Jacaré Beach and the musical sunset at Cabedelo, Paraíba

For more or less twenty years, the local musician Jurandy do Sax plays every day at the Praia do Jacaré, precisely during sunset, the composition "Bolero," created by the French composer Maurice Ravel in 1928. Touristic attraction strategy, or just a promise he made years ago? That is a mystery. Nobody really knows why he does that, but since the early 2000s, the musician takes his saxophone, a little raft, goes to the middle of this beach and plays. And when I say every day, I mean it. There could be rain, storm, or unbearable heat! It could be a weekend or a workday, he will be there on time, exactly at 17h (local time).  

Located in Cabedelo, a municipality of the State of Paraíba, Northeast of Brazil, Praia do Jacaré (or so, Alligator Beach) has been added to the touristic map because of this beautiful attraction. No more than 20 km far from João Pessoa, the State Capital, the place is actually a river beach (located at the Paraíba River). This means it is not really indicated for a swim. As Cabedelo is a peninsula, the other side of the land is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, providing a beautiful landscape view with beaches and touristic infrastructures, like restaurants and bars. 

Praia do Jacaré was recognized as a 'locality' just in the '50s. Before that, the community was basically made up of fishermen, from native populations in the region. Around the '70s, the fisherman village of the Jacaré was built, bringing together some residences. But it was just after 1985, that the locality received infrastructure items, such as street lighting, electric power grid, train station operation, and water supply. With this development, the place started to be explored for tourism, with bars opening next to the beach, which brought boat owners to the region.

Praia do Jacaré

R. Pôr do Sol - Lot. Oceania VI, Cabedelo - PB, 58310-000, Brasil

Although Jacaré Beach is not really used for a swim, there you can buy boat tickets for a sail around the peninsula and, finally, enjoy the music spectacle offered right at the spot. At the land, just in front of the beach, there is a big deck, with restaurants, artisanal fair, souvenir shops, and a beautiful garden where you can sit and wait for the sunset. Keep in mind that this is a big touristic attraction, so go there at least one hour before the sunset to guarantee a nice spot. The boat trip takes one and a half hour and costs not more than 45 reais per person (or so, 10 euros). 

For me, this sunset experience is definitely in my top five worldwide, so I would highly recommend you to go for it.  It is a romantic trip to have together with someone you care, or just for a self-enlightenment. I sincerely hope you enjoy this trip and deeply dive into this beautiful composition, along with the fantastic view.