Estância

In the region where the festival of St. John is most celebrated in the whole of Brazil, Estância, the historic city in the state of Sergipe, is in party mood from May 31st until July 10th each year. The population of 58,700 cannot conceal their pride in promoting the largest and longest festival in Brazil, when the characteristic perfume of tobacco plants that permeates the city all year round is overtaken by the aroma of roast corn, couscous and liqueurs of Surinam cherry, myrtle and genipap. There are bonfires all over the city which is decorated with banners. At night there is wild dancing to the beat of the accordion.

Estância has one of the most beautiful beaches in Sergipe - the Praia de Abaís, 20 km long and punctuated with dunes. In addition to the tropical setting, the sea and its powerful waves is the stage for the surfers' amazing manoeuvres. Nearby, Lagoa Grande with its warm and transparent water is another bathing option. Thirty nine kilometres away is Mangue Seco, an ecological sanctuary that is only accessible by boat or canoe and rediscovered following the success of the drama serial, "Tieta do Agreste", based on the novel of the same name by Jorge Amado.