View source for Natal, Rio Grande do Norte

{{Short description|Capital city of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil}}
{{about|the capital city of Rio Grande do Norte|other uses|Natal (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Natal
| settlement_type    = [[Municipalities of Brazil|Municipality]]
| official_name      = Municipality of Natal
| nicknames           = "''A Noiva do Sol''" (''"The Sun's Bride"''), "''Cidade do Sol''" (''"The City of the Sun"'') and "''Cidade das Dunas''" (''"The City of Dunes''")
| motto              = 
| image_skyline      = {{Multiple image
 | perrow         = 1/2/2
 | border         = infobox
 | total_width    = 300
 | image1 = Natal,_capital_do_Rio_Grande_do_Norte,_Brasil.jpg
 | caption1= Aerial view of the city with the [[Newton Navarro Bridge]] at the mouth of the [[Potengi River]]
 | image2 = Alex Regis Morro do Careca Ponta Negra Natal RN (40261556354).jpg
 | caption2= [[Morro do Careca]] and [[Ponta Negra]] beach
 | image3 = Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Apresentação, Natal (RN).jpg
 | caption3 = Parish Church of Our Lady of the Presentation
 | image4 = RuaChileNatalRN.jpg
 | caption4= Chile Street
 | image5 = Forte-reis-magos.jpg
 | caption5 = [[Forte dos Reis Magos|Fort of the Three Wise Men]]
 | color  = white
 | footer =
}}
| image_flag         = Bandeira_de_Natal.svg
| image_shield       = Brasão de Natal.svg
| image_map          = Brazil Rio Grande do Norte Natal location map.svg
| map_caption        = 
| pushpin_map        = Brazil#South America
| pushpin_mapsize    = 250
| pushpin_map_caption = 
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| subdivision_type   = [[Country]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[Regions of Brazil|Region]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[States of Brazil|State]]
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|Brazil}}
| subdivision_name1  = [[Northeast Region, Brazil|Northeast]]
| subdivision_name2  = {{flag|Rio Grande do Norte}}
| leader_title       = [[List of mayors of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[Paulo Eduardo Costa|Paulinho Freire]] ([[Brazil Union|União Brasil]])
| leader_title1      = 
| leader_name1       = 
| leader_title2      = 
| leader_name2       = 
| leader_title3      = 
| leader_name3       = 
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 25 December 1599
| established_title2 = 
| established_date2  = 
| established_title3 = 
| established_date3  = 
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 167.3
| area_total_sq_mi   = 65.35
| area_land_km2      = 
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| area_urban_sq_mi   = 
| area_metro_km2     = 
| area_metro_sq_mi   = 
| population_as_of   = 
2024
| population_note    = 
| population_total   = 785,368
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_sq_mi = 
| population_metro   = 1,520,000
| population_footnotes = <ref name="IBGE 2022">[https://www.ibge.gov.br/en/cities-and-states/rn/natal.html IBGE 2022]</ref>
| title              = 
| publisher          = 
| language           = 
| url                = 
| population_density_metro_km2 = 
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| population_urban   = 
| timezone           = [[UTC-3]]
| utc_offset         = 
| timezone_DST       = 
| utc_offset_DST     = 
| coordinates        = {{coord|05|47|S|35|12|W|region:BR|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_m        = 30
| elevation_ft       = 
| area_code_type     = [[List of dialling codes in Brazil|Area code]]
| area_code          = +55 84
| postal_code_type   = Postal code
| postal_code        = 59000-001 to 59139-999
| blank_name         = '''[[Human Development Index|HDI]]''' (2010)
| blank_info         = 0.763  – <span style="color:#090">high</span><ref>{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://www.pnud.org.br/arquivos/ranking-idhm-2010.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708233352/http://www.pnud.org.br/arquivos/ranking-idhm-2010.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2014 |access-date=1 August 2018|publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]] (UNDP)
}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|http://www.natal.rn.gov.br/}}
| footnotes          = 
}}

'''Natal''' ({{IPA|pt-BR|naˈtaw|lang}}) is a [[Municipalities of Brazil|Brazilian municipality]] and the [[Capital city|capital]] of the [[States of Brazil|state]] of [[Rio Grande do Norte]], located in the [[Northeast Region, Brazil|Northeast Region of Brazil]]. Covering an area of approximately 167 km², it is the second Brazilian state capital with the smallest territorial area, situated 2,227 kilometers from [[Brasília]], the federal capital. With just over 750,000 inhabitants (2022), it is the most populous municipality in its state, the eighth in the Northeast, and the 24th in Brazil. The [[Greater Natal]], composed of thirteen other municipalities in Rio Grande do Norte, has more than 1.5 million inhabitants, making it the fourth largest urban agglomeration in the Northeast and the nineteenth largest in Brazil.

Founded on [[Christmas Day]] in [[1599]] on the banks of the [[Potengi River]], which separates the North Zone from the others, the city was occupied by the Dutch between 1633 and 1654, during which it was named [[Dutch Brazil|New Amsterdam]]. Its growth was slow during the first three centuries of its existence. Only from the 20th century onward did Natal undergo an intense modernization process, and beginning with [[World War II]], its population began to grow at a faster pace, especially throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Its location near the “corner of South America” caught the attention of the [[United States Department of War]], which considered Natal “one of the four most strategic points in the world.” With the start of operations at the first rocket launch base in [[South America]] — the [[Barreira do Inferno Launch Center]] in [[Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte|Parnamirim]] — Natal became known as the “Space Capital of Brazil.” The construction of the [[Via Costeira]], a coastal highway between the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and [[Natal Dunes State Park]] that connects the beaches of Areia Preta and [[Ponta Negra]], greatly boosted local [[tourism]].

==History==
=== Background, foundation and Dutch occupation ===
[[File:Forte-reis-magos.jpg|thumb|left|[[Forte dos Reis Magos|Fort of the Three Wise Men]], landmark of the city's founding, photographed from the [[Newton Navarro Bridge]]]]
[[File:Gillis Peeters - O Forte dos Reis Magos.jpg|thumb|left|''The Fort of the Three Wise Men'', por [[Gillis Peeters]]]]
[[File:Praça André de Albuquerque, Natal (RN).jpg|thumb|left|[[André de Albuquerque Square]], Natal's zero milestone<ref name="RIBEIRO, Ramon"/>]]
[[File:Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Apresentação, Natal (RN).jpg|thumb|left|Parish Church of Our Lady of the Presentation, former Metropolitan Cathedral]]

The history of Natal is closely intertwined with that of the Rio Grande do Norte. The [[Captaincy of Rio Grande]] began in 1535, with the arrival of a fleet commanded by Aires da Cunha, acting on behalf of the donatary João de Barros and the [[King of Portugal]]. The goal was to colonize the region, a task made difficult by the fierce resistance of the [[Potiguara]] Indigenous people and French pirates who traded brazilwood. Thus began the historical trajectory of the area located at the “corner” of [[South America]].<ref name="ctd-669">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20191129162724/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/passeio-pela-hista-ria-paisagem-e-mema-ria-afetiva/466027|title=História|access-date=February 19, 2012}}</ref>

On December 25, 1597, a new squadron entered the mouth of what is now the [[Potengi River]]. The first measure taken by the expeditionaries was to secure themselves against attacks from Indigenous groups and French corsairs.<ref name="ctd-669"/> Twelve days later, on January 6, 1598, construction began on the Barra do Rio Grande Fortress (later known as the [[Forte dos Reis Magos|Fortress of the Three Wise Men]]), which was completed on June 24 of the same year.<ref name="DOC108658"/><ref>[[#Bibliography|Teixeira]], 2006, p. 47-48.</ref>

The following year, on [[December 25]], [[1599]], a mass was celebrated where the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Presentation now stands, marking the foundation of Natal.<ref name="Natal_421_anos"/> The original urban perimeter was demarcated by two crosses — from the current Mothers Square (northern limit) to Santa Cruz da Bica Square (southern limit), both located in the [[Cidade Alta (Natal)|Cidade Alta]] (Upper City).<ref>[[#Bibliography|HORA]] ''et al'', 2008, p. 98.</ref>

There is no consensus among historians regarding the true founder of the city, as historical documents about Natal’s foundation were destroyed during the Dutch occupation of Rio Grande do Norte.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20020204133019/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/especial/histrn/hist_rn_2i.htm|title=Dúvidas Históricas: A Cidade do Natal|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=May 20, 2011}}</ref> Some historians credit Jerônimo de Albuquerque, while others attribute the founding to Manuel de Mascarenhas Homem.<ref name="hist_rn_16g"/> However, the historian from Natal, [[Luís da Câmara Cascudo]], in his book ''História do Rio Grande do Norte'' (1955), identifies João Rodrigues Colaço as the founder of the city:<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211005004142/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/aniversa-rio-da-cidade/434032|title=Aniversário da cidade|date=Dec 25, 2018|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

:::''(...) Jerônimo d’Albuquerque was no longer in command in March or April 1599, and by January 9, 1600 — fifteen days after the founding of the city — Colaço was captain of the fortress and had conducted fieldwork showing his authority in the area. Thus, all evidence seems to invalidate the tradition that Jerônimo d’Albuquerque founded the city of Natal, and that honor, at least provisionally, belongs to João Rodrigues Colaço.''

In 1601, by decree of the [[Portuguese Crown]], the Parish of Our Lady of the Presentation was created — the first [[parish]] in Rio Grande do Norte.<ref>[[#Bibliografia|Paula]], 2019, p. 109.</ref>

In [[1631]], a fleet of fourteen ships departed from [[Recife]] and landed in [[Ponta Negra]], intending to conquer the Captaincy of Rio Grande, but the attempt failed.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20020620172048/https://tribunadonorte.com.br/especial/histrn/hist_rn_4a.htm|title=O Fracasso do Primeiro Assalto|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=July 10, 2013}}</ref> Only in December [[1633]] did the Dutch occupation truly begin, when Dutch forces arrived in Natal, wounded the captain-major Pero Mendes Gouveia, and seized the Barra do Rio Grande Fortress, renaming it Castle of Keulen.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20020620172257/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/especial/histrn/hist_rn_4b.htm|title=A Rendição e a Tomada da Fortaleza|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=Jul 10, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Invasão_holandesa-RN">{{cite web|access-date=Jul 10, 2013 |lang=pt-br |publisher=Tribuna do Norte |title=O Governo Holandês no RN |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20020623112117/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/especial/histrn/hist_rn_4i.htm}}<!-- auto-translated from Portuguese by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> The fortress, previously built of clay, was reconstructed in masonry, and Natal was renamed New Amsterdam, in reference to the Dutch capital.

The occupation ended only in [[1654]], when the Dutch were expelled by the Portuguese and New Amsterdam regained its original name, Natal. In 1661, the Netherlands officially recognized Portuguese sovereignty over northeastern Brazil through the [[Treaty of The Hague (1661)|Treaty of The Hague]].<ref>[[#Bibliography|MOURA FILHA]], 2004, p. 261-262.</ref> After the occupation, the Portuguese resumed control of the territory, expanding inland. However, this process was far from peaceful, as many Indigenous peoples were persecuted and decimated. Stability in the Captaincy of Rio Grande would only come at the end of the 17th century, under the governance of Bernardo Vieira de Melo.<ref name="DOC108658">{{cite web|access-date=October 7, 2021 |lang=pt-br |publisher=José Augusto Foundation |title=João Rodrigues Colaço |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211001192528/http://adcon.rn.gov.br/ACERVO/secretaria_extraordinaria_de_cultura/DOC/DOC000000000108658.PDF}}<!-- auto-translated from Portuguese by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>

=== From the 18th to the 19th century ===
[[File:Igreja do Rosário dos Pretos, Natal (RN).jpg|thumb|left|The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Blacks, the second oldest Catholic church in the city, was listed as a historical landmark in 1987<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211004145107/http://www.adcon.rn.gov.br/ACERVO/secretaria_extraordinaria_de_cultura/DOC/DOC000000000207484.PDF|title=Bens Tombados pelo Governo do Estado|date=2018|publisher=José Augusto Foundation|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>]]
[[File:Igreja do Galo e Museu de Arte Sacra, Natal (RN).jpg|thumb|left|The Church of Saint Anthony, known as "Church of the Rooster," and the Museum of Sacred Art, which contains exhibitions of various objects related to the religious art of Rio Grande do Norte<ref name="igrejas.php">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20140906210146/http://turismo.natal.rn.gov.br/igrejas.php|title=Igrejas|access-date=January 27, 2019}}</ref>]]

