An Underrated Gem: Brazil’s Northeast Region

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The Northeast Region of Brazil

The Northeast region of Brazil is often overlooked when compared to the Southeast, where Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are located. Even in Brazil, the Northeast is often stigmatized as being underdeveloped when compared to other parts of the country. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth, and in this article, I’ll do my very best to present to you this exciting and often underrated region of Brazil that has everything you may need: breathtaking natural beauties, mouthwatering cuisine, unparalleled economic potential, unique culture, and beautiful and welcoming people.

But first, let me give you some context about this wonderful place. Nordeste, as it is called in Brazil, is one of the country’s five macro-regions, and it comprises 9 of its 26 states: Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe. It has a population of over 50 million people, and it makes up about 20% of Brazil’s territory, stretching from the Southern Atlantic all the way to the Amazon basin. Some of the largest Brazilian cities are located here, such as Salvador, Fortaleza, Recife, São Luís, and Maceió, all of which have over a million inhabitants.

Nordestinos

The region has great historical importance to Brazil. The Northeast is where the Portuguese first arrived in 1500 and the place where the first colonizing efforts were made by Europeans, with the successful installation of sugarcane plantations. The first capital of Brazil was also located here, in the city of Salvador, from 1549 to 1763, and it was later relocated to Rio de Janeiro. In 1960, the construction of Brasília was completed, and it became the new capital of Brazil, a status it holds to this day. As a matter of fact, Brasília was mostly built by the hands of “nordestinos,” as northeasterners are called in Brazil. Nordestinos are present in every corner of Brazil, as they moved across the country by the millions in different migration waves over the decades in search of work opportunities and better conditions of life. In fact, every major southeastern city has a considerable northeastern community. Evidence of this is the São Cristóvão Fair, in Rio de Janeiro, an open-air pavilion that celebrates Nordeste’s culture and way of life, where you’ll be able to sing, dance forró, eat vatapá and appreciate this piece of cultura nordestina in Rio.

The nordestinos are a very hospitable and gentle people, with a distinct, beautiful accent that may vary depending on the state they’re from, as well as some of the most creative slang words you’ll ever hear. One of my favorites is “cabra”, which literally means “goat” but is used by nordestinos to refer to a man in a colloquial manner, similar to how the word “dude” is used in English. They’re also very cheerful and outgoing, and this trait is made evident in their festivals, food, and music. Parallel to this soft and warm side, these people also have a tough and hardworking side, as they were toughened by the harsh conditions of this region. 

Climate

The climate of Nordeste is drier than the rest of the country and the predominant biome is caatinga, a semi-arid environment that forms a unique landscape and diverse flora and fauna. This biome is characterized by scorching temperatures and low and irregular rainfall, making it the driest region in the country. The word “caatinga” itself derives from the indigenous Tupi language and translates to “white forest,” referring to the pale, thorny vegetation that dominates the landscape. There, indigenous communities embrace sustainable practices, coexisting harmoniously with nature. Rich in culture and folklore, the caatinga weaves a vibrant tapestry of traditions. Conservation efforts aim to protect its beauty and heritage. In this arid expanse, nature’s tenacity and human adaptability create a captivating dance, leaving a profound impact on those who experience its wonders.

Iconic Figures

Some of the most iconic figures that hail from this region are Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva (current president of Brazil), Lampião (the main protagonist in a 20th-century social banditry phenomenon known as cangaço, a controversial figure often considered a Robin Hood-like character by many) and countless artists and musicians, such as emblematic MPB (Brazilian Popular Music) singers Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso, known for their contributions to Brazilian Popular Music and their involvement in the 70s Tropicália movement.

Economic Growth

In recent years, the Northeast region of Brazil has experienced remarkable and rapid economic growth, transforming it into a promising hub for development and investment. With its diverse and bountiful resources, the region has harnessed its potential to attract both local and international attention. One of the driving forces behind this economic expansion is the increasing focus on renewable energy sources. The Northeast boasts abundant sunlight and strong winds, making it an ideal location for solar and wind energy projects. States like Bahia and Piauí have emerged as leaders in renewable energy production, contributing significantly to the country’s sustainable energy goals.

Another sector that has seen rapid growth is tourism, and after seeing just a few pictures of what the Northeast has to offer and what it looks like, it’s easy to understand why many of these locations demand an article entirely dedicated to them. If you are looking for natural beauty and unforgettable sceneries, Nordeste has Lençóis Maranhenses, Porto de Galinhas, Chapada Diamantina, Fernando de Noronha, Jericoacoara, Pipa, Canoa Quebrada, and many, many other breathtaking locations to offer.

Culture

Despite the recent economic development in the region and an ever-growing contribution to Brazil’s economic revival, the biggest contribution Nordeste offers to Brazil is its culture. The region has an extremely rich and diverse cultural landscape. One example is the region’s music, with many distinct styles. The music of Brazil’s Northeast transcends mere entertainment; it is a reflection of the region’s soul and spirit. From the energetic beats of Forró to the soulful sounds of Baião and the colorful umbrellas of Frevo, the music of the Northeast is a celebration of life, love, and the vibrant spirit that resonates in its people. Despite the fact that these music styles are quite different from each other, the main tone of Northeastern music is happiness, and all musical styles are very fast-paced and cheerful. 

Another area the region excels in is its cuisine, with fantastic dishes such as moqueca, vatapá, and acarajé. Moqueca, a true culinary masterpiece, hails from the coast of Bahia, with a tantalizing blend of ingredients that pay homage to the region’s Afro-Brazilian heritage. Fresh seafood, such as fish, shrimp, or crab, swim harmoniously in a luscious broth enriched with creamy coconut milk, dendê oil (red palm oil), aromatic herbs, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.

Vatapá, another culinary gem from Bahia, is a savory delight that also showcases the region’s Afro-Brazilian and indigenous influences. This velvety paste, infused with fragrant spices, is crafted from bread, shrimp, ground peanuts, coconut milk, and palm oil, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that dance on your palate. Often served as a side dish or accompaniment to Moqueca, Vatapá adds a burst of umami to any meal and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Wandering through the lively streets of Salvador, you may also feel the irresistible aroma of Acarajé. These golden, deep-fried bean fritters are a culinary marvel, boasting a crunchy exterior and a tender, flavorful core. Acarajé is often split open and filled with a mouthwatering blend of caruru (a spicy okra and shrimp stew) and vatapá. Each bite is a burst of contrasting textures and tastes, a celebration of the diverse influences that have shaped Bahia’s culinary heritage.

Have in mind that I have only scratched the surface of the Northeast’s splendor and a single article wouldn’t be enough to do justice to this formidable place! The Northeast is a captivating symphony of colors, flavors, and experiences, and paying it a visit is an absolute must if you ever come to Brazil! So, what are you waiting for? Or maybe I should say: “Tá esperando o quê, cabra!”

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Written by Vinícius Lutterbach

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