Maragogi, Alagoas

Description of Maragogi by maragogionline

Maragogi is the gateway to a cluster of eight closely knit cities along the northern coast of the state of Alagoas, Brazil called the Coral Coast or the "Costa dos Corais". Besides Maragogi, these towns include Japaratinga, Porto de Pedras, and São Miguel dos Milagres, Passo de Camaragibe and Barra de Santo Antonio. Maragogi's twenty-two kilometers of beaches are on a wide lagoon formed by a continuous tropical reef that stretches over 130 kilometers along Brazil's Northeast Coast between the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas. The region's never ending reefs are perfect for scuba diving or snorkeling either at the reef or just beyond. Many visitors prefer to wander along the reef (using appropriate footwear) or its pristine beaches looking for sea life or shells, admiring the coral formations, or to just relax marveling at the constantly changing color of the Caribbean-like, clear waters.

Background and History The Coral Coast region is still in the process of being "discovered" and developed. But, for centuries, this coast has been witness to the rich history of the competition for the conquest of the New World. In the region of Maragogi, battles between the Dutch and the Portuguese were fought in the early 16th century. Slightly inland from the coast some of the early sugar plantations produced the first local oligarchies and local legions such as Calabar, a local landholder who fought the Portuguese along side the Dutch in his quest for an independent Brazil. Later, the cultivation of coconuts would add to the commercial prominence of the region. Yet, its most important resource continues to be the natural beauty of its reefs and waters and the kilometers of hard packed sand that make its beaches so delightful to stroll and to shell.

Maragogi was initially a small village called Gamela. In 1887, it was granted the status of a Town and adopted the name of Isabel, to honor the Brazilian Princess who signed a law ending slavery in Brazil. Later on, in 1892, it was named Maragogi after the river that baths the city. "Maragogi", according to some historians, comes from "Marahub-gy", or river of the Marauba tribes. Today, its 344 square kilometers contain sugar cane and coconut plantations and a large number of plots dedicated to family agriculture

Maragogi Photo Album