History of Trancoso

As in most of Brazil, the population is a mixture of native, African and Portuguese or other European descendants. In recent years, "winter birds" such as Canadians, Italians, Portuguese, Dutch, Greeks, Israeli, and other have purchased homes, bed and breakfast, restaurants, and stores here or in other Porto Seguro sections, such as Arraial d'Ajuda and eventually settled down in Trancoso.

The main square is known as 'Quadrado', although it is rectangular. To its east is a sixteenth-century Catholic Church, São João Batista, dedicated to Saint John, the Baptist.

On January 20, the 'Quadrado' is the site of a popular festival honoring Saint Sebastian, during which the locals sing and play drums and guitars. The main verse is: "São Sebastião, hoje chegou o dia. Vimos festejar com toda a alegria!" (Saint Sebastian, your day has arrived. We have come to joyfully celebrate