TRAVELER GUIDEPart. I“Floripa: Magic Island”

Florianópolis is the capital of the state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil, popularly known as Floripa. The city is composed of a main island, some smaller surrounding islands and a continental strip of land. It is also known as the Magic Island throughout the country, because of its pristine beaches, its culture and history, its friendly people, its mysteries and charms. All of these attributes will provide one of the best experiences of the life of more than 3500 junior entrepreneurs in the largest youth entrepreneurship event the world has ever seen: the JEWC 2016.

The island was colonized mainly by immigrants from Portugal in mid-sixteenth century, and its culture has strong Azorean characteristics, which are easily observable in their architecture, their vocabulary, their customs, festivals, legends and stories. The “Manézinho” people, as we call the natives of the island, are known for its joy and receptive spirit. They have simple customs and are very proud of their land!

Located in a geographically strategic location, its economy is generally driven by tourism, making Floripa one of the most popular destinations in Brazil. But not everyone who comes to the island is just spending vacation. In recent years Florianópolis has attracted attention for its high performance in the areas of technology and innovation, and is recognized as one of the main cities to endeavor in the country.

We selected some information and destinations for those who want to understand the dynamics of the island and indeed be delighted by the culture and grace of the place!

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Some traditional practices in Floripa have survived for generations and the visitors have the chance to know them. Artisanal fishing is still widely practiced in small villages located mostly in the southern part of the island. Many families still survive of this activity and are proud to carry the heavy accent and the culture of fishing. Ribeirão da Ilha, for example, is a great destination for those who want to meet the genuine native.

Another historical characteristic very remarkable in the region is the presence of the lacemakers. The art of making bobbin lace is a family business, being passed from mothers to daughters, who learn the craft since low age. As well as beautiful and with extremely high quality, the bobbing lace is a symbol of the Azorean culture. To know the best lacemakers, we recommend to visit Lagoa da Conceição, where is located the Rendeiras Avenue, which contains the contrast between these historic establishments and bars for young people. In addition to know and purchase the products of local workers, it is possible to live a connection experience and know several stories in each point of sale.

The colonial architecture also stands out. The old churches and the Azoeran houses and monuments are a clear illustration of the historical cultural influences of the region. The coastal districts of Santo Antonio de Lisboa and Sambaqui are one of the neighborhoods that best preserve the colonial aesthetics. These remnants of the past coexist with modern infrastructure. In Jurerê, for example, along with the beach clubs there is a fortress which, along with other strong two nearby islands, formed a defense system against Spanish maritime raids in the eighteenth century.

There are also historical and cultural centers, museums and theaters scattered throughout the island - especially in the old downtown - which promotes exhibitions, plays and shows of different types, all year round. To know the charm of the old Nossa Senhora do Desterro, we recommend you to access the website: guiafloripa.com.br.

TALES

The Magic Island intrigue visitors, locals and other residents, awakening the imagination of many to supernatural themes. Perhaps the most famous of them was Franklin Cascaes, writer, anthropologist, sculptor, illustrator and teacher in the city of Florianópolis, that during the 20s researched and recorded the tales, legends and customs of the island. His records are now a treasure for any lover of mystical stories full of witches, monsters and ghosts. The suggestion is to read about the stories of the island and visit the places where these reports were taken, for example the legend of the Witches of Itaguaçu, which goes on the continental beach of Itaguaçu and explains in a playful manner the existence of the famous stones at the bay. Curious? Make a quick search with the author's name and get goosebumps with the stories!

CELEBRATIONS

The Manezinho people love a party. The first and most traditional are the religious festivals such as the Festa do Divino. There are also traditional activities that for generations entertain children and adults such as Boi-de-mamão.

But the parties of the island are not limited to traditional merrymaking and festivities. Being a predominantly university town, Florianópolis has very famous nightclubs and infrastructure to receive national and international shows. You can find events for all tastes, from the dance to jazz, from bars at the seashore of Lagoa da Conceição to alternative parties at downtown, and from electronic music festivals to classical music shows. Events to different audiences are offered throughout the year on the island. Better stay tuned at the schedules and cultural agendas. See more at: obaratodefloripa.com.br.

NATURE

The 42 beaches across Floripa, as well as beautiful and diverse, also provide a great amount of leisure and entertainment options. Water sports practitioners can be found in almost all of them. From the traditional surf at Praia Mole, to the categories of Kitesurfing, Windsurfing and Stand Up Paddle, on the northern beaches and Lagoa da Conceição. Dives on the islands surrounding the great Floripa, water rides, hiking trails such as Naufragados and Lagoinha do Leste and skydiving schools are also well recommended here. In most beaches it is also easy to find lessons, equipment rental and guides to help the activities.

