To Brazilians, the main historical distinctions of the city are the driving off an attack by Lampião and his gang of "social bandits" that plundered entire towns in the sertão during the 1920s and 1930s; and also the fact that the city freed its slaves five years before the Lei Áurea abolished slavery in the rest of the country in 1888. Mossoró was also the first city to give women the right to vote in Brazil, sparking a movement among other cities and states in Brazil that culminated in the official recognition of women's suffrage by the national government in 1934.
Population Growth
Culture and Recreation
Although it does not have beaches within its city limits, there are several magnificent beaches in the surrounding area of the such as the desert beaches of the city ofAreia Branca. World-famous Canoa Quebrada beach is a short drive away in the neighboring state of Ceará. The Resistance Museum tells the story of the city and the city's native sons. However, the most famous attraction is the Mossoró Cidade Junina, a winter festival that attracts more than a million people during the month of June. The city has a beautiful historic town, a hub of fascinating stories of the region's development. Main attractions include the Museu Municipal Jornalista Lauro da Escóssia, also known as the Cangaço Museum, the Station Arts old railway station museum, the Oil Museum, St. Vincent Church, and the Cathedral of Santa Luzia. Other attractions include the famous Palace of Resistance, former residence of mayor Rodolfo Fernandes who was the leader of the resistance against the "Lamp band" and served as a rampart against attacks from those notorious bandits. There is also the Bode Market, an ovine and caprine trading center where traders and buyers of sheep and goats continue the long-held rural traditions of the northeast, as well as the famous Central Market and the Railway Bridge. In September, the city stages what could be the largest play in the world, the with an all-paid cast of 2,000 and a 600-member chorus as part of its Festa da Liberdade. Mossoró also has a shopping center, , which includes a 5-screen multiplex cinema, Wi-Fi internet connectivity, children's recreation and diaper changing area, ATMs, bowling alley, pharmacy, and food court among its many amenities. Mossoró is also home to the Resort which is the largest thermal water park in Brazil. The heated water used in the resort arises from a zone of geothermalhot springs located in the vicinity of the city. The city is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mossoró.
Education
Colleges and Universities
The is located in Mossoró. The following have campuses in the city:
Mossoró is one of the hottest cities in all of Brazil. It is not uncommon for temperatures to exceed throughout the year, with temperatures approaching unexceptional. A fairly short wet season spans from January to May, while the scorching dry season spans the remainder of the year. The sultriest temperatures are registered from October to January. It has semi-arid climate with a temperature range of mean lows around in winter and mean highs around in summer.
