Criciúma

Criciúma is a city in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. It is located 180 km south of Florianópolis, the state capital and around 900 km south of São Paulo. The city is the center of Brazil's flooring and home materials industry, and is the second-largest such center in the world. It was founded by Italian immigrants in the 19th century.

The city was founded on January 6, 1880 by Italian immigrants. It has an approximate population of 175,000 habitants, and an area of 209.8 km². In April 2004, Criciúma was affected by a tropical cyclone which caused some damage.

It is the Brazilian capital of coal and ceramic tiles, but very strong in plastic, textiles (jeans), chemicals and more....

Criciuma is 24 km far from the Atlantic ocean (Rincão beach) and around 40 km far from the mountains (snow valley). Very close to beautiful beaches and marvelous mountains it is a great city to visit. You will find nice hotels, great food and people, influenced by the different cultures that colonized the city in the late 1800`s such as Italians, Germans, Polish, African among others.

Criciúma is also a name of the city`s football (soccer) team, which plays on the national league. They have won several championship titles, including a national championship in 1991 (Copa do Brasil). They are currently the state soccer champion (2005). Their colors are white, black and yellow, symbols of our mineral resources, mainly coal.

Several small towns are around Criciuma, bringing the tourist even closer to the differents cultures. The metroplex of Criciúma has around 250 thousand people. Cities like Icara (Brazilian capital of honey and tobacco), Urussanga (capital of wine), Nova Veneza, Nova Trento, Orleans, Ararangua, Timbe do Sul (capital of canyons and radical sports) are great cities to visit as well.