Natal
Jan 15th, 2009 by Rio Grande Do Norte
Natal (Portuguese for “Christmas”) is the capital city of Rio Grande do Norte, a north eastern state in Brazil. As of the IBGE 2006, the city had a total population of 789,896 (1,234,819 in its metropolitan area).
The implementation of the Coastal Highway, a 8 km (4.9 mi) long avenue along the shore, was the true starting point for the beginning of tourist activity in the State in the 1980s. That is where the main hotels and restaurants of the capital city, Natal, are concentrated. Improvements in tourist infrastructure and conservation of the natural heritage, beyond the city’s afforestation are some of the actions given priority ever since by the state government. One of the highlights was the creation of the Dune State Park, which aims to preserve the chain of sand dunes that surround the city. And thus, Natal became the entry gate to the beautiful beaches of the State of Rio Grande do Norte. Many of them are still semi-wild, such as Pipa and Pirangi; and others are the liveliest, such as Genipabu and Tibau do Sul.
In accordance with the IPEA (Institute of Applied Economic Research of Brazil), the city is the safest capital of Brazil.
The Augusto Severo International Airport connects Natal with many Brazilian cities and also operates some international flights.
The city is home to the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte.
Culture and recreation
Festa Junina (Saint John Festival)
Festa Junina was introduced to Northeastern Brazil by the Portuguese for whom St John’s day (also celebrated as Midsummer Day in several European countries), on the 24th of June, is one of the oldest and most popular celebrations of the year. Differently from what happens on the European Midsummer Day, the festivities in Brazil do not take place during the summer solstice but during the tropical winter solstice. The festivities traditionally begin after the 12th of June, on the eve of St Anthony’s day, and last until the 29th, which is Saint Peter’s day. During these fifteen days, there are bonfires, fireworks, and folk dancing in the streets. Typical foods and beverages are served. It should be noted that, as during Carnival, these festivities involve wearing costumes (in this case, peasant costumes), dancing, heavy drinking, and visual spectacles (fireworks display and folk dancing). Similar to what happens on Midsummer and St John’s Day in Europe, bonfires are a central part of these festivities in Brazil.
Carnival
The four-day period before Lent leading up to Ash Wednesday is carnival time in Brazil. Carnival in Natal is not big, but “Carnatal” is a different matter: it’s one of the largest off-season carnivals in Brazil. Organizing off-season Carnavais is not a Natal-only habit. Fortaleza has “Fortal”, Recife has “Recifolia”, Natal has “Carnatal”. Carnatal takes place sometime in November or December. It has happened in the streets around Machadão Stadium (traffic around the stadium changes radically during Carnatal days).
Natal Summer Festival
In January, Rock music and Reggae are performed in the event.
International Fair of Workmanship
In January, workmanships of diverse localities will be in Natal.
Dunas de Genipabu Ecological Park
Considered the second largest urban park in Brazil.[citation needed] It includes 1,172 hectares of land, and allows observation of several vegetable and animal species, which are typical of the Atlantic Forest. The tour is along a trail, accompanied by trained guides. The park also has a jogging track, and stays open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday.
Museums
Museums in Natal include: Museu de Arte Sacra, Espaço Cultural Palácio Potengi, Instituto Histórico e Geográfico do Rio Grande do Norte, Museu da Cultura Popular, Museum Camara Cascudo, Memorial Camara Cascudo.
Aquarium
The Aquarium was founded and is run by a family of biologists and retired environmentalists. Besides the exhibit, the aquarium also serves as a surgery center for sea animals. The Aquarium is located between the Oceânica Avenue and the beach. The Aquarium exhibits about 60 marine species.[6] There are about 30 small aquariums, where the species are put individually or in small groups of 2 or 3 species. Most species were collected at the Brazilian and Rio Grande do Norte coast. Species include several kinds of fish (including piranhas), sea horses, shrimps, lobsters, stingrays, octopussy, etc. In a refrigerated aquarium, there is a couple of pinguins.
Cashew Tree
The biggest cashew tree in the world. It’s registered in the Guiness book as the tree which covers the largest area, 8,400 square meters; that’s bigger than a normal football field. Because of a genetic mutation, the branches of this tree grows sideways, instead of upwards; when a branch touches the ground, it doesn’t create roots, but a new ramification starts to grow.
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