Canoa Quebrada

The population of Canoa Quebrada was born out of the smalll town of Esteves.
Its discovery in the 1960´s by a French film crew of the movement “Novelle Vogue” had a significant effect on the Native poplulation. This encounter transformed Canoa into a small town with a global perspective, for now one can hear as many as ten languages spoken here in one day.

There is a local proverb that says that during the day the French work hard, and at night they know how to have fun.

This is believed to be the origin of the Symbol of Canoa, a moon and a star. Another version of the story states that one of the French film crew members was of Morrocan descent and also a Muslim. Feeling remorse for his nightly “partying” wanted to ask forgiveness to Alla. It is believed that he carved the moon and star into the cliffs for this reason.

The town of Canoa aquired fame after “Hippies” began arriving in the 1970´s. They found a nice remote location, beautiful beach, and hospitable locals. The people were predominantly fisherman, and an indigenous tribe who still used the traditional methods of fishing using a Jangada or traditional boat. Many of these “hippies” decided to stay in Canoa and have since married and formed families here. Because of this it is common to find locals who are descendents of Swiss, French, and other Europeans as well as Americans and Canadians.

Canoa Quebrada was also the setting of a 1997 film “Bella Dona” by Bruno Berreto. This helped transform Canoa into one of the premier tourist destinations in Ceara. At night locals and tourist meet on the main street, aptly named “Broadway”, where they dance all night to the sounds of Reggae and Forro.

The region’s climate is less dry semi-arid. The average annual temperature is around 24ºC –
with an average annual high of 32ºC, and a low of 21ºC. The sun is present almost all year long,
with rains only between March and May.

Canoa Quebrada
State: Ceará
Region: Northeast
Population: 65.292 inhabitants (District of Aracati)
AREA CODE: (88)

Aracati City Hall: +55 (88) 3446-2410
Aracati Secretary of Tourism: +55 (88) 3446-2451
Bus Station: +55 (88) 3421-3047
Hospital: +55 (88) 3446-2441
Bank Agencies: Bank of Brasil and CEF.