At the beginning of the 18th century, construction began on the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People, completed in 1714. On [[November 21]], [[1753]], a group of fishermen found a wooden box stranded on rocks along the right bank of the Potengi River, near the present-day Rosary Stone (''Pedra do Rosário''). Inside was a statue of [[Our Lady of the Rosary]] and a message stating that no misfortune would befall the place where the image rested.<ref name="Nossa Senhora da Apresentação"/> The fishermen informed the local parish priest, Manoel Correia Gomes, who confirmed that the statue was indeed of Our Lady of the Rosary. The image was proclaimed patroness of Natal and renamed [[Our Lady of the Presentation]], since November 21 is the date when the [[Catholic Church]] celebrates the [[Presentation of Mary]] at the Temple in [[Jerusalem]].<ref name="Nossa Senhora da Apresentação">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20081120020316/http://www.arquidiocesedenatal.org.br/arquidiocese/padroeiraarq.htm|title=Nossa Senhora da Apresentação - Padroeira da Arquidiocese e da cidade do Natal|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref name="História da Arquidiocese de Natal">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20140715162229/https://www.arquidiocesedenatal.org.br/especiais/historia|title=História da Arquidiocese de Natal|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> In the second half of the 18th century, construction began on the Church of Saint Anthony, the third Catholic temple in Natal, later nicknamed the “Church of the Rooster.”<ref>[[#Bibliography|Hora]] ''et al'', 2008, p. 87.</ref>

In 1817, during the [[Insurrection of Pernambuco|Pernambucan Insurrection]], the Rio Grande do Norte region joined the movement under the leadership of André de Albuquerque Maranhão, a wealthy sugar mill owner. On March 29, he seized power in the city and formed a provisional government, but it lacked popular support. After the revolutionaries defeat in [[Pernambuco]], the movement lost momentum, and André was overthrown and wounded on April 25, imprisoned in the Fortress of the Three Wise Men, and died the next day.<ref name="hist_rn_16g">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20020623112816/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/especial/histrn/hist_rn_16g.htm|title=História do RN - Uma Síntese|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170321072120/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/revolua-a-o-de-1817-o-movimento-que-tomou-o-poder/374856|title=Revolução de 1817, o movimento que tomou o poder|author=RIBEIRO, Ramon|date=March 21, 2017|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

On [[September 7]], [[1822]], Brazil’s independence from [[Portugal]] was proclaimed in [[São Paulo]], but due to the distance, the news took time to reach Rio Grande do Norte. The province, now part of the [[Empire of Brazil]], celebrated independence in Natal on January 22, 1823, when the city had about 700 inhabitants.<ref name="DOC108658"/>

In 1856, Natal inaugurated its first cemetery, the Alecrim Cemetery.<ref>[[#Bibliography|HORA]] ''et al'', 2008, p. 64.</ref> On August 4, 1878, the telegraph service was inaugurated.<ref>[[#Bibliography|TRINDADE]], 2010, p. 139.</ref> On September 28, 1881, the Ribeira Railway Station was opened — the oldest train station in Rio Grande do Norte, currently operated by the Brazilian Urban Train Company.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20080328233439/http://estacoesferroviarias.com.br/rgn/natal-crgn.htm |title=Natal -- Estações Ferroviárias do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte |author=GIESBRECHT, Ralph |access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250429210301/https://www.gov.br/cbtu/index.php/pt/natal/39-mapas/4079-historia-da-ferrovia-no-rn|title=História da Ferrovia no RN|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> In 1888, the Natal City Council renamed Matriz Square as [[André de Albuquerque Square]],<ref>[[#Bibliography|RIBEIRO]], 2007, p. 4.</ref> which marks the city’s zero milestone,<ref name="RIBEIRO, Ramon">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20191129100427/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/passeio-pela-hista-ria-paisagem-e-mema-ria-afetiva/466027|title=Passeio pela história, paisagem e memória afetiva|author=RIBEIRO, Ramon|date=November 29, 2019|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> surrounded by important historical buildings. Finally, on [[November 15]], [[1889]], with the fall of the monarchy and the [[Proclamation of the Republic (Brazil)|Proclamation of the Republic]], Rio Grande do Norte became a state, with Natal remaining its capital.

The second half of the 19th century was marked by the city’s growth, driven by the [[cotton]] cycle, along the banks of the Potengi River, where the [[Port of Natal]] stands today.<ref name="Natal_421_anos">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201224095039/https://agorarn.com.br/ultimas/natal-cidade-do-sol-capital-potiguar-faz-421-anos-nesta-sexta/|title=Natal, Cidade do Sol: capital potiguar faz 421 anos nesta sexta-feira 25|author=NOVA; Ana Luiza Vila; FILGUEIRA, Dandarah|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

=== Early decades of the 20th century ===
The first decades of the 20th century were marked by intense modernization in the city.<ref name="Emerenciano, p. 71">[[#Bibliography|EMERENCIANO]], 2007, p. 71.</ref> In 1901, the neighborhood Cidade Nova was created — corresponding today to the districts of Tirol and Petrópolis.<ref>[[#Bibliografia|EMERENCIANO]], 2007, p. 144.</ref> On March 24, 1904, the Carlos Gomes Theater ([[Alberto Maranhão Theatre]] since 1957) was inaugurated.<ref name="Emerenciano, p. 151"/> In the same year, [[acetylene gas]] lighting arrived in what is now Cidade Alta. Also in 1904, about 15,000 people from the countryside, suffering from a severe drought that had persisted since 1902, migrated to the city in search of better living conditions.<ref>[[#Bibliografia|FERREIRA; DANTAS]], 2001, p. 7.</ref> Four years later, the first animal-drawn trams began operating, running from Silva Jardim Street to Priest João Maria Square.<ref name="Emerenciano, p. 71"/>

On December 29, 1909, [[Pope Pius X]], through the [[papal bull]] ''Apostolicam in Singulis'', created the Diocese of Natal, separated from the Diocese of Paraíba, and the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Presentation became the [[cathedral]] of the new diocese, whose territory covered the entire state of Rio Grande do Norte. The first [[bishop]], Joaquim Antônio de Almeida, was appointed the following year and officially took office on June 15, 1911.<ref name="Arquidiocese de Natal"/> Also in 1911, several significant events occurred: the creation of the Alecrim neighborhood, the installation of the first [[telephone]] line, the introduction of electric [[trams]], and the arrival of [[Film|cinema]]. The city’s first power plant was also built, replacing gas lighting.<ref name="Emerenciano, p. 71"/>

In 1912, construction began on a metal bridge designed by French engineer Georges Camille Imbaul, the English Bridge (''Ponte dos Ingleses''), spanning 550 meters, with steel imported from [[England]]. It was inaugurated on April 20, 1916, boosting Natal’s commerce and improving access between the capital and the countryside, which had previously been possible only by crossing the Potengi River by boat.<ref name="HORA, 2008, p. 57.">[[#Bibliografia|HORA]] ''et al'', 2008, p. 57.</ref><ref name="Ponte dos Ingleses">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160724161224/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/ponte-de-igapa-marca-um-sa-culo-na-paisagem/352964|title=Ponte de Igapó marca um século na paisagem|author=FRANÇA, Tádzio|date=Jul 23, 2016|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> According to the 1920 census, Natal’s population reached 30,696 inhabitants, almost double the 16,596 recorded in 1900.<ref name="Emerenciano, p. 71"/>

On September 7, [[1922]], as Brazil celebrated the centennial of its independence, the Felipe Camarão Palace was inaugurated as the seat of the municipal administration (then called the intendency). The building only received its current name on May 20, 1955, in honor of [[Felipe Camarão|Antônio Felipe Camarão]], an Indigenous leader who fought against Dutch domination in Brazil. The palace housed the city hall until 1966, later restored and reopened in 1979.<ref>[[#Bibliografia|HORA]] ''et al'', 2008, p. 96.</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20090421031432/https://natal.rn.gov.br/natal/ctd-670.html|title=Palácio Felipe Camarão|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211001143441/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/natal-ja-teve-38-administradores/240145|title=Natal já teve 38 administradores|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|date=December 21, 2012|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Coluna Capitolina, Natal (RN).jpg|thumb|left|The Capitoline Column, from [[Rome]], was donated to the city by [[Benito Mussolini]]]]

From 1927 onward, Natal began to gain importance in the history of aviation, as seaplanes started landing on the waters of the Potengi River.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010630160047/http://tribunadonorte.com.br/especial/histrn/hist_rn_11d.htm|title=Os Hidroaviões Aterrissam no Potengi|access-date=September 30, 2012}}</ref> On March 19, 1928, Januário Cicco founded the Natal Maternity Hospital, later renamed in his honor on February 12, 1950.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211004144227/https://www.gov.br/ebserh/pt-br/hospitais-universitarios/regiao-nordeste/mejc-ufrn/comunicacao/noticias/maternidade-escola-januario-cicco-completa-70-anos|title=Maternidade Escola Januário Cicco completa 70 anos|date=February 12, 2020|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> In 1929, the office of ''intendente'' (municipal administrator) was officially transformed into mayor, and Omar O’Grady, who had served since November 1924, became Natal’s first mayor, remaining in office until October 8, 1930, when all mayors in Rio Grande do Norte were removed during a [[Brazilian Revolution of 1930|revolutionary movement]].<ref>[[#Bibliography|SANTOS]], 2009, p. 11.</ref>

On [[New Year’s Day]] of 1931, the Italian ship ''Lazzaro Malocello'', commanded by Commander Carlo Alberto Coraggio, arrived in Natal carrying the Capitoline Column, a piece of [[Ancient Rome]], donated by [[Benito Mussolini]] to commemorate the first flight from Natal to [[Rome]], completed in 1928. On January 6, 1931, the city was visited by the [[Italian Air Force]], and two days later, the Capitoline Column was formally inaugurated.<ref name="hist_rn_16g" /><ref>[[#Bibliography|HORA]] ''et al'', 2008, p. 81.</ref> On October 21, 1932, a presidential decree created the [[Port of Natal]], which began operations three days later.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221007223444/http://www.fotoimagem.srv.br/paginas/portos/rn/natal/natal.htm|title=Porto de Natal - RN|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Quartel da salgadeira em 1935.jpg|thumb|The Salgadeira Barracks, current headquarters of the Student House, after the [[1935 Brazilian communist uprising|Communist Uprising of 1935]]]]
[[File:U.S. President Roosevelt and Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas aboard USS Humboldt (AVP-21), 1943 (25132077365).jpg|thumb|The presidents of [[President of Brazil|Brazil]], [[Getúlio Vargas]], and the [[U.S. president|United States]], [[Franklin Delano Roosevelt]], during the [[Potenji River Conference|Potengi Conference]], held aboard the [[USS Humboldt]] on [[January 28]], [[1943]], with [[Harry Hopkins]], Roosevelt's advisor (left) and [[Jefferson Caffery]], [[List of ambassadors of the United States to Brazil|US ambassador to Brazil]] (right)]]

On the night of November 23, 1935, during a graduation ceremony at the Carlos Gomes Theater, the [[1935 Brazilian communist uprising|Communist Uprising]] (''Intentona Comunista'') erupted, targeting first the 21st Infantry Battalion Barracks, now the Winston Churchill State School.<ref>[[#Bibliography|PINHEIRO; PINHEIRO]], 2017, p. 105.</ref> Two days later, rebels seized control of the city, forming a revolutionary popular committee. Several people were killed, and banks, warehouses, and shops were looted. The uprising spread to Recife the next day and to [[Rio de Janeiro]] by November 27, but it quickly lost strength as troops from [[Ceará]] and [[Paraíba]] arrived to suppress it.<ref>[[#Bibliography|PINHEIRO; PINHEIRO]], 2017, p. 112.</ref> The rebels abandoned the city and were eventually defeated in the Doctor's Mountain (''Serra do Doutor'') region, in [[Campo Redondo]], as they attempted to flee toward [[Seridó]].<ref name="hist_rn_16g"/><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20020818090152/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/especial/histrn/hist_rn_10g.htm|title=A Intentona Comunista: Ação Armada e o Domínio de Natal|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 3, 2012}}</ref>

=== World War II ===
On [[January 28]], [[1943]], the USS Humboldt docked at the Port of Natal, carrying [[U.S. President]] [[Franklin Delano Roosevelt]], returning from the [[Casablanca Conference]] in [[Morocco]]. On this occasion, Roosevelt met with [[Brazilian President]] [[Getúlio Vargas]]. The meeting became known as the Potengi Conference, during which both leaders discussed Brazil’s entry into the war — leading to the creation of the [[Brazilian Expeditionary Force]].<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160303200045/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/evento-celebra-70-anos-da-conferencia-do-potengi/241872|title=Evento celebra 70 anos da “Conferência do Potengi”|author=FREIRE, Gabriela|date=Jan 25, 2013|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

