Mazagão

Mazagão preserves a distinctive Atlantic history. The town of Nova Mazagão was established in 1770 as families from the former Portuguese possession of Mazagão, in present-day Morocco, were transferred to the Amazon. Indigenous people and enslaved Africans were involved in its establishment; their presence is essential to understanding the territory beyond the colonial narrative.

In 1915, the municipal seat moved to Mazaganópolis, known as Mazagão Novo, and the old settlement became Mazagão Velho. The São Tiago festival and marabaixo express different dimensions of this memory. Across the municipal seat, historic village and rural communities, families, celebrations, religious practices and archaeological remains continue to convey the municipality’s history.

During the São Tiago festival, the Vominê dance moves through streets and homes, while the Bobo Velho character precedes the battle staged by community horse riders. Learning about these characters helps visitors follow the celebration as a story shared by local residents.