Trancoso, Bahia

Trancoso is a small town in the municipality of Porto Seguro in the state of Bahia, Brazil. It was the landing point of the Portuguese explorer, Pedro Alvares Cabral in Brazil, on April 21st1500. It was founded by the jesuits priests, on 1583, with the name of Saint John Baptist of the Indians.

The town is in a rectangular shape, with houses in the original style. It is famous for its beaches, such as Praia dos Nativos, Praia dos Coqueiros and Praia do Espelho. In recent years the location has been developed by the hotel industry, including the French Club Mediterranée. This has pushed up property values.

The federal Ministry of the Environment is currently expanding several National Parks and Natural Reserves nearby with the goal of preserving remaining areas of Atlantic Rain Forest. In addition, Trancoso is located at the starting point of a state Environmental Protection Area, the APA Caraíva-Trancoso, whose goal is to discipline touristic and economical development in the region, thereby minimizing negative impacts that may harm this biosphere.

The population is formed of indigenous and afro people and those of Portuguese origin. In recent years many foreigners have also moved to the town.

The main square is known as 'Quadrado', although it is rectangular. To its east is a sixteenth century Catholic Church dedicated to St. John.

On January 20 the 'Quadrado' celebrates a popular party in recognition of its patron, Saint Sebastian, during which the natives sing and play drums and guitars. The main verse is: "São Sebastião, hoje chegou o dia, vinhemos festejar com todo alegria" ("Saint Sebastian, today the day has come, we came to celebrate with all the joy");

Beaches

Praia dos Coqueiros (Coconuts Beach)

It is a beach with few and small waves. There are coral reefs 100 meters into the sea and a lot of coconut trees. In the summer it's possible to ride a banana-boat.

Praia da Pedra Grande (Big Rock Beach):After Coqueiros, 500 meters. It is thinner than the other beaches, with much fewer tourists. It is difficult to walk in the sand during high tide because there is not enough sand. These are the last restaurants on the beach. After Pedra Grande the restaurants stop and what is known as Nude's Beach begins.

External links

[http://www.trancoso.com Trancoso.com] English and Portuguese language website about the city of Trancoso, Bahia, Brazil. Where it is located, how to get there and lodging resources.