Joao Pessoa, state Paraiba

Жоао Пессоа, штат Параиба См. Фото-галерею

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 as a 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 and most important city, with a population of about 672,000 (about one sixth of the state's population - 2006 estimate). Its metropolitan area comprises eight other satellite cities (Bayeux, Cabedelo, Conde, Lucena, and Santa Rita) and about 384,000 people, reaching more than 1 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area.

It is the capital with the shortest distance from another capital (Recife, PE) which is around 120 kilometres (75 mi) away, as well as Natal, RN, 180 kilometres (110 mi) North of João Pessoa. Due to the high growing 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 capital of Paraíba is one of the oldest in the northeast of the Country. Big 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.

João Pessoa is one of the oldest cities in Brazil and was founded by the Portuguese in 1585 after wars against the local Indians and the invading French. It had a stormy history and came under Spanish influence when Spain and Portugal were briefly united in the Iberian Union (1580-1640). It was also held by the Dutch for around 20 years in the 17th century. Its name has changed several times and its current name, literally translated as "John Person", dates from 1930. The city's name was altered from Paraiba as a tribute to an assassinated local politician.

In the 16th century, Portuguese settlers from Pernambuco founded Filipéia de Nossa Senhora das Neves (today João Pessoa) at the mouth of the Paraíba River. The area soon proved perfect for sugar production, with the French, the Dutch and the Portuguese all constantly fighting to control the Paraíba region to grow the lucrative sugarcane in. 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. The Portuguese Empire managed to protect the integrity of the territoriy of Brazil, which become independent from Portugal in 1822.

João Pessoa has a typical tropical climate, with warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity all throughout the year. However, these conditions are relieved by a near absence of extreme temperatures and pleasant trade winds blowing from the ocean. Rainfall is heavy at around 1,800 millimetres (71 in) 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.

Joao Pessoa has one publication which highlights its touristic 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.