VILA VELHA STATE PARK!

The Park is formed by the Sandstone, Lagoa Dourada and Furnas. It is 18 km from Ponta Grossa. Rains and winds carved the gigantic figures in the sandstone. "Itacueretaba, former name of the place now called Vila Velha, means" extinct city of stones ". This nook was chosen by the primitive inhabitants to be Abaretama, "land of men", where they would hide the precious treasure Itainhareru. Having the protection of Tupã, he was carefully guarded by the apiabas, men chosen among the best men of all tribes. The apiabas enjoyed all the perks, but the contact with the women was forbidden to them. Tradition said that the women, being in possession of the secret of Abaretama, would reveal it to the four winds, and when the news reached the ears of the enemies, they would take the treasure for themselves. If the treasure were lost, Tupan would cease to protect his people and throw the greatest misfortunes upon him. Dhui (Luís), had been chosen supreme chief of the apiabas, however, did not want to follow this destiny, because it was a chunharapixara (womanizer). The rival tribes, knowing the fact, chose the beautiful Aracê Poranga (morning dawn), to try to seduce the young warrior and to take the secret of the treasure to him. The chosen one soon conquered the heart of Dhui. One spring afternoon, Aracê came to meet Dhui bringing a glass of Uirucuri (liqueur of butiás) to soak it. However, love had already taken hold of his heart and failed to complete the betrayal. He then decided to take the drink with his beloved, and they loved each other the shadow of an ipê. Tupan soon discovered the betrayal of his warrior and furiously caused an earthquake on the whole region. The old plain had been transformed into a cluster of gentle hills. Abaretama turned into stone, the soil ripped in a few points, giving rise to the furnas, the precious treasure had been melted forming the Lagoa Dourada. The two lovers became petrified and between the two, the attack was as a symbol of betrayal. Legend has it that the people most sensitive to nature and love, when they pass by, hear the last phrase of Aracê: Xê pocê o quê (I will sleep with you). In this way, it can be said that the Legends and Cultural Manifestations constitute a heritage that must be known, valued and transmitted not only to the local inhabitants, but to all the visitors who come to know the region, to spread the city and increase the local economy.