Among the state’s 645 municipalities , a picturesque little town of 30,000 inhabitants holds the title of the town with the longest name in São Paulo. Do you know what it is? We’re talking about charming Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, in the Ribeirão Preto metropolitan region.
Approximately three and a half hours from the capital, the city boasts exuberant nature and is considered a Climate Resort by the state of São Paulo. Come and find out more!
History of Santa Rita do Passa Quatro
The lands that are now home to the city with the longest name in São Paulo began to be settled in the 19th century by backwoodsmen from Minas Gerais.
Later, in 1860, landowner Ignácio Ribeiro do Vale and his son Diocleciano Ribeiro officially founded a settlement there. That was the beginning of what would become this friendly little town today.
The huge name of “Santa Rita do Passa Quatro” was a tribute by devotees to the Catholic saint Rita de Cássia. “Passa Quatro” , on the other hand, is due to a stream that, at the time, crossed the access road to the town four times.
As well as being the longest named town in the state, Santa Rita do Passa Quatro has also received the honor of being one of São Paulo’s Climate Resorts. This title goes to cities with natural attractions, such as a pleasant climate and large green areas. So if you like nature, you’ve found the right place!
Things to do in Santa Rita do Passa Quatro
Natural attractions
One of the city’s biggest tourist attractions is the Vassununga State Park. Covering 2,000 hectares, it preserves areas of Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, as well as various species of animals such as woodpeckers, maned wolves, pumas and capybaras.
The park is also home to the Patriarca, a pink jequitibá tree forty meters high and eleven meters in circumference, considered one of the oldest living trees in Brazil. Although its exact age is unknown, experts suggest that the tree is between six and nine hundred years old.
Santa Rita do Passa Quatro also has a number of adventure options. At Morro Itatiaia, for example, you can take free flights, such as skydiving and hang gliding.
Finally, another attraction is the municipality’s many waterfalls, such as Cachoeira Véu de Noiva and Cachoeira Três Quedas (photo). There’s also the São Valentim waterfall, where you can go abseiling.
Cultural attractions
Since the 19th century, Italian immigration has been very strong in Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, which has influenced the local culture. As a result, every year the City Hall celebrates the Festival of Italian Traditions with typical food, concerts and even masses in Italian in the Catholic communities.
In addition, in September, the city that is the birthplace of Zequinha de Abreu also holds a festival in his honor. It’s the Zequinha de Abreu Festival, which celebrates the birthday of one of choro‘s most important musicians through parades, band competitions and fanfares.