With the advent of [[World War II]], Natal continued to grow rapidly, driven by the presence of Brazilian and Allied troops, especially Americans. Close relations developed between the locals and U.S. military personnel, with numerous social gatherings and dances, which introduced foreign musical styles and gradually transformed the city’s cultural habits.<ref name="hist_rn_16g"/><ref name="hist_rn_11n">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010630154630/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/especial/histrn/hist_rn_11n.htm|title=Natal na Segunda Guerra Mundial: Influência Americana e Mudança dos Costumes|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=May 20, 2011}}</ref><ref name="WWII">{{cite web|access-date=Sep 30, 2012 |date=Sep 29, 2000 |lang=pt-br |title=Histórias de Natal, da ocupação à Segunda Guerra |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010712141327/https://www.terra.com.br/turismo/roteiros/2000/09/29/006.htm}}<!-- auto-translated from Portuguese by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> Natal’s population grew from 54,836 in 1940 to 103,215 in 1950, nearly doubling in just one decade.<ref name="População_NatalRN">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=https://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/organizacao_do_territorio/estrutura_territorial/evolucao_da_divisao_territorial_do_brasil/evolucao_da_divisao_territorial_do_brasil_1872_2010/evolucao_da_populacao_segundo_os_municipios.pdf|title=Evolução da população, segundo os municípios|author=IBGE|access-date=June 16, 2025}}</ref>

Due to its location near the “corner of South America,” the [[U.S. Department of War]] considered Natal “one of the four most strategic points in the world,” alongside the [[Suez Canal]] ([[Egypt]]), the [[Bosporus Strait]] ([[Turkey]]), and the [[Strait of Gibraltar]] (between [[Africa]] and [[Europe]]).<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20060613211612/https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/turismo/noticias/ult338u2615.shtml|title=Natal é mais próxima da África que de SP|author=FREDERICO, Carol|date=May 5, 2003|publisher=[[Folha de S.Paulo]]|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

=== From the postwar period to the 1990s ===
In 1946, during the administration of Mayor Sylvio Pedroza, the Circular Avenue — currently known as President Café Filho Avenue — was inaugurated.<ref name="Emerenciano, p. 151"/> In 1949, construction began on the Mãe Luíza Lighthouse, formally inaugurated in 1951,<ref name="Emerenciano, p. 151"/> standing 37 meters height.<ref>[[#Bibliography|HORA]] ''et al'', 2008, p. 44.</ref> The following year, by the papal bull ''Arduum Onus'' issued by [[Pope Pius XII]], the Diocese of Natal was elevated to the dignity of an [[Archdiocese of Natal|archdiocese]], and Bishop Marcolino Esmeraldo, who had served since 1929, became its first archbishop, remaining in office until his death in 1967.<ref name="Arquidiocese de Natal">{{cite web|access-date=October 7, 2021 |lang=pt-br |title=Arquidiocese de Natal |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20090715014947/http://www.arquidiocesedenatal.org.br/arquidiocese/historiaarq.htm}}<!-- auto-translated from Portuguese by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>

On [[August 24]], [[1954]], following the suicide of Getúlio Vargas, [[Café Filho]], a native of Natal, assumed the presidency of Brazil for the following fourteen months, becoming, to this day, the only person from Rio Grande do Norte to occupy the position.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211006143857/https://historianosdetalhes.com.br/historia-do-rn/o-presidente-cafe-filho-visita-natal/|title=O Presidente Café Filho visita Natal|author=TRINDADE, Sérgio|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211006143908/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/homenagem-a-cafa-filho/488248|title=Homenagem a Café Filho|author=LOPES, Ney|date=August 26, 2020|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> In 1956, [[Djalma Maranhão]], also from Natal, was appointed mayor by Governor Dinarte Mariz, and in 1960 he won the first direct mayoral election in the city’s history. Among his achievements was the "Barefoot Campaign Also Learn to Read" (''Campanha de Pé no Chão Também se Aprende a Ler''), which brought significant advances to local education. In 1964, with the establishment of the military regime in Brazil, Djalma Maranhão had his mandate revoked and was imprisoned in army barracks in the city, later being transferred to Recife and then to [[Fernando de Noronha]]. After being released by a habeas corpus from the [[Supreme Federal Court]] (STF) in December 1964, he went into exile in [[Montevideo]], [[Uruguay]], where he lived until 1971, the year of his death.<ref name="dhnet">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20111110172353/http://www.dhnet.org.br/educar/penochao/apresentacao.htm|title=De Pé no Chão Também se Aprende a Ler|author=GÓES, Moacyr|year=1997|location=[[Rio de Janeiro]]|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

On September 7, 1965, the International Hotel of the Three Kings (''Hotel Internacional dos Reis Magos'') was inaugurated on Meio Beach, operating for thirty years until 1995, and remaining abandoned until its demolition in January 2020.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20190424074147/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/laje-desaba-no-hotel-reis-magos/446010|title=Laje desaba no Hotel Reis Magos|date=April 24, 2019|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211004132549/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/hotel-reis-magos-algumas-hista-rias/469240|title=Hotel Reis Magos: algumas histórias|author=PORPINO, Luiz Antonio|date=January 10, 2020|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211006160917/https://www.jolrn.com.br/2020/01/26/demolicao-do-hotel-reis-magos-e-concluida-em-natal/|title=Demolição do hotel Reis Magos é concluída em Natal|author=AMARAL, Lúcio|date=January 26, 2020|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> On October 12 of the same year, the Ministry of Aeronautics officially created the first rocket launch base in South America — the [[Barreira do Inferno Launch Center]] — located in the municipality of [[Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte|Parnamirim]], earning Natal the nickname “Brazil’s Space Capital.”<ref>[[#Bibliography|PEIXOTO]], 2003, p. 84.</ref> In 1967, the city’s first master plan was drafted, and five years later the Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco Stadium (Castelão) was inaugurated,<ref name="Emerenciano, p. 151">[[#Bibliography|EMERENCIANO]], 2007, p. 151.</ref> later renamed João Cláudio de Vasconcelos Machado Stadium (Machadão) in 1989.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211001210111/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/machadao-com-os-dias-contados/179317|title=Machadão com os dias contados|date=April 23, 2011|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> In May 1969, Mayor Agnelo Alves, who had governed Natal since 1966, was stripped of his political rights and imprisoned by the [[Military dictatorship in Brazil|military regime]].<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241219023214/https://g1.globo.com/rn/rio-grande-do-norte/noticia/2015/06/morre-o-deputado-estadual-agnelo-alves-ex-prefeito-de-natal.html |title=Morre o deputado estadual Agnelo Alves, ex-prefeito de Natal |date=June 21, 2015 |access-date=October 9, 2025}}</ref> From that date onward, the city’s mayors were appointed by the [[governor of Rio Grande do Norte]], under Institutional Act No. 3 of 1966, which imposed [[indirect elections]] for state governors and granted them the power to appoint the mayors of their capitals.<ref>BRAZIL. '''[http://web.archive.org/web/20130918032841/http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/AIT/ait-03-66.htm Ato Institucional N.º 3, de 5 de Fevereiro de 1966]'''. [[Brasília]], February 7, 1966.</ref>

[[File:Campus-em-Construção.jpg|thumb|Construction of the central campus of UFRN, in the 1970s]]

On September 26, 1970,<ref name="HORA, 2008, p. 57."/> the concrete Igapó Bridge replaced the old “English Bridge,” which was to be dismantled but never completely removed; much of its metallic structure remains preserved to this day.<ref name="Ponte dos Ingleses"/> On March 14, 1971, the city gained the General Hospital and Emergency Room of Natal, which began operating only in 1973 under the name Monsignor Walfredo Gurgel Hospital.<ref name="hospital-walfredo-gurgel">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20181107150949/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/veja-linha-do-tempo-sobre-o-hospital-walfredo-gurgel/246515|title=Veja linha do tempo sobre o Hospital Walfredo Gurgel|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|date=March 31, 2013|access-date=March 27, 2023}}</ref> In 1974, the Municipal Building Code was established,<ref name="Emerenciano, p. 152">[[#Bibliography|EMERENCIANO]], 2007, p. 152.</ref> construction began on the Ponta Negra Viaduct,<ref name="Maciel e Lima, 2014, p. 135"/> and the colonial landmark was transferred from [[Touros]] to the Fortress of the Three Wise Men.<ref>[[#Bibliography|SILVA]], 2020, p. 137.</ref> The following year, the road to Ponta Negra was paved — later becoming Engineer Roberto Freire Avenue — and the BR-101 highway between Natal and Parnamirim was doubled.<ref name="Maciel e Lima, 2014, p. 135">[[#Bibliography|MACIEL; LIMA]], 2014, p. 135.</ref> Also during the 1970s, the central campus of the [[Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte]] was built on a 123-hectare area of the current Lagoa Nova neighborhood. That decade and the following ones saw rapid population growth:<ref name="portal.iphan.gov.br">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20190620221436/http://portal.iphan.gov.br/pagina/detalhes/1457/|title=História - Natal (RN)|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> between the 1960 and 1970 censuses, the population jumped from 160,253 to 264,379 inhabitants, reaching 416,898 in 1980 and 606,887 in 1991.<ref name="População_NatalRN"/>

In 1983, Natal gained its Convention Center,<ref>[[#Bibliography|TAVEIRA]], 2016, p. 200.</ref> and in the early morning of February 25, 1984, during Carnival, the “Baldo tragedy” occurred—  nineteen people were killed and twelve injured after being run over by a bus driver seeking revenge after being told he would have to work overtime.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20090103012120/http://redeglobo.globo.com/Linhadireta/0,26665,GHE0-4625-220532,00.html|title=Corrida alucinada|date=2005|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> On April 6, 1984, the city hosted the ''[[Diretas Já]]'' movement, when more than sixty thousand people gathered around Gentil Ferreira Square demanding the return of direct [[presidential elections in Brazil]].<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211003013643/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/comicio-levou-60-mil-a-praca-gentil-ferreira/280113|title=Comício levou 60 mil à praça Gentil Ferreira|date=April 25, 2014|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Via Costeira, Natal (RN).jpg|thumb|The Coastal Highway (RN-301), an expressway between the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and the [[Natal Dunes State Park]], significantly boosted local tourism starting in the 1980s.<ref name="Taveira, 2016, p. 201-202"/> Along its length are the city's four-star and five-star hotels.<ref>[[#Bibliography|LOPES NETO]], 2020, p. 48-49.</ref>]]
After being initiated in the late 1970s during Governor Tarcísio Maia’s administration, the [[Via Costeira]] — officially Senator Dinarte Mariz Avenue (RN-301) — was opened to the public in 1985 by Governor [[José Agripino Maia|José Agripino]], son of Tarcísio. The road, which runs between the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and the [[Natal Dunes State Park]],<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211001212044/https://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/via-costeira-ainda-desconhecida/435986|title=Via Costeira ainda desconhecida|author=SILVA, Yuno|date=January 15, 2019|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref name="BARBOSA, Anderson">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201022112709/https://agorarn.com.br/ultimas/area-de-risco-para-motoristas-via-costeira-continua-sem-controle-de-velocidade/|title=Área de risco para motoristas, Via Costeira continua sem controle de velocidade|author=BARBOSA, Anderson|date=September 18, 2020|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> significantly boosted local tourism,<ref name="Taveira, 2016, p. 201-202">[[#Bibliography|TAVEIRA]], 2016, p. 201-202.</ref> especially in [[Ponta Negra]], which evolved from a small fishing village into one of the city’s most upscale and valued areas.<ref>[[#Bibliography|SILVA]], 2007, p. 46.</ref>

