Juazeiro do Norte is a city in the state of Ceará state in northeastern Brazil. It is located 528 km south of the state capital Fortaleza in the arid sertão. The municipality has a population of 246.515 (2008 official estimate) and covers 248 km². Juazeiro do Norte is best-known as the base of the charismatic priest and politician Padre Cícero (Cícero Romão Batista) (1844-1934). A pilgrimage in his honour takes place every November, attracting thousands of followers. The city is served by Orlando Bezerra de Menezes Airport