Maceió is known for its beautiful beaches and nice weather. But behind these is a rich history that will make any tourist appreciate the city’s beauty better.

Before the Europeans came to the city, Maceió was inhabited by the Indians. It was also the group who first referred to the capital as “Maca-yo” or “Macai-o-k”, which means a “place covering the swamp”.

The Dutch were the first European settlers to arrive in the city. The group came to the country basically to start a sugar cane plantation (in the 1600s, there was a high demand for sugar in the continent). However, because of their few numbers, the Dutch was not able to sustain the sugar cane plantation that they started. Instead, the Portuguese continued it when they took control of Brazil in the 1650s.

Life in the city has since revolved around sugar plantations. In fact, the port in Maceió was specifically built to expand the sugar cane business in the city.

With the port built in the city, Maceió did not only strengthen its sugar cane industry, but it also opened doors for new ventures. The timber industry for one grew so big that it replaced the former industry.

As Maceió’s economy becoming stronger and stronger each year, it has been but natural that it would become the capital of Alagoas which was newly established then.