The best shopping in São Luís is in the historic centre, particularly in the Casa das Tulhas market and the shops along Rua de Nazaré and Rua Portugal. Maranhão has a distinctive craft tradition — ceramics, woven baskets, lacework, and the elaborate costumes associated with the Bumba Meu Boi festival. These make much better souvenirs than the generic Brazilian tchotchkes you'll find in tourist shops.