Maranhão in Brazil

Although far less visited than neighbouring Ceará, Maranhão is one of Brazil's most fascinating states with spectacular natural sights and a rich traditional culture with a strong African heritage. The capital, São Luís, was founded by the French but built by the Portuguese, whose azulejos and ornate baroque flourishes grace the elegant buildings of its colonial centre. Every Friday and Saturday night its little praças erupt to the riotous rhythms of cacuria, and in June the city becomes