Cajazeiras history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Cajazeiras dates back to the 18th century and is closely linked to the colonization of Brazil's interior territories. The city grew from a private estate — a farm (fazenda), known as Sítio Cajazeiras. The area received its name due to the abundance of cajá trees (cajazeiras), which bear aromatic tropical fruits and grew along the banks of the local lake.

The founder of the settlement is considered to be Vital de Souza Rolim. Together with his wife, he donated part of the land for the construction of a chapel in honour of Our Lady of Mercy (Nossa Senhora da Piedade), which became the core of the future city.

Key Factors of Establishment

The development of Cajazeiras followed a unique path, differing from neighbouring trading or military settlements. The main engine of progress was education, led by the founder's son — the priest Inácio de Sousa Rolim (known as Padre Rolim).

• Educational Mission: Padre Rolim founded a school that quickly acquired a reputation as one of the best educational institutions in the hinterland (sertão). This attracted many families to the city who wished to provide an education for their children.
• Strategic Location: The city was conveniently situated at the junction of routes connecting the states of Paraíba, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte, which contributed to the influx of the population.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic foundation of early Cajazeiras was agriculture. Local residents engaged in cattle breeding and cotton cultivation, which was one of the region's main export crops in the 19th century. This provided financial stability to the growing settlement.

However, the city's main feature became its cultural and intellectual atmosphere. Thanks to the legacy of Padre Rolim, Cajazeiras early on gained the status of a cultural centre and the unofficial title of "the city that taught Paraíba to read", becoming the birthplace of many prominent figures of the Brazilian Northeast.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1800: Inácio de Sousa Rolim (Padre Rolim) was born; his future educational activities would define the settlement's destiny.
• 1834: Padre Rolim opens his famous school, attracting numerous families to the region seeking education for their children.
• 1859: The renowned missionary Father Ibiapina visits the city and founds the House of Charity (Casa de Caridade) here.
• 1863: The settlement receives the status of "villa" (town) and becomes the administrative centre of the district, separating from the Sousa parish.
• 1876: Cajazeiras officially gains the status of an independent municipality (political emancipation).
• 1914: Pope Pius X signs the bull creating the Diocese of Cajazeiras, significantly increasing the city's religious and political weight.
• 1915: The first bishop, Dom Moisés Coelho, arrives in the city and initiates the construction of new temples and educational institutions.
• 1938: As part of a state administrative reform, the official status of city (cidade) is finally secured for Cajazeiras.
• 1948: Opening of the Commercial Association, marking the growth of the city's economic influence in the region.
• 1979: Foundation of the Federal University campus, confirming the city's historical reputation as a centre of knowledge.

Stages of City Formation and Development

The development of Cajazeiras is the story of the transformation of a small agrarian community into the main educational and commercial centre of the Alto Sertão region. Below are the key stages that defined the modern appearance of the city.

• Era of Enlightenment of Padre Rolim (19th Century)
  The founding of the school in 1834 became the foundation of the city's identity. This event turned the remote settlement into an intellectual oasis, attracting the elite and intelligentsia from across the state. Education became a city-forming factor long before the appearance of industry.
• Political Emancipation (1876)
  Gaining the status of an independent municipality allowed Cajazeiras to manage taxes and plan the urban environment independently. This gave impetus to the construction of public buildings and the formation of the first proper street network.
• Creation of the Diocese (1914)
  The establishment of the Catholic diocese had colossal urban planning significance. The arrival of clergy and religious orders (Salesians, Carmelites) led to the construction of the majestic Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, the Episcopal Palace, and new colleges, forming the historic city centre.
• Hydrotechnical Revolution (Mid-20th Century)
  The construction of the Engenheiro Ávidos reservoir (known as Boqueirão) solved the critical problem of water supply in the arid climate. This ensured the stability of agriculture and allowed the city to grow demographically without fear of seasonal droughts.
• Rise as a Trade Hub
  Thanks to its geographical position on the border of the states of Paraíba, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte, Cajazeiras developed as a commercial centre. The city became the main trading platform for residents of more than 15 neighbouring municipalities, which stimulated the development of the service and logistics sectors.
• University Expansion (Late 20th — Early 21st Century)
  The opening of the Federal University (UFCG) campus and the emergence of private higher education institutions cemented the city's status as "the city that taught Paraíba to read". The influx of students revitalized the real estate market and entertainment sector, strengthening the cultural potential of the region.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Cajazeiras does not possess the Baroque opulence of the coastal capitals, but it vividly reflects the evolution of an important centre in Brazil's interior (Sertão). The urban structure of the city developed radially from the central square featuring the temple, which is characteristic of the Portuguese colonial tradition adapted to local conditions.