But Florianópolis doesn’t live from extreme sports alone. For those who prefer a quiet stroll on a sunny day, the island also offers the contact with nature in parks around the city, such as Parque de Coqueiros (on the mainland), Parque Ecológico do Córrego Grande (in the Córrego Grande neighborhood) and Parque da Luz (downtown), which maintains the protected local fauna and flora in Florianopolis. A walk along the Avenida Beira Mar Norte during the sunset can also be an amazing experience!

CLIMATE

Despite being famous for the beaches, in Florianopolis it is also cold in winter, especially when compared to other cities in Brazil. While summer temperatures range from warm and pleasant - with an average of 24 degrees Celsius - in winter the average is at around 16 degrees Celsius. A few weeks of sun and heat during the winter are also common, so we recommend bringing jackets in case but not forget an alternative to the heat!

As Florianópolis is a coastal city, the temperature remains pleasant during the day, cooling down a bit when the sun goes down. It is also rare to experience very cold or very hot days. However, this brings a high humidity to the environment. Towels not generally dry and rains are very common. We recommend bringing an extra towel and also an umbrella, but in any case there will be towels in the hotels!

LOCOMOTION

Being an island, the geography of Florianopolis is complicated for first-time visitors. The neighborhoods historically grown and urbanized mainly around the beaches, bridges and universities. Because of this, although not a very populated city, taxi rides can get really expensive - as from the airport to the host neighborhoods of JEWC 2016.

Floripa has not the Uber service and other similar apps yet, but the public transportation is efficient and the system is simple. There are 6 bus terminals: TICEN, which is in the center of the city, TITRI in Trindade, TISAN in Santo Antonio de Lisboa, TICAN in Canasvieiras, TILAG in Lagoa da Conceição and TIRIO in Rio Tavares. From this terminals departs two types of bus, the ones which go to a nearby neighborhood and return to the terminal itself and the ones going from one terminal to another. All buses go from any bus stop to any of these terminals and all terminals have a direct connection with TICEN. Furthermore, since the passage was once paid, it is not charged again to enter another line inside the same bus terminal. Today the ticket costs R$3,50. To see the options and better understand the bus lines we recommend the Fênix app or the website: consorciofenix.com.br.

In addition to the transport that is already included in the event and the transfer which will make the airport/hotel/airport and bus station/hotel/bus station route, we also offer discounts on car rentals with Localiza! More Informations soon!

GASTRONOMY

As important part of the tourism industry, the food is taken seriously on the island. From fresh fish easily found in the Public Market in downtown to fine dining restaurants, Floripa mixture which is most simple and sophisticated. traditional restaurants on the island as Arantes (in South Marsh) share space with pubs, bistros, pizzerias, burgers, sushi, pastry shops and food trucks.

There are options for everyone and anyone who comes to the island can not miss to taste a shrimp sequence and a water mush with mullet, a traditional fish much appreciated by the natives, all served with a glass of Pureza guaraná soda. For those who come from other countries, we also recommend feijoada, caipirinha, pastel, coxinha, brigadeiro, açaí and the Brazilian barbecue, which says a lot about the cuisine of our country and are present in its entire length, including Floripa.

For those who want to spend less we recommend the districts around the universities. In Trinidade, Itacorubi, Pantanal, Carvoeira and Córrego Grande, more affordable options for food can be found, in addition to cheaper bars to socialize with friends.

NIGHTCLUBS AND FESTIVALS

Floripa has a busy nightlife with options for all tastes! Among the nightclubs in downtown we highlight the pop and alternative clubs: 1007, Treze, Jivago and Blues Velvet. The clubs Fields (country music) and Cervejaria Devassa (country and pagode on different days of the week) are also located in downtown.

In the north of the island there are live houses like Posh, Pacha, Terraza and Stage Music Park, which bring national and international artists from different musical styles. We recommend visiting the websites of these spaces for more information of their agendas. The northern beaches also have nightclubs with different proposals, such as P12 (a day club located on the beach of Jurerê), the dinning club Donna, the luxury house Milk, and the beach club Café de La Musique, frequented by stars like Neymar.

In Lagoa da Conceição, bars and pubs such as The Black Swan, restaurants and the most varied houses such as the John Bull, which plays rock’n’roll; Casa de Noca, with Brazilian music; Malam with electronic music; and Kokoon, a beach club. In the continent we highlight the Empório Original house, with pagode and country, the Original Place bar, and the karaoke restaurant Cantinho da Fama.

Florianópolis is a city of history and tradition, but is also multicultural, innovative and full of experiences, the perfect environment for the awakening of a new era. A place to construct and collaborate, Florianópolis is proud of its past but continues strong in the purposes of its future. We are proud to receive JEWC 2016, we hope to become unforgettable for each attendee and we are waiting for you!

To know more deeply the neighborhoods that will receive the event, we recommend the infographic that we prepared: jewc2016.com/en/infographic-meet-the-jewc-2016-host-districts/

We also recommend the infographic that explains the context of our infrastructure, connecting all points of contact for a full immersion experience. Check it! jewc2016.com/en/infographic-jewc-island-part-i/