Discover Paulistana from three distinct perspectives: the Caatinga and the protection of the APA de Ingazeiras; devotion to Nossa Senhora dos Humildes; and the former railway station, now home to the Centro Cultural Maria Fumaça. This can help you decide before your trip whether nature, religious tradition or local history should take centre stage.
Caatinga, Protected Area and Landscape
The APA de Ingazeiras is a state environmental protection area in the Caatinga biome, covering 659 hectares in Paulistana. It lies on the shore of the Açude Ingazeiras reservoir. Its location and area give the city’s natural environment a specific geographical context.
The expansion of the APA is intended to preserve the ecological balance and protect fauna and flora. The framework published in 2024 provides for increased monitoring of sporting, cultural, scientific and ecotourism activities in the expanded APA, so that they remain compatible with environmental protection. Nature conservation here is therefore closely linked to the protected area.
A report from August 2026 describes Morro da Santa as a destination for worshippers and for people who want to admire Paulistana’s landscape. Paulistana therefore offers two distinct connections with nature: the state-protected area and a place that draws both religious visitors and those interested in the landscape.
Church, Festival and Pilgrimage
The parish of Nossa Senhora dos Humildes was founded in 1883; Nossa Senhora dos Humildes is the city’s patron saint. The traditional Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Humildes brings local families, visitors and worshippers together, and the devotion associated with it goes back generations. In 2026, the Festa da Padroeira celebrated its 185th anniversary. During a procession through the streets of Paulistana, the image of Nossa Senhora dos Humildes was carried.
Another religious tradition is the 14th Romaria da Terra e da Água in Piauí, which began in Paulistana. During this pilgrimage, participants gathered at the Mirante de Nossa Senhora dos Humildes and then walked to the Igreja Matriz. The Festa and the Romaria represent two different forms of religious practice: devotion passed down through generations at a city festival, and a pilgrimage along a specific walking route.
Railway History and Culture
The Centro Cultural Maria Fumaça is housed in Paulistana’s former railway station. The station operated from 1938 to 1978, and the cultural centre was inaugurated in August 2026. This marks two distinct periods in the history of the same address: its former use as a railway station and its later use for cultural activities.
The centre was planned to include spaces for cultural promotion, training, artistic activities and historical exhibitions, as well as a cafeteria. Its planned programme brings together a range of cultural activities, from training and artistic work to exploring history. When planning your trip, the station is therefore worth visiting as part of the city’s history, not just as the building that houses the cultural centre.
Historical Roots in the Regional Context
The history extends beyond individual buildings. In the wider region, the development of the Paulistana area began in the 18th century with the founding of Arraial de Paulistas. Another historical point of reference is Fazenda do Paulista, which belonged to the Portuguese nobleman Dom Valério Coelho Rodrigues. Alongside the parish and the former railway station, this regional background offers different ways to explore Paulistana’s history across time.
Putting Festival Dates in Context
The Expofest e Festa do Vaqueiro in Paulistana was scheduled for 15 to 18 May 2025. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for your travel year; these dates are for 2025.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Uruçuí, Santa Cruz do Piauí, São João da Serra, Pimenteiras.
Return to the main travel overview: Piauí.
