São Bento is now known as “Capital Mundial das Redes” (“World Capital of Hammocks”). Hammock making is a historically important industry in the town. Santa Luzia Redes e Decoração has been producing textiles in São Bento since 1986. The public EXPO TÊXTIL SÃO BENTO complements this focus with an exhibition of textile products, as well as cultural and artistic performances. The event takes place in September; specific dates and the programme may change. São Bento thus brings together textile history and a public cultural event.

Festivals with different focuses

Arraiá Balançando a Rede is a three-day cultural festival featuring typical foods, Quadrilhas and traditional Forró pé-de-serra. It is one of São Bento’s decades-old traditions; dates and the programme may change. Festa de São Sebastião is organised by Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião and runs for ten days, with a community programme, daily Masses and cultural events. Admission is free, but here too, dates and the programme may change.

The events vary considerably in duration: Arraiá lasts three days, while Festa de São Sebastião lasts ten. São Bento Fest is a carnival held outside the usual carnival season and has more than 20 years of tradition; it entertains residents of São Bento and the surrounding region. Vaquejada draws on northeastern Brazilian culture and the figure of the sertanejo cattle herder, and has more than 30 years of tradition. Motofest, meanwhile, is a free motorcycle gathering in a public square, organised by the Moto Clube Amigos do Asfalto from São Bento; dates and the programme may change.

The river, trails and a nature-focused attraction outside town

The Rio Piranhas runs through São Bento and offers opportunities for hikers and others who want to explore the trails there. Trail conditions may vary; take this into account when making specific plans. Santuário Virgem dos Pobres is near the bridge over the Rio Piranhas. The river offers a nature and outdoor activity focus, while the sanctuary provides a religious point of interest.

The Municipality of São Bento is also home to the Quilombola community of Contendas, one of two such communities in the municipality. It is located outside the town; opportunities for ecotourism there include caves, rock engravings and mountain landscapes. Contendas thus adds a distinct nature-focused attraction at the municipal level to São Bento’s points of interest.

Choose your stay based on what matters to you

Also check the stated location of a specific accommodation against your plans, rather than assuming it is close to an event venue, the river or Contendas.

Discover more destinations: Areia, Barra De Camaratuba, Pitimbu, Baía Da Traição, Mamanguape, Passagem, Cajazeiras, Guarabira

For the broader travel overview: Paraiba.