Cantagalo, Municipality in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Cantagalo is a municipality in the central-eastern region of Rio de Janeiro State, covering a substantial rural area. The terrain is rolling, shaped by forests and fields used for livestock and small-scale farming.
The settlement started in 1755 when Portuguese nobleman Manoel Henriques came from Minas Gerais seeking gold in this unexplored land. The area later became an important center for farming and livestock raising.
Local residents keep alive traditional crafts and regional festivals that shape daily life in this rural area. The older buildings show architectural styles that reflect the region's colonial roots.
Visitors will find the town center in a manageable area where most shops and services cluster together. The best time to explore is during drier months when roads are easier to travel.
The current name dates to 1786 and comes from an unusual story: a rooster's crow reportedly helped settlers find their lost camp in the region. This tale shapes local identity and is still shared in community stories today.
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