francis Church.

José Lins do Rego Museum Located at Espaço Cultural, the museum has a library of over 4000 volumes, photos, letters, honors, manuscripts, and personal objects of Rego, a major paraibano writer.

Casa do Artista Popular The museum has over 1000 works of crafts representing a wide range of styles developed in the state of Paraiba. The museum also has library and gift shops.

Espaço Energia This museum takes visitors through the history of electricity. The museum shows the types of energy used in the 19th century and ends its display with a contemporary home, fully equipped with electrical appliances and such. Housed at Usina Cultural da Saelpa.

Ocean Museum of Cabedelo A collection that highlights the remaining of ships that sank in the area.

Augusto dos Anjos Memorial Located in Sapé, about from João Pessoa, the memorial allows visitors to immerse in the house where this noted paraibano writer lived his childhood and part of his adulthood.

Epitácio Pessoa Museum (Museu e Cripta de Epitácio Pessoa). The museum houses objects from former Brazilian president Epitácio Pessoa.

Historic Archive of the State of Paraíba (Arquivo Historico do Estado da Paraiba). Preserves the historic heritage of the state.

José Américo de Almeida Museum (Museu José Américo de Almeida). The house where lived this noted political figure and write Minister José Américo de Almeida.

Theatres

Santa Rosa Theatre

Paulo Pontes Theatre in Espaço Cultural

Theatre of Arena in Espaço Cultural

Lima Penante Theatre

Ednaldo do Egypto Theatre

Ariano Suassuna Theatre

Sala de Cultura in Shopping Sul

Movie theaters

Box Cinemas in Manaíra Shopping

Mutiplex Tambiá 6 in Tambiá Shopping

Cine Bangüe in Espaço Cultural

Cine Espaço in Mag Shopping

Major art galleries

Casa do Artista Popular Praça da Independência, 56 - Centro Telefone: +55 (83) 3221-8852

Casarão dos Azulejos Praça Dom Adauto, s/n

Casarão 34 Praça Dom Adauto, s/n - Centro Telefone: +55 (83) 3218-9708

Centro Cultural São Francisco Praça São Francisco, s/n - Centro Telefone: +55 (83) 3218-4505

Cripta do Presidente Epitácio Pessoa Praça João Pessoa - Térreo do Tribunal de Justiça

Gabinete Cultural Flávio Eduardo Maroja (Fuba) Praça Antenor Navarro, s/n - Varadouro Telefone: +55 (83) 8829-0878

Galeria de Arte “13 de maio” Av. Índio Arabutã, 206 - Cabo Branco Telefone: +55 (83) 9227-0095

Galeria de Artes Archidy Picado Av. Abdias Gomes de Almeida, 800 -Tambauzinho

Galeria Gamela Av. Cairú, 73 - Cabo Branco Telefones: +55 (83) 3226-7066 / +55 (83) 3221-6857 / +55 (83) 9962-7969

Galeria Ponta das Artes Av. Falésias, 267 - Praia do Seixas Telefone: +55 (83) 3251-1291

Mausoléo de João Pessoa Jardim do Palácio do Governo – Praça João Pessoa s/n Núcleo de Arte Contemporânea-NAC Rua das Trincheiras, 275 - Centro Telefone: +55 (83) 3221-9630

Sala de Cultura da Setur Parque Solon de Lucena, 216, centro Telefone: + 55 (83) 3218-9873

Usina Cultural e Estação da Energia (former Estação da Cruz do Peixe) Av. Pres. Epitácio Pessoa, s/n - Tambiá Telefone: +55 (83) 3221-4985

Visual Arts of Paraíba

The visual arts in the state of Paraíba have been prolific and João Pessoa has been a major dissemination site. Events such as FENART and Arte Atual Paraibana have showcased new and stablished artists. A recent initiative produced and promoted by the city of Joao Pessoa is the Dictionary of Visual Arts of Paraíba. Dyogenes Chaves, in the presentation text, reminds the reader that the dictionary covers a wide range of artists, from the least to the most known, such as "Pedro Américo, Santa Rosa, Antonio Dias, Ivan Freitas, Alexandre Filho, Antonio Augusto Fontes, Jackson Ribeiro, Roberto Coura, José Rufino, Alice Vinagre, José Simeão Leal, Antonio Bento, Paulo Sérgio Duarte e Rubem Navarra – to list a few."

Dictionary of Visual Arts of Paraíba (Portuguese)

Here's a list of art studios open for visitation:

Atelie Miguel dos Santos

Atelie Clovis Junior

Atelie Flavio Tavares

Casa Experimental de Arte (Sidney Azevedo, Alena Sa, and Dyogenes Chaves)

Events and entertainment

Muriçocas do Miramar (Feb) Main street carnival held in the Wednesday prior to official carnival days.

Vem Viver a Paraíba (Jan - Feb) "Come and Experience Paraiba" is a tourism fair and folklore performance event.

Centro em Cena (Jan) Art and culture event.

Folia de rua - Prévia Carnavalesca (Feb) Street carnival a few days prior to official carnival days.

Carnaval da Melhor Idade (Feb) Carnival for senior citizens.

Auto de Deus (Apr) Passion Play of the crucifixion of Christ.

São João Pessoa - São João fora de época (to be announced) One of João Pessoa’s major regional music events.

FENART João Pessoa (jun) Major fine-arts exhibition in the area.

Feira Brasil mostra Brasil (Jul) Trade Fair featuring Brazilian products.

Festa das Neves (Aug) Religious Celebration of the Patroness of the City: Santa Maria Maggiore.

Vaquejada do Cowboy (Nov) Rodeo-inspired event.

Festa do Atum (Dec) Popular festival dedicated to the tuna.

Reveillon (Dec 31) New-Year’s Eve festivities and fireworks at the beach.

Sports

João Pessoa provides visitors and residents with various sport activities.

Stadiums

José Américo de Almeida Filho Stadium;

Evandro Lélis Stadium.

Gymnasium

Ronaldo Cunha Lima Gymnasium.

Football Clubs

Centro Sportivo Paraibano;

Auto Esporte Clube;

Botafogo Futebol Clube.

Sister cities

João Pessoa's sister cities are:

Aracaju, Brazil Salvador, Brazil Maceió, Brazil Recife, Brazil Hartford, USA Tucson, USA Ovar, Portugal Coimbra, Portugal Lisboa, Portugal

Gallery

References

External links

Related Wiki links

Video

Official Promotional video of João Pessoa | English

Official Promotional video of João Pessoa | Portuguese

Category:Populated places in Paraíba Category:State capitals in Brazil Category:Populated coastal places in Brazil Category:Populated places established in 1585