Carnival is characterized by parties, public entertainment, masquerade balls and folkloric manifestations. In Brazil, Carnival is traditionally celebrated on the Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday preceding the forty days that go from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.

In Northeast Brazil in particular, it is one of the most celebrated festivals. Among its fundamental aspects are the quadrilhas [square-dancing] and forró [music], bonfires, balloons, processions and novenas, and the wonderful junina [June festival] cuisine.

Was Fort São Luís, in honour of King Louis XIII, and from this came the name of the city. Years later, São Luís was taken by the Dutch invaders led by Count Maurice of Nassau, who occupied it between 1641 and 1644.