After two decades, Natal held direct elections for mayor again in 1985, when Garibaldi Alves Filho was elected and served between 1986 and 1989.<ref>[[#Bibliography|EVANGELISTA]], 2013, p. 89.</ref><ref>{{cite web |lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230126140033/https://memoria.ebc.com.br/agenciabrasil/noticia/2007-12-12/garibaldi-alves-filho-foi-governador-do-rn-e-esta-em-seu-segundo-mandato-no-senado |title=Garibaldi Alves Filho foi governador do RN e está em seu segundo mandato no Senado |date=December 12, 2007 |publisher=Agência Brasil |access-date=October 9, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240524190737/https://www12.senado.leg.br/noticias/materias/2024/05/24/verdade-eleitoral-nao-pode-ser-posta-em-duvida-afirma-garibaldi-alves-filho |title=Verdade eleitoral não pode ser posta em dúvida, afirma Garibaldi Alves Filho |date=May 24, 2024 |publisher=Agência Senado |access-date=October 9, 2025}}</ref> In the following election, held in 1988, [[Wilma de Faria]] became the first woman elected mayor in the city’s history.<ref name="ult96u86099"/> Six days later, Archbishop Alair Vilar, at the beginning of his episcopate, inaugurated the new Metropolitan Cathedral, replacing the old Church of Our Lady of the Presentation, which had become too small for the growing number of faithful.<ref name="Arquidiocese de Natal"/>  The new cathedral received a visit from [[Pope John Paul II]] on October 12, 1991, during his third visit to Brazil.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20181018063824/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/papa-dromo-reformado-por-r-8-milha-es/427546|title=Papódromo reformado por R$ 8 milhões|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|date=October 17, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> That same year saw the first edition of Carnatal,<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20131205201113/https://g1.globo.com/rn/rio-grande-do-norte/carnatal/2013/noticia/2013/12/carnatal-completa-22-anos-conheca-historia-da-micareta.html|title=Carnatal completa 22 anos; conheça a história da micareta|date=December 4, 2013|publisher=G1 RN|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> which would later enter the [[Guinness Book]] as the world’s largest street carnival.<ref name="globoesporte.globo">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20131205201113/https://g1.globo.com/rn/rio-grande-do-norte/carnatal/2013/noticia/2013/12/carnatal-completa-22-anos-conheca-historia-da-micareta.html |title=Carnatal, arma potiguar para sediar a Copa |author=LAVINAS, Thiago |date=August 24, 2007 |access-date=February 2, 2019}}</ref> In 1996, Wilma was elected for her second term as mayor,<ref name="ult96u86099">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210303034624/https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/brasil/ult96u86099.shtml|title=Primeira mulher a governar o RN, Wilma de Faria se reelege|date=October 30, 2006|publisher=[[Folha de S. Paulo]]|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> and on January 16, 1997, a state law created the [[Greater Natal]], initially composed of the capital and five neighboring municipalities.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20150222163444/http://www.al.rn.gov.br/portal/_ups/legislacao//Lei%20Comp.%20152.pdf|title=Lei complementar n° 152, de 16 de janeiro de 1997|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

=== From the fourth centennial to the present day ===
[[File:Complexo viário do Quarto Centenário.jpg|left|thumb|The Senator Carlos Alberto de Sousa Road Complex, in the Lagoa Nova neighborhood, was inaugurated in 2000 during the celebrations of Natal's 400th anniversary]]
[[File:Ponteforteredinha.JPG|left|thumb|The Newton Navarro Bridge in January 2007, in the final months of its construction]]

In 1999, Natal celebrated its 400th anniversary. As part of the commemorations, the Portico of the Three Wise Men was inaugurated to welcome visitors arriving via the southern section of the BR-101 highway.<ref>[[#Bibliography|HORA]] et al, 2008, p. 58.</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211001221751/https://www.folhadelondrina.com.br/geral/natal-ganha-portico-em-comemoracao-de-400-anos-241351.html|title=Natal ganha pórtico em comemoração de 400 anos|author=SOUZA, Juliano|date=December 30, 1999|publisher=Folha de Londrina|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> On February 25, 2000, the Fourth Centennial Viaduct was opened, connecting the avenues Senator Salgado Filho and Prudente de Morais.<ref>[[Bibliography|COSTA; PENHA; NOGUEIRA; PINHEIRO]], 2021, p. 2.</ref> That same year, Ponta Negra Beach gained a four-kilometer boardwalk with kiosks along its stretch, replacing the numerous beach huts that once stood there.<ref name="Maciel e Lima, 2014, p. 135"/> Also in 2000, Wilma de Faria was re-elected for a third term, serving until April 2002, when she resigned to run for governor of Rio Grande do Norte. She won the election, becoming the state’s first woman governor.<ref name="ult96u86099"/> Her vice, [[Carlos Eduardo Alves]], assumed office and was re-elected in 2004.<ref name="carlos-eduardo-pdt"/> On April 27, 2005, the [[Midway Mall]], developed by the Guararapes Group, was inaugurated, quickly becoming the largest [[shopping center]] in Rio Grande do Norte.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20180512085053/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/midway-mall-completa-10-anos-e-espera-crescer-11/312278|title=Midway Mall completa 10 anos e espera crescer 11%|author=VASCONCELOS, Sara|date=April 28, 2015|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200322095703/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/midway-mall-e-natal-shopping-fecham-as-portas-a-partir-deste-sa-bado-21/475283|title=Midway Mall e Natal Shopping fecham as portas a partir deste sábado (21)|date=March 20, 2020|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201023035218/https://agorarn.com.br/geral/maior-shopping-de-natal-anuncia-possivel-reabertura-para-o-dia-28-de-julho/|title=Maior shopping de Natal anuncia possível reabertura para o dia 28 de julho|date=July 22, 2020|publisher=Agora RN|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

On November 21, 2007, three years after construction began, the [[Newton Navarro Bridge]] was officially opened to traffic.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211006143854/https://nominuto.com/noticias/cidades/ponte-newton-navarro-registra-engarrafamento-no-primeiro-dia-de-liberacao-do-transito/8488/|title=Ponte Newton Navarro registra engarrafamento no primeiro dia de liberação do trânsito|date=November 21, 2007|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> The new bridge connects the neighborhoods of Santos Reis and Redinha and was built as an alternative to the Igapó Bridge,<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20180919115258/https://ufrn.br/imprensa/materias-especiais/13797/pesquisa-da-ufrn-aponta-que-79-dos-potiguares-nao-se-sentem-seguros-ao-transitar-na-ponte-de-igapo|title=Segundo estudo da UFRN, 79% dos potiguares não se sentem seguros ao transitar na Ponte de Igapó|author=MONTEIRO, Evelin|date=February 22, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> being named after the renowned local artist Newton Navarro Bilro.<ref>[[#Bibliography|HORA]] et al, 2008, p. 65.</ref> On May 31, 2009, Natal was announced as one of the twelve host cities for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130822115610/https://acervo.oglobo.globo.com/fatos-historicos/brasil-foi-escolhido-sede-da-copa-do-mundo-de-2014-em-outubro-de-2007-9630221|title=Brasil foi escolhido sede da Copa do Mundo de 2014 em outubro de 2007|date=Aug 20, 2013|publisher=[[O Globo]]|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> In 2010, the Via Costeira was doubled,<ref name="BARBOSA, Anderson"/> and the city’s [[Historic Center of Natal|Historic Center]] — encompassing parts of the Cidade Alta and Ribeira — was listed as a cultural heritage site by [[National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage|Brazil’s National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage]].<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211004224437/https://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/conselho-do-iphan-aprova-tombamento-do-centro/167270|title=Conselho do Iphan aprova tombamento do Centro|date=December 10, 2010|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211004223210/https://www.panrotas.com.br/noticia-turismo/destinos/2010/12/iphan-tomba-centro-historico-de-natal-rn_63911.html|title=Iphan tomba Centro Histórico de Natal (RN)|author=ROCHA, Antônio|date=December 13, 2010|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

On August 27, 2012, the city witnessed the Bus Revolt after the municipal government announced a 20-cent fare increase,<ref>{{cite web |lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211006143854/http://g1.globo.com/rn/rio-grande-do-norte/noticia/2012/08/grupo-protesta-contra-aumento-de-passagem-em-natal-e-interdita-br.html |title=Grupo protesta contra aumento de passagem em Natal e interdita BR |date=Aug 29, 2012 |access-date=October 7, 2021 |publisher=G1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211006210456/https://www.cartapotiguar.com.br/2012/08/31/revoltadobusao-estudantes-param-a-cidade-pela-segunda-vez-na-semana%e2%80%8f/ |title=#RevoltadoBusão: Estudantes param a cidade pela segunda vez na semana |date=Aug 31, 2012 |access-date=October 7, 2021 |publisher=Carta Potiguar |author=Dantas, Daniel}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211006211212/https://noticias.uol.com.br/cotidiano/ultimas-noticias/2012/09/03/revolta-do-busao-protesta-contra-aumento-da-tarifa-em-natal-e-entra-em-confronto-com-a-policia.htm |title=Movimento "Revolta do Busão" protesta contra aumento da tarifa em Natal e entra em confronto com a polícia |date=September 3, 2012 |access-date=October 7, 2021 |publisher=UOL Notícias |author=Cavalcante, Elendrea |location=Natal}}</ref> which was revoked on September 6 following strong protests.<ref>{{cite web |lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20120912043808/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/revogacao-do-aumento-da-tarifa-entra-em-vigor/231096 |title=Revogação do aumento da tarifa entra em vigor |date=December 9, 2012 |access-date=December 23, 2014 |publisher=Tribuna do Norte |author=COSTA, Alex}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20141223081523/http://www.cmnat.rn.gov.br/noticias/2306/camara-revoga-aumento-das-passagens-de-onibus |title=Câmara revoga aumento das passagens de ônibus |date=September 6, 2012 |access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> In the municipal elections held on October 28 of the same year, former mayor Carlos Eduardo was elected for a third term,<ref name="carlos-eduardo-pdt"/> while then-mayor Micarla de Sousa was removed from office three days later amid allegations of corruption in the Municipal Health Department.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211006143855/https://jornaldebrasilia.com.br/noticias/politica-e-poder/prefeita-de-natal-e-afastada-por-decisao-judicial/|title=Prefeita de Natal é afastada|date=October 31, 2012|publisher=Jornal de Brasília|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> Before Carlos Eduardo’s inauguration on January 1, 2013, the city went through two interim mayors in less than two months.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241205134707/https://g1.globo.com/rn/rio-grande-do-norte/noticia/2012/12/ney-lopes-junior-e-o-novo-prefeito-de-natal-pelos-proximos-17-dias.html|title=Ney Lopes Júnior é o novo prefeito de Natal pelos próximos 17 dias|author=HOLDER, Carolina|date=Dec 13, 2012|publisher=G1 RN|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20141225204813/https://g1.globo.com/rn/rio-grande-do-norte/noticia/2012/12/natal-tem-terceiro-prefeito-diferente-em-menos-de-quarenta-e-cinco-dias.html|title=Natal tem terceiro prefeito diferente em menos de quarenta e cinco dias|author=HOLDER, Carolina|date=Dec 13, 2012|publisher=G1 RN|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Protesto 20 de junho de 2013 em Natal.jpg|thumb|Protests in Natal on June 20, 2013, during the [[2013 protests in Brazil|June Journeys]]]]
On May 15, 2013, two days after another bus fare increase was announced, new protests broke out, intensifying the following month. Natal thus became one of the first cities to experience the [[2013 protests in Brazil|June Journeys]] (''Jornadas de Junho''),<ref>{{Cite web |lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130926184431/http://tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/imprensa-internacional-cita-natal-como-pioneira-em-protestos-recentes-no-brasil/253252 |title=Imprensa internacional cita Natal como pioneira em protestos recentes no Brasil |date=June 18, 2013 |access-date=October 7, 2021 |publisher=Tribuna do Norte}}</ref> a wave of nationwide demonstrations initially sparked by fare hikes but soon expanding to broader social and anti-corruption demands.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130927075535/http://m.terra.com.br/noticia?n=f614e49fccf5f310VgnCLD2000000ec6eb0aRCRD|title=Governo brasileiro é pressionado por históricos protestos|date=June 21, 2013|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