Main Styles and Eras

• Religious Eclecticism and Neoclassicism (Early 20th Century):

  With the receipt of diocese status, monumental structures appeared in the city. The prime example is the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Piedade). Its architecture gravitates towards Neoclassicism with elements of Eclecticism: strict symmetry, two tall bell towers, and a triangular pediment. This building visually dominates the historic centre.

• Institutional Architecture (First Half of the 20th Century):

  Buildings associated with education and church administration, such as the Episcopal Palace and historic colleges (for example, Colégio Nossa Senhora de Lourdes), are built in a restrained, majestic style. They feature massive walls, arched windows, and internal courtyards designed to protect against the heat.

• Vernacular Architecture (19th–20th Centuries):

  In the old quarters of the city, row housing has been preserved, following the traditions of colonial architecture: fused building facades opening directly onto the street line, high ceilings for air circulation, and tiled roofs. These buildings form the cosy and recognizable look of the central streets.

• Utilitarian Modernism (Second Half of the 20th Century — Present):

  With the growth of trade and the appearance of universities, the city began to be built up with functional concrete buildings. Modern architecture in Cajazeiras is represented by university campuses and commercial centres, where aesthetics give way to practicality and economy.

Prominent Figures of Cajazeiras

Cajazeiras, known as "the city that taught Paraíba to read", has gifted Brazil with many talented people. From religious leaders of the 19th century to modern cinema stars, these individuals have brought fame to their homeland far beyond its borders.

• Inácio de Sousa Rolim (Padre Rolim)
  Priest and Educator (1800–1899)
  The most significant figure in the city's history. Founder of the famous school that turned a small settlement into an educational centre of the Brazilian Northeast. His legacy defined the cultural identity of Cajazeiras as a city of enlightenment.
• Marcélia Cartaxo
  Actress and Director (born 1963)
  A world-renowned actress and native of Cajazeiras. She received the prestigious "Silver Bear" award at the Berlin Film Festival for her role in the film "Hour of the Star" (A Hora da Estrela). She is a symbol of Brazilian cinema and actively supports culture in her hometown.
• Cristiano Cartaxo
  Poet and Pharmacist (1887–1975)
  Known as the "Prince of Poets of Paraíba". His lyrical works celebrate the beauty of his homeland and daily life in the sertão (arid regions). He is also the author of the anthem of the city of Cajazeiras.
• Zé do Norte
  Composer and Singer (1920–1979)
  Alfredo Ricardo do Nascimento, known by the pseudonym Zé do Norte, was the author of the famous song "Mulher Rendeira", which is the unofficial anthem of the Brazilian Northeast (Nordeste) and is associated with the cangaceiro culture.
• Ivan Bichara
  Governor and Writer (1918–1998)
  A prominent political figure who served as Governor of the State of Paraíba. Apart from politics, he achieved success in literature, becoming a member of the Academy of Letters of Paraíba. His administration was remembered for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Dom Moisés Coelho
  First Bishop of Cajazeiras (1877–1959)
  A spiritual leader who played a key role in the religious establishment of the city. Under his leadership, many Catholic colleges were built, and the formation of the diocesan structure was completed, which strengthened the city's status as a religious centre.