Discover Pacajus: cashew, culture and history

Pacajus can be discovered above all through its cashew culture and layered local history. Extensive cashew groves shape the area; the local nickname “Terra do Caju” reflects this distinctive feature. There is also a preserved chapel, cultural work by the Quilombola community of da Base, traditional recipes and events held at different times of the year. When choosing accommodation in Pacajus, you can consider whether the focus of your trip is cultural history, cashew traditions or a particular festival.

Igreja Velha and the history of the Paiacu

Igreja Velha is a chapel built in 1865 by the Indigenous Paiacu and still preserved in Pacajus today. It has been renovated and no longer retains all its original features made from taipa, a wattle-and-daub construction method, and carnaúba. Its construction date and subsequent changes give the chapel its own historical dimension: it is a place where both the period in which it was built and later alterations to its structure can be traced.

An earlier point of reference in Pacajus’s history is the Jesuit mission established for the Paiacu near the Rio Choró around 1707. It predates Igreja Velha and adds an earlier period to the picture of the area’s history.

The cultural work of the Comunidade Quilombola da Base is also one of the defining themes. The Quadrilha Quilombola Afrojunina has been active there in Pacajus since 2008. It brings the community’s historical and identity-related characteristics to light and helps preserve Afro-Brazilian cultural representations and practices, particularly its African roots. Those interested in culture and traditions will find, alongside the area’s architectural history, a connection to living forms of cultural expression.

Cashew in the landscape, cuisine and crafts

Cashew is more than a nickname in Pacajus: the extensive groves shape the local landscape. Traditional recipes also make use of the fruit. These include artisanal Cajuína and homemade cashew sweets. At an earlier edition of the Caju Fest, a gastronomy workshop used Cajuína, cashew fruit and cashew flour in its dishes. This illustrates the versatility of cashew in local food culture without implying that a workshop is currently scheduled.

Crafts are also part of the local offering: crafts from Pacajus are sold at the Sunday markets held on Praça Renato Pessoa de Aguiar. As schedules can change, check the market day before your trip.

Festivals and cultural events

The Caju Expo Fest takes place every year in October and invites visitors to sample cashew products. Check the specific dates before planning your trip around it. An earlier edition of the Caju Fest brought together agriculture, sport, gastronomy and culture; the programme also included a festival of repentistas. These different focuses show how cashew and cultural performances can come together in their own ways at festivals.

Pacajus Cidade Junina supports June festival groups, cultural groups and performances during the June festival season. The 11th call for proposals is specifically intended to strengthen the municipality’s June festival traditions. The 8th Ciclo Pascal includes traditional cultural expressions of Holy Week, including a performance of the Passion of Christ and the tradition of Pão de Coco. If you plan to travel for one of these programmes, check the dates for the relevant edition.

Another event is the traditional Corrida Ciclística do Trabalhador, organised on 1 May as part of Pacajus Terra de Campeões. Check the event details and participation requirements before travelling. This lets you choose between cultural festivals, culinary themes and a sporting event, rather than planning as though all the offerings are available year-round.

Getting your bearings in Pacajus

For travel planning, the location of the BR-116 is a useful geographical reference: the road runs near Pacajus and connects the area to Brazil’s national road network. Igreja Velha is listed at R. Monte Mor, Centro, with opening hours of Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00. Before visiting, check whether access is available during those hours.

Pacajus is particularly suited to a trip planned around local history, cashew traditions or a specific festival. If a programme is the main reason for your stay, plan around its dates. At other times of year, the traditional recipes, Igreja Velha and Afrojunina’s cultural work offer different ways to engage with the area.

Discover more destinations: Pedra Branca, Mauriti, Aurora, Jaguaribe, Itarema, Barroquinha, Fortaleza, Nova Russas.

View the broader travel guide: Ceará.