On January 22, 2014, after nearly two and a half years of construction, the [[Arena das Dunas|Arena das Dunas Stadium]] was inaugurated on the same site where the old Machadão stadium once stood.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20140201073813/http://atarde.uol.com.br/esportes/copa/materias/1563411-com-presenca-de-dilma-arena-das-dunas-e-inaugurada|title=Com presença de Dilma, Arena das Dunas é inaugurada|date=January 22, 2014|publisher=[[Universo Online|UOL]]|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> The stadium hosted four World Cup group-stage matches.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=https://copadomundo.uol.com.br/2014/tabela-da-copa/#tabela|title=Tabela da Copa 2014|date=2014|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> During the tournament, the city declared a state of public calamity due to heavy rainfall between June 13 and 16 causing floods and landslides. In the Mãe Luíza neighborhood, a major slope collapse extended from Guanabara Street to Areia Preta Beach, destroying several homes.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230204130911/https://www.em.com.br/app/noticia/nacional/2014/06/16/interna_nacional%2C539689/natal-decreta-estado-de-calamidade-por-causa-das-chuvas-mas-jogo-esta-mantido.shtml|title=Natal decreta estado de calamidade por causa das chuvas, mas jogo está mantido|author=[[Agência Brasil]]|date=June 16, 2014|publisher=[[Estado de Minas]]|access-date=February 4, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230204132415/https://gauchazh.clicrbs.com.br/esportes/copa-2014/noticia/2014/06/Natal-decreta-estado-de-calamidade-publica-devido-a-chuvas-4528046.html|title=Natal decreta estado de calamidade pública devido a chuvas|author=Agência Brasil|date=June 16, 2014|publisher=[[Zero Hora]]|access-date=February 4, 2023}}</ref> In that area, the city later built the Mãe Luíza Stairway, officially named ''Portal do Sol Klebson Nascimento'', inaugurated in December of the following year.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230204134929/https://www.natal.rn.gov.br/news/post/23073|title=Portal do Sol Klebson Nascimento é inaugurado em Mãe Luíza|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=February 4, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20180515173220/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/prefeitura-inaugura-estrutura-do-portal-do-sol-em-ma-e-lua-za/332233|title=Prefeitura inaugura estrutura do Portal do Sol em Mãe Luíza|author=ARAÚJO, Ricardo|date=December 8, 2015|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=February 4, 2023}}</ref>

In October 2016, Carlos Eduardo was re-elected in the first round.<ref name="carlos-eduardo-pdt">{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20161003165115/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/carlos-eduardo-pdt-a-reeleito-prefeito-de-natal/359922|title=Carlos Eduardo (PDT) é reeleito prefeito de Natal|date=October 2, 2016|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> Taking office on January 1, 2017, he resigned on April 6, 2018, to run for governor, being succeeded by his vice, [[Álvaro Costa Dias]].<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211006151911/https://natal.rn.gov.br/news/post/28167|title=Prefeito Carlos Eduardo anuncia renuncia do cargo e Álvaro Dias assume a Prefeitura do Natal|date=Apr 6, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> In that election, the capital gave Carlos Eduardo an 80,000-vote lead in the first round, extended to over 90,000 in the second; nevertheless, he was defeated statewide by [[Fátima Bezerra]].<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211006143906/http://www.tribunadonorte.com.br/noticia/resultado-em-natal-deu-maioria-a-carlos/428725|title=Resultado em Natal deu maioria a Carlos|date=October 29, 2018|publisher=Tribuna do Norte|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=https://especiais.gazetadopovo.com.br/eleicoes/2018/resultados/municipios-rio-grande-do-norte/natal-rn/governador/|title=Resultados para Governador no Rio Grande do Norte em Natal (RN)|author=[[Tribunal Superior Eleitoral]] (TSE)|publisher=[[Gazeta do Povo]]|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> In 2020, Álvaro Dias was re-elected mayor of the city.<ref>{{cite web|lang=pt-br|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211006143854/https://exame.com/brasil/com-ampla-vantagem-alvaro-dias-e-reeleito-prefeito-de-natal-em-1o-turno/|title=Com ampla vantagem, Álvaro Dias é reeleito prefeito de Natal em 1º turno|author=AZEVEDO, Alessandra|date=November 15, 2020|publisher=Exame|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> In the 2024 elections, former city councilor and federal deputy Paulinho Freire was elected mayor in the runoff with 55.34% of the valid votes.<ref>{{cite web |lang=pt-br|url=https://www.tse.jus.br/comunicacao/noticias/2024/Outubro/paulinho-freire-vence-disputa-pela-prefeitura-de-natal-rn |title=Paulinho Freire vence disputa pela prefeitura de Natal (RN) |author=TSE |access-date=January 1, 2025}}</ref>

==Geography==
Natal is located at {{Coord|5|46|S|35|12|W|}}, in the far east of South America. The city has a total area of {{convert|170|km²|0|abbr=out}}. Natal lies on the Atlantic Ocean, at the mouth of the [[Potengi River]].

===Climate===
Natal has a typical [[tropical climate]], specifically a [[tropical wet and dry climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''As''), with warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity all throughout the year. However, these conditions are relieved by a near absence of extreme temperatures and pleasant trade winds blowing from the ocean. February is the warmest month, with mean maximum of {{convert|30.7|°C|°F|1|disp=or}} and minimum of {{convert|24.6|°C|°F|1|disp=or}}, while July is the coolest with mean maximum of {{convert|28.4|°C|°F|1|disp=or}} and minimum of {{convert|21|°C|°F|1|disp=or}}. Rainfall is heavy at around {{convert|1690|mm|in|0}} per year, but there is a dry season between about September and January that is more distinct than further south on the Atlantic coast. The greatest amount of rain falls between March and July.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destination360.com/south-america/brazil/natal.php |title=Climate of Natal |author=Destination360.com |access-date=25 Jun 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416115439/http://www.destination360.com/south-america/brazil/natal.php |archive-date=16 April 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Known as the "City of the [[Sun]]"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hep.if.usp.br/WIN13/second-bulletin.html |title=WIN'13 – 24th International Workshop on Weak Interactions and Neutrinos |access-date=29 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614030437/http://hep.if.usp.br/WIN13/second-bulletin.html |archive-date=14 June 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> and also as "The City of the [[Dunes]]", Natal is located in the northeastern tip of [[Brazil]]. Lying about six degrees south of the equator the sun shines on for more than 3,000 hours every year. The average temperature in Natal is about {{convert|27|°C|°F|1|disp=or}}. During the summer season it normally reaches above {{convert|30|°C}} with the water at {{convert|26|°C}}.
{{Weather box
| location = Natal, Rio Grande do Norte (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1931–1970 and 1983–present)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| width       = 100%
| Jan record high C =  33.4 | Jan high C  = 30.4
| Feb record high C =  36.8 | Feb high C  = 30.7
| Mar record high C =  33.8 | Mar high C  = 30.7
| Apr record high C =  33.0 | Apr high C  = 30.3
| May record high C =  32.4 | May high C  = 29.8
| Jun record high C =  32.2 | Jun high C  = 28.8
| Jul record high C =  30.8 | Jul high C  = 28.4
| Aug record high C =  31.2 | Aug high C  = 28.6
| Sep record high C =  31.8 | Sep high C  = 29.0
| Oct record high C =  32.5 | Oct high C  = 29.7
| Nov record high C =  32.7 | Nov high C  = 30.0
| Dec record high C =  32.4 | Dec high C  = 30.4
| year record high C = 36.8 | year high C = 29.7
 
| Jan mean C  = 27.4 
| Feb mean C  = 27.6 
| Mar mean C  = 27.5 
| Apr mean C  = 27.2 
| May mean C  = 26.6 
| Jun mean C  = 25.4 
| Jul mean C  = 24.8 
| Aug mean C  = 25.0
| Sep mean C  = 25.8 
| Oct mean C  = 26.5 
| Nov mean C  = 27.0
| Dec mean C  = 27.4 
| year mean C = 26.5 
  
| Jan low C  = 24.4 | Jan record low C  = 18.4
| Feb low C  = 24.6 | Feb record low C  = 19.0
| Mar low C  = 24.2 | Mar record low C  = 17.9
| Apr low C  = 23.7 | Apr record low C  = 17.7
| May low C  = 23.1 | May record low C  = 17.9
| Jun low C  = 21.9 | Jun record low C  = 14.8
| Jul low C  = 21.0 | Jul record low C  = 16.1
| Aug low C  = 21.2 | Aug record low C  = 15.4
| Sep low C  = 22.2 | Sep record low C  = 16.6
| Oct low C  = 23.5 | Oct record low C  = 17.3
| Nov low C  = 24.2 | Nov record low C  = 17.9
| Dec low C  = 24.7 | Dec record low C  = 18.4
| year low C = 23.2 | year record low C = 14.8

| unit rain days = 1 mm

|rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm  = 80.7   | Jan rain days  = 7
| Feb rain mm  = 99.8   | Feb rain days  = 8
| Mar rain mm  = 200.8  | Mar rain days  = 13
| Apr rain mm  = 240.5  | Apr rain days  = 16
| May rain mm  = 221.8  | May rain days  = 15
| Jun rain mm  = 348.8  | Jun rain days  = 18
| Jul rain mm  = 254.0  | Jul rain days  = 16
| Aug rain mm  = 118.7  | Aug rain days  = 12
| Sep rain mm  = 54.0   | Sep rain days  = 8
| Oct rain mm  = 20.6   | Oct rain days  = 5
| Nov rain mm  = 22.5   | Nov rain days  = 4
| Dec rain mm  = 29.0   | Dec rain days  = 5
| year rain mm = 1691.2 | year rain days = 127
 
| Jan humidity   = 79.1 | Jan sun  = 256.2
| Feb humidity   = 79.2 | Feb sun  = 228.4
| Mar humidity   = 80.6 | Mar sun  = 241.0
| Apr humidity   = 82.4 | Apr sun  = 218.0
| May humidity   = 82.8 | May sun  = 232.6
| Jun humidity   = 84.5 | Jun sun  = 199.3
| Jul humidity   = 82.9 | Jul sun  = 215.6
| Aug humidity   = 80.7 | Aug sun  = 253.9
| Sep humidity   = 79.6 | Sep sun  = 267.2
| Oct humidity   = 77.8 | Oct sun  = 295.2
| Nov humidity   = 77.8 | Nov sun  = 285.9
| Dec humidity   = 78.3 | Dec sun  = 286.5
| year humidity  = 80.5 | year sun = 2979.8
|source 1 = [[Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia]]<ref name=INMETtmax>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220324043914/https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-TMAX.xlsx
| archive-date = 24 March 2022
| url = https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-TMAX.xlsx
| title = Temperatura Máxima Mensal e Anual (°C)
| work = Normais Climatológicas do Brasil 1991-2020
| publisher = Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia
| language = pt
| access-date = 25 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=INMETtmed>
{{cite web
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| archive-date = 24 March 2022
| url = https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-TMEDSECA.xlsx
| title = Temperatura Média Compensada Mensal e Anual (°C)
| work = Normais Climatológicas do Brasil 1991-2020
| publisher = Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia
| language = pt
| access-date = 25 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=INMETtmin>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220324044001/https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-TMIN.xlsx
| archive-date = 24 March 2022
| url = https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-TMIN.xlsx
| title = Temperatura Mínima Mensal e Anual (°C)
| work = Normais Climatológicas do Brasil 1991-2020
| publisher = Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia
| language = pt
| access-date = 25 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=INMETprecip>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220324043703/https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-PREC.xlsx
| archive-date = 24 March 2022
| url = https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-PREC.xlsx
| title = Precipitação Acumulada Mensal e Anual (mm)
| work = Normais Climatológicas do Brasil 1991-2020
| publisher = Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia
| language = pt
| access-date = 25 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=INMETprecipdays>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220324044003/https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-PRENDIAS1.xlsx
| archive-date = 24 March 2022
| url = https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-PRENDIAS1.xlsx
| title = Número de dias no mês ou no ano com precipitação maior ou igual a (1 mm) (dias)
| work = Normais Climatológicas do Brasil 1991-2020
| publisher = Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia
| language = pt
| access-date = 25 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=INMEThumidity>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220324043838/https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-UR.xlsx
| archive-date = 24 March 2022
| url = https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-UR.xlsx
| title = Umidade Relativa do Ar Compensada Mensal e Anual (%)
| work = Normais Climatológicas do Brasil 1991-2020
| publisher = Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia
| language = pt
| access-date = 25 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=INMETinsolacion>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220324043829/https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-INSO.xlsx
| archive-date = 24 March 2022
| url = https://portal.inmet.gov.br/uploads/normais/Normal-Climatologica-INSO.xlsx
| title =Insolação Total (horas)
| work = Normais Climatológicas do Brasil 1991-2020
| publisher = Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia
| language = pt
| access-date = 25 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="NCB-INMET">{{cite web|url=https://portal.inmet.gov.br/normais|title=Normais climatológicas do Brasil|language=pt-br|author=INMET|access-date=2022-08-08}}</ref><ref name="NCB-1931-1960">INMET. ''Normais Climatológicas do Brasil (1931-1960)'' (in Brazilian Portuguese). [[Rio de Janeiro]], 1979.</ref><ref name="bdmep.inmet.gov.br">{{cite web|url=https://bdmep.inmet.gov.br/|title=Banco de dados meteorológicos|language=pt-br|author=INMET|access-date=2022-08-08}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{See also|Largest Cities of Northeast Region, Brazil|Demographics of Brazil}}
{{historical populations
|align=right|cols=2
|title = Population growth in Natal<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/tabela/1287#/n6/2408102/v/all/p/all/d/v607%201/l/v,p,t/resultado|title=Tabela 1287 – População dos municípios das capitais e Percentual da população dos municípios das capitais em relação aos das unidades da federação nos Censos Demográficos|language=pt|publisher=Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics|access-date=August 17, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527001026/https://www.webcitation.org/6OL6BlLnX?url=http://sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp%3Fc=1287|archive-date=May 27, 2024|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| 1872 | 20,392
| 1890 | 13,725
| 1900 | 16,056
| 1920 | 30,696
| 1940 | 54,836
| 1950 | 102,215
| 1960 | 160,253
| 1970 | 264,379
| 1980 | 416,898
| 1991 | 606,541
| 2000 | 709,536
| 1991 | 803,739
| 2022<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/rn/natal/panorama|title=Brasil / Rio Grande do Norte / Natal|language=pt|access-date=2024-09-21}}</ref>|751,300}}

