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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. Amidst the many rich and famous people that live in or visit the town, Trancoso continues to retain its rustic charm, with its extensive pristine beaches, exuberant nature and friendliness of the locals. It offers a wonderfully warm and sunny tourist destination for its diversified visitors from Brazil and abroad, a place to slow down and relax. Services range from modest and economical accommodations and meals to the most luxurious and sophisticated.
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 sensitive and rare 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".
External Links
Trancoso Portal:
Trancoso.comTrancoso BahiaSocial Projects
Voz de Trancoso - Environmental Protection WebsiteEcossistema.org...
