JUAZEIRO DO NORTE, CEARA

Juazeiro do Norte is the second largest city in the state of Ceará, with a population of about 250,000. It is located in the middle of the dry sertão of the northeast, in the fertile valley of Cariri. It is best known as the home of the charismatic priest and leader, Padre Cícero, whose large statue overlooks the city and the countryside. Each year millions of people flock to the city for each of five annual pilgrimages to pay honor to the beloved local saint.