According to the IBGE of 2022, there were 751,300 people residing in the city,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-06-28 |title=As 200 cidades mais populosas do Brasil, segundo Censo 2024 |url=https://valor.globo.com/brasil/noticia/2023/06/28/as-200-cidades-mais-populosas-do-brasil-segundo-censo-2022.ghtml |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=Valor Econômico |language=pt-br}}</ref> and 1.8952 million people residing in the [[Greater Natal]] (metropolitan area).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Redator |date=2023-08-31 |title=Dinâmicas demográficas e imobiliárias: os primeiros dados do Censo 2022 para a Região Metropolitana de Natal |url=https://www.observatoriodasmetropoles.net.br/dinamicas-demograficas-e-imobiliarias-os-primeiros-dados-do-censo-2022-para-a-regiao-metropolitana-de-natal/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=Observatório das Metrópoles |language=pt-BR}}</ref> This is the second smallest capital the country in territorial extension,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nominuto.com/noticias/cidades/regiao-metropolitana-de-natal-em-20-perguntas/18083/ |title=Região Metropolitana de Natal em 20 perguntas |publisher=Nominuto.com |date=2008-06-29 |access-date=2012-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321162651/http://www.nominuto.com/noticias/cidades/regiao-metropolitana-de-natal-em-20-perguntas/18083/ |archive-date=2012-03-21 |url-status=live }}</ref> therefore, the population density is high, {{convert|4.488|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}. It is the 21st-largest city in the country and the sixth largest in the [[Northeast Region, Brazil|northeastern region]]. The racial makeup of the city in 2022 was 46.6% [[Pardo]] ([[Multiracial#Brazil|Multiracial]]), 43.2% [[White Brazilian|White]], 9.8% [[Afro-Brazilian|Black]], 0.2% [[Asian Brazilian|Asian]] and 0.2% [[Indigenous peoples in Brazil|Amerindian]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Censo 2022 – Panorama |url=https://censo2022.ibge.gov.br/panorama/}}</ref>

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Brazil}}

With its dozens of sandy, white beaches, such as [[Ponta Negra]] and its famous [[Morro do Careca]]{{dash}}the cliff of dolphins, [[Pirangi do Norte]], [[Redinha beach|Redinha]], [[Pipa beach|Pipa]] and [[Genipabu]] with its famous fixed sand dunes and imported [[dromedaries]], tourism is the most important industry of Natal, attracting [[Brazilians]], Europeans (many from Spain, England, [[Scandinavia]], Germany, [[Portugal]], [[Italy]] and France), and [[United States|U.S. citizens]] alike. There has been an increase of 211% in foreign tourism in Natal between 2002 and 2007 (for the same time period the increase of foreign tourism in [[Brazil]] was 62,8%); This is a due to the accessibility of Natal and the appeal Brazil has for an increasing number of tourists, clearly showing that Natal is the area leading the Brazilian tourism boom. Natal is the number one area receiving international [[investment]]s in Brazil. Natal will benefit enormously from the massive future investments on the [[coastline]].
[[File:Natal_-_Rio_Grande_do_Norte_-_Brasil(3).jpg|thumb|left|View of the city centre of Natal]]

[[File:Praia Shopping.jpg|thumb|right|A commercial center in Natal]]
It is also a relevant administrative center for the oil industry ([[Rio Grande do Norte]] being the second largest oil-producing state in Brazil). Thus, its [[Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte]] (UFRN) is a national scientific research pole on Oil Sciences (ranging from Geophysical to Law studies), supported mostly by [[Petrobras]] financing.

The fishing industry is strong ([[shark]] [[cartilage]] being a major export to Japan) as is the cultivation of tropical fruit, especially [[mangos]], [[guava]]s, and [[cashews]] (the fruit and the nuts).

In fact, the largest cashew tree in the world is located near the coast in the neighborhood of Pirangi, south of the city center. This tree has a circumference of 500&nbsp;metres and occupies an area of 7,300&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>, making it 70 times the size of average cashew trees.

The [[GDP]] for the city was R$206,832,516,000 (2019).<ref name=IBGE2019>{{cite book |url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/presidencia/noticias/noticia_impressao.php?id_noticia=1288 |title=GDP |publisher=[[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics|IBGE]] |location=Natal, Brazil |format=PDF |isbn=978-85-240-3919-5 |access-date=2019-07-18 |year=2019 |language=pt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701054146/http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/presidencia/noticias/noticia_impressao.php?id_noticia=1288 |archive-date=2010-07-01 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[per capita income]] for the city was R$26,972.28 in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/rn/natal/panorama |title=Trabalho e Rendimento |trans-title=Work and Income |publisher=[[Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics|IBGE]] |location=Natal, Brazil |language=pt |access-date=2019-04-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425131309/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/rn/natal/panorama |archive-date=2019-04-25 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Education==
{{Main|Education in Brazil}}
[[File:COMCT_T_DESTAQUE_ECT-Panorâmica_17dez14_Anastacia-Vaz_1.jpg|thumb|right|School of Science and Technology of the [[Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte|Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte]]]]
 
[[Portuguese language]] is the official national language, and thus the primary language taught in schools. But English and Spanish are part of the official high school curriculum.

===Educational institutions===
* [[Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte]] (UFRN)
* [[International Institute of Physics]] (IIP-UFRN)
* [[International Institute for Neuroscience of Natal]] (IINN-ELS)
* [[Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte]] (UERN)
* [[Universidade Potiguar]] (UnP)
*[[:pt:Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte|Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte]] (IFRN)
* [[Instituto de Educação Superior Presidente Kennedy]] (Kennedy)
* [[Faculdade Natalense para o Desenvolvimento do Rio Grande do Norte]] (Farn)
* [[Faculdade de Natal]] (FAL)
* [[Faculdade de Excelência Educacional do Rio Grande do Norte]] (FATERN) (IINN-ELS)
* [[Faculdade Câmara Cascudo]] (FCC)
* [[Faculdade de Ciências Cultura e Extensão]] (FACEX)
* [[Faculdade Católica Nossa Senhora das Neves]] (FCNSN)
* [[Faculdade Maurício de Nassau]] (UNINASSAU)

There are more than 14 universities in the state of Rio Grande do Norte.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seruniversitario.com.br |title=Universidades no Rio Grande do Norte |publisher=Seruniversitario.com.br |access-date=2012-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613055510/http://www.seruniversitario.com.br/ |archive-date=2011-06-13 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Main sights==
;Natal Dunes State Park
[[File:Dunas_do_Norte.jpg|thumb|[[Natal Dunes State Park]] is the second largest urban park in [[Brazil]].<ref>[http://tribunadonorte.com.br/noticias/105583.html Dunas Park] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408035932/http://tribunadonorte.com.br/noticias/105583.html |date=8 April 2009 }}</ref>]]
The [[Natal Dunes State Park]] is considered the second largest urban park in [[Brazil]].<ref>[http://tribunadonorte.com.br/noticias/105583.html Tribuna do Norte News – Dunas Park] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706155035/http://tribunadonorte.com.br/noticias/105583.html |date=6 July 2011 }}</ref> It includes 1,172 hectares of land, and allows observation of several vegetal and animal species, which are typical of the [[Atlantic Forest]]. The tour is along a trail, accompanied by trained guides. The park also has a jogging track, and stays open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday.

;Museums
Museums in Natal include: Museu de Arte Sacra, Museu de Cultura Popular, Espaço Cultural Palácio Potengi, Instituto Histórico e Geográfico do Rio Grande do Norte, Pinacoteca do Rio Grande do Norte, Museum Camara Cascudo, Memorial Camara Cascudo.

;Natal Aquarium
[[File:Cavalo Marinho no Aquário Natal.jpg|thumb|left|[[Seahorses]] in the Natal Aquarium]]
The Natal [[Aquarium]] was founded and is run by a family of biologists and retired environmentalists. Besides the exhibit, the aquarium also serves as a surgery center for sea animals. The Aquarium is located between the Oceânica Avenue and the beach. The Aquarium exhibits about 60 marine species.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.natal-brazil.com/entertainment/tourists.html |title=Aquarium of Natal |publisher=Natal-brazil.com |access-date=2012-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224090634/http://www.natal-brazil.com/entertainment/tourists.html |archive-date=2012-02-24 |url-status=live }}</ref> There are about 30 small aquariums, where the species are put individually or in small groups of two or three species. Most species were collected at the Brazilian and [[Rio Grande do Norte]] coast. Species include several kinds of fish (including piranhas), [[sea horse]]s, [[shrimp]]s, [[lobster]]s, [[stingray]]s, [[octopus]], etc. In a refrigerated aquarium, there is a couple of [[penguin]]s.
[[File:Maior cajueiro do mundo 1.jpg|thumb|The world's largest cashew tree]]
[[File:Forte-reis-magos.jpg|thumb|[[Forte dos Reis Magos]], a [[fortress]] built in 1598, is now a museum.]]
;The Largest Cashew Tree in the World
The [[Cashew of Pirangi]] is the biggest [[cashew]] tree in the world. In 1994, it entered the [[Guinness book]] as the tree which covers the largest area, 8,400 square meters;<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/worlds-largest-cashew-tree-maior-cajueiro-do-mundo | title=The World's Largest Cashew Tree }}</ref> it is larger than a typical football pitch. Due to a genetic mutation, the branches of this tree grow outwards rather than upwards; thus when a branch touches the ground, roots are not created, rather a new [[Ramification (botany)|ramification]] starts to grow.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.natal-brazil.com/entertainment/tourists.html |title=The biggest cashew tree of the world |publisher=Natal-brazil.com |access-date=2012-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224090634/http://www.natal-brazil.com/entertainment/tourists.html |archive-date=2012-02-24 |url-status=live }}</ref> There is even a gazebo located in the cashew, a popular attraction among tourists.

;Forte dos Reis Magos
Forte dos Reis Magos or Fortaleza dos Reis Magos is a medieval [[fortress]] that was the first milestone of the city – founded on 25 December 1599 – on the right side of the bar of the river Potenji (today near the Ponte Newton Navarro). It received its name based on the date of commencement of its construction, 6 January 1598, at Epiphany Catholic calendar.

;Natal City Park
[[File:Mirante à espreita.JPG|thumb|left|[[Natal City Park]] tower and the forest]]
The Natal City Park Dom Nivaldo Monte, or simply the City Park is an urban park. Inaugurated on 21 July 2008, with architectural project of [[Oscar Niemeyer]]. It has a unique, monumental tower, and has a museum and restaurant.

;Festa Junina (Saint John Festival)
[[Festa Junina]] was introduced to Northeastern [[Brazil]] by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] for whom St John's day (also celebrated as [[Midsummer]] Day in several European countries), on the 24th of June, is one of the oldest and most popular celebrations of the year. Differently from what happens on the European [[Midsummer]] Day, the festivities in Brazil do not take place during the [[summer solstice]] but during the tropical [[winter solstice]]. The festivities traditionally begin after the 12th of June, on the eve of St Anthony's day, and last until the 29th, which is Saint Peter's day. During these fifteen days, there are [[bonfires]], [[fireworks]], and folk dancing in the streets. Typical foods and beverages are served. As during Carnival, these festivities involve wearing costumes (in this case, peasant costumes), dancing, heavy drinking, and visual spectacles (fireworks display and folk dancing). Similar to what happens on [[Midsummer]] and St John's Day in Europe, [[bonfires]] are a central part of these festivities in Brazil. Festa Junina in other cities of the state, especially in the city of [[Mossoró]] which gathers thousands of people during the month of June.

;Newton Navarro bridge
[[File:TeatroAlbertoMaranhao.JPG|thumb|[[Alberto Maranhão Theatre]] (on the inside of it) is part of the Historic Center.]]

