The
most famous beach of Fortaleza carries the name of a beautiful
indian woman named Iracema, a mythical character created by
the great writer José de Alencar. She suffered the misfortunes
of an impossible love in the midst of the country's conquest.
This beautiful romance is linked to the narration of O Guaraní,
one of the most important works in Brazilian literature. This
romance was immortalized by the opera of the distinguished composer
Carlos Gomes and left a powerful legacy of literary influence
on generations of Brazilian novelists.
The essay
writer was born and lived In this resort-city and his remembrance
is a reason of pride for all its inhabitants. The main square
and the magnificent Theater in Noveau Art of Fortaleza carry
his name and his prose lives in the songs of the traveling singers
that gather to amuse the crowd. The rich folklore of this corner
of the country may be appreciated in its handcrafts which, joining
the night fairs and public markets offer objects ranging from
leather, ceramics, chestnut marmalade, caju, cheese and colorful
bottles to the characteristic hand made embroideries. The tourist
must visit the Museo de Arte y Cultura Popular located in an
old public jail which tells some of the northwest's main history,
as well as its struggle to dominate this region.
The Dutch
traveled around this area in the XVIIth century, as well as
in Pernambuco. They left the Nuestra Señora da Assunção
Fort as a witness of their presence (1649). The first urban
center was built around this white fortress and the explosive
growth of this city continues to this very day. The city's huge
and elegant residential neighborhoods are spread out along 25
km of shore, transforming the "North Little Princess"
in one of the favorite destinations for Brazilians to enjoy
their vacations here.
The tourist
will find beach after beach in this area and sunshine all year
round. These are some of the letters of recommendation for the
capital of the state of Ceará, which practically lives
off of the sea. Some say the best lobster in Brazil is served
here and it may be true. Countless restaurants, huts and bars
on the beaches of Iracema, Meireles and Mucuripe offer crustaceans
with spicy sauces and delicious caipiriñas.
