Extremoz combines local history with food culture and experiences in the dunes. The Igreja Matriz is in the town center; the ruins of the former main church, Aldeia Guajiru and the tradition surrounding Grude offer further cultural perspectives. Buggy rides through the dunes are another attraction. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish specific places and traditions from those of the municipality as a whole: not every cultural recognition refers to a single venue.
Church, Ruins and Cultural Traditions
The Igreja Matriz of the São Miguel Parish is located at Praça Prefeito José Franco in the center of Extremoz. Mass times are listed as Sundays at 7:00 and 18:30, and Tuesday through Friday at 18:00. If you plan to attend a service, check the times in advance.
The ruins of the former main church are considered a tourist attraction in Extremoz. Aldeia Guajiru lies beside the ruins and is regarded as a place full of Extremoz’s stories and memories. This places specific locations alongside cultural themes that apply to the municipality as a whole.
At the 2025 edition of the Corrida São Miguel Arcanjo, the gathering point, start and finish were at the ruins of the Jesuit church. The gathering was scheduled for 6:00; the start time was listed as 6:28 or 6:30. These times apply to that edition. If you plan to travel for a race, confirm the date of the relevant edition in advance.
The Corrida de Argolinhas is recognized as historical, cultural and intangible cultural heritage of the municipality of Extremoz under Municipal Law No. 1.190/2023, published on December 29, 2023. The law sets the second Sunday in September of each year as the date. Confirm the specific edition before traveling.
Quadrilhas Juninas and street Arraias are also recognized as intangible cultural heritage of the municipality of Extremoz/RN under Municipal Law No. 1.311/2025. In 2025, the prayer-circle tradition of evangelical churches was also recognized as historical and intangible cultural heritage of Extremoz. Together, these traditions range from festive customs to religious practices, complementing the history of the church sites with a perspective on the municipality as a whole.
Grude: Cuisine and Local Identity
Grude is made from cassava starch and grated coconut. In the municipality of Extremoz, the dish is a source of livelihood for many people and a defining feature of local identity. Casa do Grude is in Aldeia Guajiru and is associated with the fresh, handmade preparation of Grude. This means you can appreciate the specialty not only for its ingredients, but also for its significance to the life and identity of the municipality. If you are interested in local cuisine, Grude offers a specific cultural focus alongside the churches and recognized traditions.
Dunes and Protected Area
The Ãrea de Proteção Ambiental de Jenipabu was established in 1995 by State Decree No. 12.620. It covers 1,739 hectares and spans areas of the municipalities of Extremoz and Natal. Its connection to the municipality offers another perspective on the landscape, without equating the protected area with the town center.
Buggy rides through the dunes are available in the municipality. During the ride, you can see the lagoons of Genipabu and Extremoz, as well as the beaches of Genipabu, Barra do Rio, Santa Rita, Redinha and Pitangui. This landscape experience is distinct from a stay focused on church sites, municipal traditions or Grude. If a buggy ride is an important part of your plans, check availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Caiçara Do Rio Do Vento, Guamaré, Apodi, Pipa, Montanhas, Touros, São Bento Do Norte, Currais Novos
For the broader travel overview: Rio Grande Do Norte.