The [[Newton Navarro bridge]] is one of the highest bridges in Brazil and has over a gorgeous sunset seen from [[Potengi River]]. It makes the connection with the beaches of the north coast of the state. In addition to unburden the city traffic, the bridge became a tourist attraction because of its large size.

;Historic Center
The Natal Historic Center it comprises an area of approximately {{convert|201278|m²|2|abbr=on}}, which are included 150 buildings of various styles, including colonial architecture, neoclassical, art-deco and modernist. This area comprises the districts of Ribeira and [[Cidade Alta (Natal)|Cidade Alta]], which are the oldest neighborhoods of the city, which have characteristics of the first centuries of the history of Brazil, highlighting important aspects of Portuguese colonization.

;Barreira do Inferno
The [[Barreira do Inferno Launch Center]] is the first base to launch rockets from Brazil. With the construction of another center in Brazil, today, it only launches rockets, small and medium businesses and is open to visitation of tourists to know the rockets, but must make an appointment to visit the center.

;Parrachos de Maracajaú
[[File:Maracajaú.jpg|thumb|left|[[Maracajaú]] beach]]
The Parrachos de [[Maracajaú]] of coral reefs are the seven kilometers ({{convert|7|km|abbr=off|disp=output only}}) of beach in Maracajaú, forming natural pools. Occupy an area of {{convert|13|km|0|abbr=on}}, excellent for snorkeling in the coral diving underwater that, at low tide, touch the surface. It is one of the places in Brazil where the sea is the most crystalline and suitable for diving. The beach of Maracajaú is {{convert|60|km|0|abbr=on}} from Natal. In Maracajaú also a water park, the Ma-Noa Park.

;Genipabu
[[File:Dunas de Genipabu.jpg|thumb|right|[[Genipabu]] dunes]]
[[Genipabu]] (or Jenipabu) is a beach, a complex of dunes, a lagoon and an area of environmental protection (APA) located in Natal capital city, one of the most famous post-cards of the Brazilian state Rio Grande do Norte. It is a huge dunes and a lagoon of fresh water, with strong attraction for tourism. The region has a good infrastructure of hotels, inns, restaurants, [[beach]] [[tent]]s, tours of "buggies", rafts and dromedaries. It is played in the dunes around the lake called "esquibunda" stakeholders sit down the dunes on top of planks of wood, to dive in the waters of the lagoon. The tours of "[[Dune buggy|buggies]]" are offered in the local "with emotion" or "no emotion", according to the degree of risk, it is recommended, however, are chosen accredited professionals responsible for security not only of tourists, but the middle environment.

;Ponta Negra and Via Costeira
[[File:Morro do Careca Natal Brasil.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ponta Negra]] Beach]]
[[File:Via_Costeira,_Natal_(RN).jpg|thumb|right|[[Via Costeira]]]]
[[Ponta Negra]] is a famous beach and a neighborhood located in the Brazilian city of Natal in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. In the extreme south of the beach, is located in [[Morro do Careca]] (Bald Hill), a large dune. The extreme north of the beach, is located at Via Costeira (Coastal Way), a road in the middle of coastal dunes that connect the various beaches of the city. The beach is completely urbanized and there are several points shops, restaurants, bars and night clubs. The sand itself is lined with "tents", or huts, that serve food and drinks to beachgoers day and night. A common sight on the beach are "jangadas", simple, multicolored, local fishing boats typical of northeastern Brazil. The [[Via Costeira]] (Coastal Way) is a great avenue built next to the dunes and beaches of the city, including making the connection of several beaches in the state.[[File:Praia Pipa.jpg|thumb|[[Pipa Beach]]]]

;Pipa Beach
The [[Pipa Beach]] is located {{convert|85|km|0|abbr=off}} from Natal and completely away from urban centers. A beach Paradise that attracts thousands of tourists every year.

;Other attractions
* As Natal means Christmas in Portuguese, possibly in December are some attractions such as concerts, plays, meeting writers and the traditional burning of fires, and the city be decorated with Christmas purposes.
* Cape São Roque, point of the Brazilian coast close of Africa.
* [[Calcanhar Lighthouse]], the highest lighthouse in Brazil.

==Culture==

Carnival in Natal, known as "[[Carnatal]]", is one of the largest off-season carnivals in [[Brazil]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.natal-brazil.com/entertainment/carnatal.html |title=Carnatal |publisher=Natal-brazil.com |access-date=2012-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511031222/http://www.natal-brazil.com/entertainment/carnatal.html |archive-date=2012-05-11 |url-status=live }}</ref> Carnatal takes place sometime in November or December, in the streets around the Arena das Dunas Stadium (traffic around the stadium changes radically during Carnatal days). The transit department isolates about {{convert|3|km|0|abbr=off|spell=on}} of streets,<ref>[http://www.natalriograndedonorte.com/natal-carnatal-best-off-season-carnival-party-in-brazil/ Carnatal Organization] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814085618/http://www.natalriograndedonorte.com/natal-carnatal-best-off-season-carnival-party-in-brazil/ |date=2014-08-14 }} 12 June 2014</ref> creating a ring, along which the party takes place. During the days of party, a huge truck (called "[[trio elétrico]]"), with a [[music ensemble|band]] on the top and sound boxes all around, drives slowly along the streets. The crowd follows the trio elétrico singing, dancing, jumping to the [[sound]] of the music.

Natal is also home to the "Mada", a national festival of [[pop rock]] national, and the "Verão de Todos", a summer festival.

The patron saint of the city is [[Our Lady of Presentation]].

==Transportation==

===International airport===
[[File:Aeroporto_São_Gonçalo_guichês.jpg|thumb|right|[[Greater Natal International Airport]]]]
Located virtually at sea level (169&nbsp;feet), with favorable weather and geographic conditions, [[Greater Natal International Airport]] in [[São Gonçalo do Amarante, Rio Grande do Norte|São Gonçalo do Amarante]] is {{convert|30|km|0|abbr=on}} from Natal.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2014/05/1463146-em-natal-aeroporto-construido-para-a-copa-e-inaugurado-ainda-em-obras.shtml |title=Em Natal, aeroporto construído para Copa é inaugurado |access-date=2014-06-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606220430/http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2014/05/1463146-em-natal-aeroporto-construido-para-a-copa-e-inaugurado-ainda-em-obras.shtml |archive-date=2014-06-06 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Air Force Base===
[[Natal Air Force Base|Natal Air Force Base{{dash}}ALA10]], one of their most important bases of the [[Brazilian Air Force]], is located in the nearby city of [[Parnamirim]].

===Highways===
[[File:Av. Sen. Salgado Filho, Natal, Brazil.jpg|thumb|left|[[BR-101]] highway as Salgado Filho Avenue in December]]
Federal Highway [[BR-101]] is the most important access to Natal, coming from the [[Southern Brazil|South of Brazil]], through the boundary with the municipality of Parnamirim. For those who come from the State of [[Ceará]], the principle access is by the Federal Highway BR-304, through the boundary with the municipality of Macaíba, where you pick up BR-226 taking people to Natal. Leaving Natal, an important access to the southern Potiguar coast is the "[[Sun]] Route" (Rota do Sol) as RN-063 is known by, and which takes you to the [[beach]]es of Pirangi, Búzios, Tabatinga, up to the municipality of Nísia Floresta. The North Shore is accessible from the [[Newton Navarro bridge]], following the Praia do Forte to Genipabu, and the Igapó Bridge, following the district of Igapó by BR-101 to Touros, and by BR-406 to Macau.
[[File:Ponte Newton Navarro - Natal, Brazil.jpg|thumb|right|[[Newton Navarro bridge]]]]
Natal is connected to all the 167 [[Municipalities of Brazil|municipalities]] of Rio Grande do Norte and dozens of locations and Potiguar districts, through the Passenger [[Bus Terminal]] of Natal (Terminal Rodoviário de Passageiros de Natal), located in the Eastern Zone of the city. All the accesses to the countryside of the state are through the Metropolitan region of Natal, composed of the municipalities of Ceará-Mirim, Emaús, Extremoz, Macaíba, Monte Alegre, Nísia Floresta, Parnamirim e São Gonçalo do Amarante. [[Bus]]es with direct destinations to various Brazilian capitals also leave from the Passenger Bus Terminal of Natal. The cities with regular weekly schedules are: Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Goiânia, João Pessoa, Palmas, Recife, Salvador, São Luiz e Teresina.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.viagemdeferias.com/natal/basico/chegando.php |title=Access – Natal |publisher=Viagemdeferias.com |access-date=2012-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308215831/http://www.viagemdeferias.com/natal/basico/chegando.php |archive-date=2012-03-08 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:VLT Natal.jpg|thumb|right|Natal's light rail went under renovation in 2014]]

===Bus===
Buses are the cheapest way to move around Natal. Passes or magnetic cards can be purchased beforehand, but it is easiest to pay the conductor. There are large buses, micro buses<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.clasf.com.br/transporte-alternativo-com-arrendamento-em-natal-7145108/ |title=Anúncios Classificados Grátis no Brasil &#124; CLASF |access-date=2015-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222111001/http://www.clasf.com.br/transporte-alternativo-com-arrendamento-em-natal-7145108/ |archive-date=2015-12-22 |url-status=live }}</ref> and vans, driving along the same streets, charging the same fares.

All the main touristic spots within Natal are well served by buses. People may expect to travel standing up on the big buses (not so with micros and vans). Typical waiting time is 15 min during the peak hours, up to one hour.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/South_America/Brazil/Estado_do_Rio_Grande_do_Norte/Natal-1510077/Transportation-Natal-BR-1.html |title=Bus in Natal |publisher=Virtualtourist.com |access-date=2012-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501033007/http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/South_America/Brazil/Estado_do_Rio_Grande_do_Norte/Natal-1510077/Transportation-Natal-BR-1.html |archive-date=2010-05-01 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Rail===
The [[Sistema de Trens Urbanos de Natal]] is a two-line [[commuter rail]] system that operates over 56&nbsp;km of track, and served 3.7 million passengers in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://anptrilhos.org.br/vlt-de-natal-registra-aumento-no-numero-de-usuarios-em-2018/|title=VLT de Natal registra aumento no número de usuários em 2018 |website=ANP Trilhos|date=26 March 2019|access-date=12 October 2019|language=pt}}</ref>

===Taxi===
There are plenty of [[taxicab|taxi]]s in the city. Taxis are white cars and have a red plate. Fares are the same, regardless of how new and comfortable the car is.
[[Fare]]s are regulated by the government. From 10:00&nbsp;pm to 6:00&nbsp;am at weekdays, and all hours at weekends (and, depending on a decree by the mayor, all times during the month of December), there is a 20% increase in fare prices,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://natal.olx.com.br/taxi-iid-4846031 |title=Natal – Taxi Transport |publisher=Natal.olx.com.br |date=2007-05-07 |access-date=2012-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614184630/http://natal.olx.com.br/taxi-iid-4846031 |archive-date=2009-06-14 |url-status=live }}</ref> this is indicated by a number 2 showing in the fare meter. There are several tele-taxis companies in Natal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guiamais.com.br/Results.aspx?idi=3&ipa=16&ica=5309&ies=591&nes=RIO-GRANDE-DO-NORTE&ici=13050&nci=NATAL&txb=T%C3%A1xi |title=Taxi in Natal |publisher=Guiamais.com.br |access-date=2012-06-25}}</ref>

===Buggy===
[[File:Buggues_em_Genipabu_(5303848087).jpg|thumb|right|[[Dune buggy]]]]
The [[dune buggy]] is the vehicle used most to drive along the [[beach]]es.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.passeiodebuggy.com.br/ |title=Buggy in Natal, RN |publisher=Passeiodebuggy.com.br |access-date=2012-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913120114/http://www.passeiodebuggy.com.br/ |archive-date=2012-09-13 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some companies offer tours in Land Rovers and other 4WD vehicles, these cars offer much more comfort, but buggy drivers claim that the buggy is more flexible. Riding a buggy, people feel the [[sun]] and the wind. Buggies are safe, accidents with buggies are much less frequent than accidents with other cars (most [[dune buggy]] drivers are certified by the Tourist Authority).
[[File:Porto_de_Natal_aérea.jpg|thumb|View of [[Port of Natal]]]]

===Distances===
* [[João Pessoa, Paraíba|João Pessoa]]: {{convert|180|km|0|abbr=on}} (110&nbsp;mi);
* [[Recife]]: {{convert|300|km|0|abbr=on}} (186&nbsp;mi);
* [[São Paulo]]: {{convert|3011|km|0|abbr=on}} (1870&nbsp;mi);
* [[Rio de Janeiro]]: {{convert|2750|km|0|abbr=on}};
* [[Belo Horizonte]]: {{convert|2615|km|0|abbr=on}};
* [[Brasília]]: {{convert|2383|km|0|abbr=on}};
* [[Salvador, Bahia|Salvador]]: {{convert|1100|km|0|abbr=on}};
* [[Porto Alegre]]: {{convert|4320|km|0|abbr=on}}.

