The settlement of Novo Airão had its inception as a community of jesuits founded in the mouth of Jaú River, in 1668, and named Santo Elias de Jaú. The region was inhabited by the Uaimiri, Atroaí, Crichanã, Carabinari and Jauaperi Indians. The records indicate that the mission or village of Santo Elias do Jaú was the second or third settlement organized by the Portuguese in Amazonian land. In 1759, Joaquim de Melo Póvoas, first Governor of the Capitaincy of São José do Rio Negro raised the village to the category of Place, under the name of Airão. Later, the district of Airão became parte of Manaus, and when it separated, in 1938, it became Novo Airão. In the county there is the Ecological Station of Anavilhanas, one of the largest fluvial archipelagos in the world, with approximately 400 islands, hundreds of lakes, rivers and igarapés – all rich in vegetal and animal species. The place is a paradise for biologists and ecologists, which is today incorporated to the National Park of Anavilhanas. The country stands out for the high concentration of red botos (river dolphins) tucuxix botos (gray) and manatees. In order to see them, just go to the National Park of Jaú, the largest park in Brazil, and second in South America.


> Attractions

San Angelo Feast - Patron Saint of the City (April 27 through May 25)
Folklore Festival (June)
Popular Music Festival of Novo Airão (Augusto 29-30)
Manatee Festival (last week in October)
Summer Festival (November 17)
As a historical cultural attraction, Novo Airão shows the ruins of its ancient administrative site referred to as “Velho Airão” (Old Airão) or Airão Velho, a religious construction in stone, dedicated to Saint Elias of Jaú.

> General Data