Paraíba
Located in the Northeast Region of Brazil, Paraíba is a calm coastal state that has popular local festivals. Founded at the end of the 16th century, its capital city, João Pessoa is the third oldest of Brazil, and attracts visitors with its Baroque architecture, typical north-eastern cuisine and Ponta do Seixas, the eastern-most point of South America.
The capital of Paraíba state is notable for its organisation, high quality of life and heavily forested urban areas. In 2012, João Pessoa hosted a phase of the Pan American Triathlon Cup, and in 2003 hosted the South American Youth Championship of Aquatic Sports. Swimmer Kaio Marcio, gold medallist in the 100m and 200m butterfly events in the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, is a native of the city.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the state is the "Biggest São João in the World", a typical celebration of the city of Campina Grande, halfway between the coast and the sertão (backlands). The festivities will tour around the region throughout the month of June, presenting local expressions such as square dancing around large bonfires to the sound of forró, a Brazilian popular rhythm.
In São João do Cariri, one of the oldest cities in Paraíba, sits the Muralha do Meio do Mundo wall, a rock formation that intermittently extends through various cities and displays primitive inscriptions.
