Feira de Santana facts for kids
Feira de Santana is an important city in the northeastern part of Brazil. It is located in the state of Bahia. This city sits between the Jacuípe and Pojuca Rivers. Feira de Santana is a major hub for connecting the state capital, Salvador, with many other cities. It is also a key passage for highways, making it a busy center for trade and travel.
Contents
What is Feira de Santana?
Feira de Santana is one of the largest cities in the state of Bahia. It is known for its strong economy and its role as a regional center. The city's name means "Santana's Fair," which hints at its history as a marketplace.
Where is Feira de Santana Located?
Feira de Santana is found in the interior of Bahia, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Salvador. Its location is very strategic. It connects different parts of Bahia and Brazil. This makes it a natural meeting point for people and goods.
How Does its Location Help the City?
Being at a crossroads helps Feira de Santana a lot. Many important highways pass through it. This allows products to be easily moved in and out of the city. It also makes Feira de Santana a center for business and services.
History of Feira de Santana
The city of Feira de Santana has a rich history. It started as a small settlement around a cattle fair. Farmers and traders would meet here to buy and sell goods. This fair grew over time, attracting more people.
When Did the City Begin?
The area began to develop in the 18th century. It was a stopping point for cattle drivers. They traveled from the interior to the coast. The first church was built in 1732. This marked the start of a more permanent settlement.
How Did the Fair Grow?
The cattle fair became very famous. It was one of the biggest in Brazil. People from far away came to trade. This led to the growth of houses and shops around the fairgrounds. The fair helped the small village become a town.
Becoming a City
Feira de Santana officially became a city in 1873. By then, it was already a busy commercial center. Its growth continued through the 20th century. Today, it is a modern city with a strong connection to its past.
Economy and Industry
Feira de Santana's economy is very diverse. It is not just about cattle anymore. The city has many different industries. These include manufacturing, services, and agriculture.
What are the Main Industries?
- Trade: The city is still a major trading hub. It has large shopping centers and a busy street market.
- Services: Many businesses offer services like banking, healthcare, and education.
- Manufacturing: Factories in Feira de Santana produce various goods. These include textiles, food products, and metal items.
- Agriculture: The surrounding areas grow crops like beans, corn, and cassava. Cattle farming is still important too.
How Does Trade Help the City?
Trade is a big part of Feira de Santana's identity. Its central location makes it easy for goods to arrive and leave. This creates many jobs for people. It also brings new ideas and products to the city.
Culture and Traditions
Feira de Santana has a vibrant culture. It blends traditions from different parts of Brazil. Music, dance, and local festivals are very important to the people.
What Festivals are Celebrated?
One of the most famous events is the Micareta. This is an off-season carnival. It happens usually in April. People dress up, dance, and celebrate in the streets. It is a very lively and colorful festival.
What is Micareta?
Micareta is like a mini-carnival. It has parades with large trucks called "trio elétricos." Bands play music on these trucks. People follow them, dancing and singing. It's a huge party for everyone.
Other Cultural Aspects
The city also has strong traditions in local cuisine. You can find delicious Bahian dishes. Craftsmanship is also important. Local artists create beautiful handmade items.
Education and Development
Feira de Santana is also a center for education. It has several universities and colleges. These institutions help train young people for different careers.
What Educational Opportunities are There?
The city is home to the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS). There are also other public and private universities. These offer a wide range of courses. They attract students from all over the region.
How Does Education Help the City?
Having good universities helps the city grow. It creates a skilled workforce. It also brings new research and ideas to the community. This helps Feira de Santana develop even further.