===Port===
The [[Port of Natal]] is specialized in cold storage cargo such as fruit, fish and [[shrimp]], among others. It has its own customs facilities and is connected to Europe by direct navigation lines, mainly to the ports of [[Vigo]], [[Rotterdam]] and [[Sheerness]].
{{clear}}

==Neighborhoods==
[[File:Mapa dos bairros e zonas de Natal (RN).svg|upright=.85|thumb|Map of Natal neighborhoods
{{Legend|#fedddf|North Zone}}
{{Legend|#feded1|South Zone}}
{{Legend|#dcdaff|West Zone}}
{{Legend|#fafda3|East Zone}}
{{Legend|#e3efc7|[[Natal Dunes State Park|Dunes State Park]]}}
]]

{|
|-
| valign="top" |

'''''North Zone'''''
* Potengi
* Redinha
* Pajuçara
* Igapó
* Nossa Senhora da Apresentação
* Salinas
* Lagoa Azul
| valign="top" |
'''''East Zone'''''
* Cidade Alta
* Petrópolis
* Tirol
* Alecrim
* Ribeira
* Rocas
* Barro Vermelho
* Santos Reis
* Praia do Meio
* Areia Preta
* Mãe Luíza
| valign="top" |
'''''West Zone'''''
* Quintas
* Nordeste
* Dix-Sept Rosado
* Bom Pastor
* Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
* Cidade da Esperança
* Cidade Nova
* Planalto
* Felipe Camarão
* Guarapes
| valign="top" |
'''''South Zone'''''
* [[Ponta Negra]]
* Lagoa Nova
* Capim Macio
* Candelária
* Neópolis
* Nova Descoberta
* Pitimbu
|}
{{Clear}}

==Sports==
{{See also|2014 FIFA World Cup}}
[[File:Arena das Dunas.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view of [[Arena das Dunas]]]]
[[File:Nélio Dias Ginásio.JPG|thumb|[[Ginásio Nélio Dias|Nélio Dias gymnasium]]]]
The main soccer teams of Natal are:
* [[ABC Futebol Clube]]
* [[Alecrim Futebol Clube]]
* [[América de Natal]]

===Stadiums===
* [[Arena das Dunas]]
* [[Frasqueirão|Maria Lamas Farache Stadium]] (Frasqueirão)
* Juvenal Lamartine Stadium

===Gymnasiums===
*[[Ginásio Nélio Dias]]
* Palácio dos Esportes

===2014 FIFA World Cup===
Natal was one of the host cities of the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]], for which [[Brazil]] was the host nation. The [[Dunas Arena]] was built in place of the old [[Machadão]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.natalrn.com.br/estadio-machadao/|title=Estádio Machadão|date=2019-11-12|website=Natal RN|language=pt-BR|access-date=2019-11-13}}</ref> stadium.<ref>{{cite web |title=DEADLINK |work=Jornal de Hoje |url=http://www.jornaldehoje.com.br/portal/noticia.php?id=14665 |access-date=1 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022438/http://jornaldehoje.com.br/portal/noticia.php?id=14665 |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref> It is building a new [[airport]], [[Greater Natal International Airport]], to be the largest airport in Latin America.<ref name="correiodatarde.com.br">{{cite web |url=http://www.correiodatarde.com.br/editorias/correio_politico-22092 |title=Aeroporto de São Gonçalo: pistas estão garantidas, mas terminal ainda não |publisher=Correiodatarde.com.br |date=2007-09-25 |access-date=2012-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105230326/http://www.correiodatarde.com.br/editorias/correio_politico-22092 |archive-date=2012-11-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is also investing in a [[public transport]] system using the system of [[light rail]] called [[:pt:VLT de Natal|VLT de Natal]], and other projects of infrastructure.

[[David Beckham]] had announced plans for a [[David Beckham Academy|football academy]] in Natal, called the [[Beckham World of Sport]], to coincide with the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uv10.com/news/Beckham-puts-Brazil-on-the-map_18450967.php |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209084913/http://www.uv10.com/news/Beckham-puts-Brazil-on-the-map_18450967.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-02-09 |title=Beckham in Natal |publisher=Uv10.com |date=2008-02-01 |access-date=2012-06-25 }}</ref>

===11th World Maxibasketball Championship===
Natal will be the first Brazilian city to host a World Maxibasketball Championship. The 11th World Maxibasketball Championship will occur in July 2011,<ref>[http://www.fimba.net/proximos_eng.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223210428/http://www.fimba.net/proximos_eng.htm|date=23 February 2009}}</ref> winning among the cities which also wanted to host the event: [[Punta del Este]] in [[Uruguay]]; [[Vancouver]] in [[Canada]] and [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]] in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fbbm.org/clip.php?consulta=sim&atual=Clipping&codcli=524 |title=Federaусo Brasileira de Basquetebol Master :: |publisher=FBBM |date=2007-10-24 |access-date=2012-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111111626/http://www.fbbm.org/clip.php?consulta=sim&atual=Clipping&codcli=524 |archive-date=2012-01-11 |url-status=live }}</ref> The facilities of the modern Nélio Dias [[gym]]nasium should be used to house the event that will bring to the capital of Rio Grande do Norte about 3,500 athletes from around the world.<ref>[http://tribunadonorte.com.br/noticias/112497.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721021114/http://tribunadonorte.com.br/noticias/112497.html|date=21 July 2011}}</ref>

==Notable people==
<!--please respect alphabetical order-->
''Natalenses'' is the name in Brazil for residents of Natal.
[[File:26 Prêmio da Música Brasileira (18093630743).jpg|thumb|[[Latin Grammy Award]] nominee [[Roberta Sá]] is from Natal.]]

* [[Abraham Palatnik]], artist
* [[Aldo Parisot]], cellist and cello teacher
* [[André Oliveira de Lima|André Oliveira]], football player
* [[Antônio Filipe Camarão]], Native American
* [[João Café Filho|Café Filho]], lawyer and ex-president of Brazil (1954–1955)
* [[Carlos Paz de Araújo]], scientist and inventor
* [[Clodoaldo Silva]], paralympic swimmer
* [[Diego Pelicles da Silva]], football player
* [[Fernanda Tavares]], international model
* [[Garibaldi Alves Filho]], politician and former President of the Federal Senate (2007–2009)
* [[José Clebson Augustinho|Kell]], football player
* [[Jussier da Silva]], mixed martial artist
* [[Larissa Costa]], model and [[Miss Brasil|Miss Brasil 2009]]
* [[Luís da Câmara Cascudo]], anthropologist, folklorist, journalist, historian, lawyer, and lexicographer
* [[Marinho Chagas]], football player
* [[Matuzalém]], football player
* [[Patrício Freire]], mixed martial artist [[List of Bellator MMA champions|champion]]
* [[Patricky Freire]], mixed martial artist
* [[Oscar Schmidt]], basketball player
* [[José Ramalho Carvalho de Freitas|Ramalho]], football player
* [[Renan Barão]], mixed martial artist
* [[Richarlyson Barbosa Felisbino|Richarlyson]], football player
* [[Ronny Markes]], mixed martial artist
* [[Roberta Sá]], singer
* [[Virna Dias]], volleyball player

==Twin towns==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Brazil}}

Natal, Rio Grande do Norte is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:
*{{flagicon|PSE}} [[Bethlehem]], [[Palestinian Territories|Palestine]]<ref name="BethlehemTwinning">{{cite web |url=http://www.bethlehem-city.org/Twining.php |title=::Bethlehem Municipality:: |publisher=www.bethlehem-city.org |access-date=2009-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724140854/http://www.bethlehem-city.org/Twining.php |archive-date=2010-07-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|ARG}} [[Córdoba, Argentina|Córdoba]], [[Argentina]]
*{{flagicon|Rio Grande do Sul}} {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Porto Alegre]], Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
*{{flagicon|Rio de Janeiro}} {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Rio de Janeiro]], Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
*{{flagicon|Bahia}} {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Salvador, Bahia|Salvador]], Bahia, Brazil
*{{flagicon|Ceará}} {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Fortaleza]], Ceará, Brazil
*{{flagicon|ISR}} [[Eilat]], Israel

== See also ==
* [[André de Albuquerque Square]]
* [[List of theatres in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte|List of theatres in Natal]]
* [[City Council of Natal]]
* [[History of Rio Grande do Norte]]
* [[Historic Center of Natal]]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{Div col}}
{{Refbegin}}
Araújo Ferreira, A. L., & Dantas, G. A. F. (2001). ''Os “indesejáveis” na cidade: As representações do retirante da seca (Natal, 1890-1930)''. '''''Scripta Nova: Revista Electrónica de Geografía y Ciencias Sociales'''''.

Emerenciano, J. G. D. (2007). ''Natal não-há-tal: Aspectos da história da cidade do Natal''. Municipal Secretary of Environment and Urban Planning.

Evangelista, J. E., & Macêdo Ribeiro, G. C. de. (2013). ''Eleições democráticas e transformismo político: Poder e dominação política no Rio Grande do Norte''. '''''Raízes: Revista de Ciências Sociais e Econômicas''''', 33(1), 85–104.

Hora, C. E. P. da, et al. (2008). ''Natal: História, cultura e turismo'' (200 pp.). Municipal Secretary for the Environment and Urban Planning.

Lopes Neto, M. (2020). ''A percepção da satisfação do cliente e suas implicações no setor hoteleiro: Uma análise em hotéis de luxo da Via Costeira de Natal/RN'' (Master’s thesis, Potiguar University).

Maciel, A. B. C., & Lima, Z. M. C. (2014). ''Uso e ocupação de Ponta Negra, Natal/RN: Uma análise multitemporal''. '''''Sociedade e Território''''', 26(2), 127–147.

Moura Filha, M. B. (2010). ''De Filipéia à Paraíba: Uma cidade na estratégia de colonização do Brasil: Séculos XVI–XVIII'' (483 pp.). [[National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage]].

Paula, T. do N. T. de. (2019). ''A freguesia da cidade do Natal: Um território eclesiástico na América portuguesa''. '''''Vozes, Pretérito & Devir''''', 9(1), 106–124.

Pinheiro, C. S. R., & Pinheiro, F. S. R. (2017). ''Dos bondes ao hippie drive-in: Fragmentos do cotidiano da cidade do Natal''. UFRN.

Peixoto, C. (2003). '''''A história de Parnamirim''''' (222 pp.). Communication Publishing.

Ribeiro, I. P. Z. (2007). ''Lugares da cidade: Os espaços de cultura e lazer em Natal nos anos 1960, as praças de cultura''. In '''''Anais do XXIV Simpósio Nacional de História'''''. Oikos Publishing.

Silva, J. W. S. da. (2020). ''O Marco de Touros: Um símbolo da religiosidade popular''. In W. D. Guilherme (Ed.), '''''História: Sujeitos, teorias e temporalidades''''' (pp. 126–139). Atena.

Silva, K. M. da. (2007). ''O processo de urbanização turística em Natal: A perspectiva do residente'' (Master’s thesis, UFRN).

Taveira, M. da S. (2016). ''Repercussões das políticas de turismo no Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil: O case de São Miguel do Gostoso''. '''''Turismo: Visão e Ação''''', 18(1), 193–217.

Teixeira, P. R. R. (2006). ''Forte dos Reis Magos''. '''''Revista Dacultura''''', 10(6), 47–56.

Trindade, S. L. B. (2010). ''História do Rio Grande do Norte''. Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte.
{{Refend}}
{{Div col end}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|Natal (Brazil)|voy=Natal}}
*{{in lang|en}} [http://mundiallis.com/ Natal Travel Guide]
*{{in lang|pt}} [http://www.natalpraias.com.br/ o Guia de Viagens de Natal]
*{{in lang|pt}} {{Official website|http://www.natal.rn.gov.br}}
*{{in lang|pt}} [http://turismo.natal.rn.gov.br/ Official governmental tourism portal]

{{Brazil topics}}
{{Municipalities of Rio Grande do Norte}}
{{Capitals of Brazilian states}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Natal, Rio Grande Do Norte}}
[[Category:Natal, Rio Grande do Norte| ]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1599]]
[[Category:Municipalities in Rio Grande do Norte]]
[[Category:State capitals in Brazil]]