Fortaleza - Ceará's Capital
Country traditions and a modern lifestyle

Ceará's architecture is firmly rooted in the old country and was clearly influenced by 19th century styles. This is in evident not only in the coastal areas, but alson in the countryside. Examples are to be found everywhere; in the farms, the ranch houses, small sugar mills, old public buildings, small rural chapels, city churches, market places and mansions. A side from this poignant material testimony, Ceará has modern and efficient service industries and hotels. There is also and extensive range of restaurants, tastefully appointed and pleasantly located. They offer a wide variety of menus that include international food and local regional cuisine.
          The shoreline is beautiful. Praia do Futuro, with the simplicity of its refreshments stands close to water line, offers delicious snacks spiced with the exotic flavors of its seafood dishes and the refreshing coconut milk.
          Over 1,000 shops sell Ceará's handicrafts and a great number of them are located in the Tourist Center - an old prison building -, along one kilometer on both sides of  Monsenhor Tabosa Avenue, in the Central Market in numerous open-air markets.
          True Ceará cuisine is a combination of its agricultural products and the fruits of its offshore waters. The result is a refreshing and exciting taste pleasing even the most demanding of palates. Among the many delicacies of the sea are succulent lobsters, fish stews, shrimp ragouts, shrimp cooked in garlic and oil, dressed crab, deep fried crab claws and stuffed crab.

Handicraft

          Ceará produces the richest and most varied of Brazilian handicrafts. The beauty, imagination and manual talent of the local artisans transform exciting raw materials into objects eagerly accepted by the consumer market. Among the many types of handicraft, embroidery, lace, labyrinth lace, basketry and plaitwork, bamboo and vine hats, baskets, purses, rugs and mats are among the most outstanding. Common ceramic items include pots, jugs, pans, water filters, chests, which are both useful and decorative. Saints, images and ex-votos shape the mystic and religious sentiments of the people. But Ceará has also become the third Brazilian clothing producer and, in addition, is a dynamic and modern industrial and commercial center for leather goods. The state always leaves its distinct mark on all events in this sector and annually promotes important fairs, clothing and accessory exhibitions.

Nature

          Amidst the predominant scenery in Ceará's inland regions, are the green patches of forests covering the mountain ridges and valleys of Ibiapaba, Baturité e Araripe. They are the true oasis of dense and exuberant vegetation, with a healthy climate and rich and varied fauna inhabiting fertile lands. It is almost as if Nature is putting on a continual show. On the hillsides there are vast coffee plantations, truck farms and orchards, all supplying the state's needs.
          Ibiapaba's plateau, or Serra Grande as it is also known, extends along the entire Western border of State and reaches an altitude of 900 meters. The area offers a varied choice of nooks and crannies of primitive and peaceful beauty. Bica do Ipu, Cachoeira do Boi Morto and others offers hours of rest and relaxation among the murmur of cascades and the green of the forest.