Juazeiro do Norte

Juazeiro do Norte
city
Flag of Juazeiro do Norte
Official seal of Juazeiro do Norte
Location of Juazeiro do Norte
Location of Juazeiro do Norte
Coordinates: 7°12′S 39°20′W / 7.200°S 39.333°W / -7.200; -39.333
CountryBrazil
RegionNortheast
StateCeará
SettledJuly 30, 1858
FoundedJuly 22, 1911 by Padre Cícero
Government
 • MayorGlêdson Lima Bezerra (PTN)
Area
 • Total
248.558 km2 (95.969 sq mi)
Elevation
350 m (1,150 ft)
Population
 (2022[1])
 • Total
286,120
 • Density1,200/km2 (3,000/sq mi)

Juazeiro do Norte is a city in the state of Ceará state in northeastern Brazil. It is located 491 km south of the state capital Fortaleza in the semiarid sertão. The municipality has a population of 276,264 (2020 official estimate) and covers 248 km2.

Juazeiro do Norte is best known as the base of the charismatic priest and politician Padre Cícero (Cícero Romão Batista) (1844-1934). A pilgrimage in his honour takes place every November, attracting thousands of followers.

The city is served by Orlando Bezerra de Menezes Airport. Juazeiro do Norte is connected to the nearby city of Crato by a commuter rail line called the Cariri Metro that opened in 2009–2010.