Canguaretama: Churches, Markets and Fandango

Canguaretama brings together historic churches and religious art, lively markets and a distinctive dance tradition. Those planning a cultural holiday in Brazil will find different facets of local history here: from an image dating back to 1600 and 19th-century churches to the Fandango de Canguaretama. This variety gives you a few pointers to help decide whether to focus your stay on architecture, religious traditions or everyday life at the markets.

Churches and Art with Their Own History

The Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição, also known as the Igreja Matriz, dates back to 1858. It is located at Praça Augusto Severo, No. 198, in central Canguaretama and can be reached via fully paved urban roads. The Capela São José is also in the town center; it was built between 1890 and 1892. Their different dates of origin make both buildings distinctive points of interest for anyone interested in the history of the town and its churches.

Another chapter in the history of religious art is the image of Nossa Senhora das Candeias from 1600. It has great cultural significance for the church and the town, but is kept outside the church because it cannot be securely protected there. Permission from the priest is required to view it, and only a small number of visitors are currently received. An ensemble at Praça Augusto Severo also tells a story of religious art: its 16 images depict the death of Our Lady and are dated July 19, 1858. Due to inadequate security, the ensemble is kept in storage and is not currently on display.

The municipality also includes the Capela de Nossa Senhora das Candeias at Engenho de Cunhaú. It is considered a rare example of Baroque architecture in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. After falling into ruin, the chapel was rebuilt and restored by IPHAN in 1985, and conservation work is carried out regularly. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing this architectural history from that of the churches in the town center: the chapel is in the municipality, but not at either of the central locations mentioned above.

Markets and Local Traditions

The Mercado Público de Canguaretama at Praça Augusto Severo was built around 1910. It offers a diverse range of drinks, homemade food, grain and meat. The Feira de Canguaretama is officially held on Saturdays; during the week, there is a mini-market in the town center. Market stalls sell items including clothing, food, fruit, vegetables, seafood and shoes. If you are interested in local products and food, the market and mini-market offer different opportunities to experience this part of town life.

The Grupo Folclórico Nau Catarineta, known as the Fandango de Canguaretama, is also part of the town’s cultural identity. This urban dance tradition began on December 8, 1947, and was revived in December 1971. Fandango is generally performed during the Festa da Padroeira, at Christmas, on New Year’s Day and on Epiphany. Prior telephone permission from a person in charge is required to attend. Another theatrical tradition is the “Auto dos Mártires de Cunhaú”: it premiered in Canguaretama on July 16 as a large-scale open-air theater production.

Religious Services and Travel Interests

Mass at the Igreja Matriz is listed for Sundays at 7:00 and 19:00, and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 17:30. At the Capela de São José, the Missa da Providência is scheduled for Wednesdays at 17:30. If you would like to include religious traditions in your trip, you can take these times into account when planning and distinguish between the different churches and works of art.

A holiday apartment in Canguaretama is a good option if you want to focus your stay on the town’s history, markets and local traditions. Choose your location based on which of these aspects interests you most: the churches and religious art, the products and food at the markets, or the history of Fandango. For an overview of another place, choose Majorlândia.

For the main travel overview: Brazil.