Discovering the Midwest Region

The Heart of Brazil

When people think about Brazil, they often picture the beaches of Rio de Janeiro or the Amazon rainforest. Yet at the geographical centre of the country lies the Midwest Region (Centro-Oeste), a land of vast natural landscapes, vibrant cultural traditions, modern cities, and stories that have helped shape Brazil's national identity.

The Midwest is composed of four federal units:

• Federal District (Distrito Federal)
• Goiás
• Mato Grosso
• Mato Grosso do Sul

It is home to Brazil's capital city, the world-famous Pantanal wetlands, the Cerrado biome, and communities whose traditions blend Indigenous, African, European, and migrant influences.

As part of the Brazilian Cultural Centre CIC's heritage project,Where in Brazil Are You From?, we are exploring the people, places, and cultural heritage that make the Midwest one of Brazil's most fascinating regions.

Brasília – Capital of Brazil

Brasília became Brazil's capital in 1960 and remains one of the world's most ambitious urban planning projects. Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa, the city was built to encourage development in Brazil's interior and create a symbol of modernity and progress.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brasília is famous for its futuristic architecture and unique city layout.

Cultural Heritage

Beyond politics and architecture, Brasília has produced influential musicians, artists, and writers. During the 1980s, the city became the birthplace of the Rock de Brasília movement, which transformed Brazilian popular music and influenced generations of artists.

Goiânia – The Green Capital

Founded in 1933, Goiânia was planned to become the modern capital of Goiás State. Today it is known for its extensive green spaces, quality of life, and strong cultural identity. The city has become one of Brazil's most important centres for sertanejo music, a genre deeply connected to rural traditions and everyday life in the Brazilian countryside.

Cultural Heritage

Goiás is also closely associated with the writer Cora Coralina, whose work celebrated ordinary people, local traditions, and the beauty of everyday experiences. Her writings continue to inspire readers across Brazil.

Cuiabá – Gateway to the Pantanal

Founded in 1719 during the gold rush era, Cuiabá is one of the oldest cities in central Brazil. It serves as the capital of Mato Grosso and acts as an important gateway to the Pantanal and parts of the Amazon region. Cultural Heritage The city's culture reflects the meeting of Indigenous peoples, Portuguese settlers, African influences, and later migrant communities. Traditional music, festivals, food, and crafts remain important expressions of local identity. Visitors can experience dishes such as: • Maria Isabel • Mojica de Pintado • Farofa de banana These recipes reflect centuries of cultural exchange and adaptation.

Campo Grande – The City of Cultures

Campo Grande is the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul and one of Brazil's most multicultural cities. Over the years, it has welcomed migrants from across Brazil and immigrant communities from countries such as Japan, Paraguay, Bolivia, Lebanon and Portugal.

Cultural Heritage

This diversity is reflected in the city's food, music, festivals, and traditions. Campo Grande is also an important centre for preserving Indigenous heritage and promoting cultural dialogue between communities.

Natural Heritage of the Midwest

The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland in the world and one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Jaguars, giant otters, macaws, capybaras, and hundreds of bird species can be found here.

Cerrado

Often called Brazil's "upside-down forest" because of it deep root systems, the Cerrado is one of the world's richest savannah ecosystems and plays a vital role in supplying water to much of South America.

Chapada dos Veadeiros

Known for dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, and unique biodiversity, Chapada dos Veadeiros is one of Brazil's most important national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Midwest Voices in the United Kingdom

Thousands of Brazilians living in the UK have roots in the Midwest Region. They bring with them stories of family, migration, food, music, faith, language and community. Through oral histories, exhibitions, workshops, and cultural activities, the Brazilian Cultural Centre is helping preserve these stories for future generations and creating opportunities for people in the UK to discover a richer and more diverse understanding of Brazil.

Share Your Story

Are you from Brasília, Goiânia, Cuiabá, Campo Grande, or elsewhere in the Midwest Region?

We invite you to take part in Where in Brazil Are You From? and help us preserve the memories, traditions, and experiences that connect communities across Brazil and the United Kingdom.

Together, we can celebrate the many voices that make up Brazil's cultural heritage.