15 Years Celebrating Culture, Tradition, and Economy of the Ceará Coast
Fortaleza was once again the stage for one of the largest and most important cultural celebrations in Ceará: the Sesc Povos do Mar Meeting – 15 years, held between August 7 and 11, 2025. Promoted by the Fecomércio Ceará System, through Sesc, the event brought together more than 200 traditional communities from the coast of Ceará, involving fishermen, artisans, lace makers, masters of popular culture, indigenous people, quilombolas, and jangadeiros who represent the rich diversity and ancestry of this coastal region.
This gathering is not just a celebration, but a space for cultural resistance, exchange of knowledge, and strengthening of local identities that have been built and preserved for generations. In addition, it is a fundamental driver for the creative and tourism economy of the city of Fortaleza and the coastal municipalities of Ceará.
Coastal Culture in the Spotlight: A Full Celebration on the Fortaleza Waterfront
The occupation of Avenida Beira-Mar with the Sesc Povos do Mar (Sesc Peoples of the Sea) program brought a new rhythm to the heart of the capital of Ceará. For five days, the streets along the coast were transformed into a veritable cultural melting pot, where visitors could immerse themselves in the most diverse cultural manifestations of the coast.
From traditional lace and embroidery workshops to Iguape coconut circles, the morning activities also took place at the Sesc Iparana Hotel Ecológico, offering experiences that connected residents and tourists to ancestral practices. Handicrafts were highlighted with more than 80 exhibitors presenting handmade pieces, revealing techniques passed down from generation to generation, made with care and a strong local identity.
The event also focused on typical cuisine, through the DiCumê – Socialization of Food Practices space, where traditional cooks and masters of regional cuisine shared recipes that delight the palate and carry the history of the people of Ceará. The preparation of tapioca in a stone oven, for example, brought a flavor and aroma that cannot be found anywhere else, but which awaken deep emotional and cultural memories.
Aquavelas: The Sea as a Canvas for Art and Tradition
One of the most eagerly awaited moments of the event was the Aquavelas artistic regatta, a parade of rafts with sails decorated by around 15 artists from Ceará. There were 81 hand-painted sails, sailing from Enseada do Mucuripe to the Fish Market, creating a visual spectacle that is both a tribute to maritime traditions and an exaltation of local contemporary art.
This initiative reinforces the connection between the coastal people and the sea and demonstrates how art can be a bridge between the past and the present, bringing new perspectives and valuing popular culture. The regatta also gained wide repercussions and helps to strengthen cultural tourism, attracting visitors interested not only in the beaches but also in the cultural richness that the region has to offer.
Music and Entertainment: Rhythms that Liven Up the Seaside
The musical program of the Sesc Povos do Mar Meeting also made history. Among the free concerts, the forró band Lagosta Bronzeada rocked Saturday night (9) with its contagious beats and lyrics that speak directly to the heart of Ceará. On Sunday, singer Marcos Lessa brought an engaging repertoire, closing the meeting with an atmosphere of celebration and belonging.
These attractions reinforce the importance of music as an integrating element of communities, a central element for maintaining traditions and generating income through cultural performances and events.
Numbers that reveal the magnitude of the event
Although detailed official data for the 2025 edition is not yet fully available, it is possible to highlight important figures based on previous editions and confirmed information:
- More than 200 traditional communities participated in this edition, representing the diversity of the Ceará coastline;
- About 81 sails participated in the Aquavelas regatta, painted by 15 artists;
- The craft fair had more than 80 exhibitors, many of them local artisans who found in the event an opportunity to sell their pieces;
- In similar events held previously, the total audience exceeded 28,000 visitors;
- It is estimated that the investment for organizing the event was between R$ 500,000 and R$ 1 million, considering infrastructure, logistics, artists’ fees, workshop materials, publicity, and other costs.
These figures show not only the cultural impact but also the economic dimension of the event for Fortaleza and the coast of Ceará.
Economic Impact: Strengthening the Creative Economy and Local Tourism
The Sesc Povos do Mar Meeting has direct and indirect effects on the local economy. The craft fair and typical cuisine attract vendors, cooks, and artisans who make their living from these activities. For many of these professionals, the event is an important source of income and visibility, opening doors to new business and partnerships.
In addition, the program attracts tourists interested in experiencing the local culture, stimulating cultural tourism and consumption in various sectors, such as hotels, food, transportation, and local commerce. Thus, the event contributes to the creation of temporary and permanent jobs, promoting the sustainable economic development of the region.
Another important aspect is the appreciation of traditional practices and ancestral knowledge, which fosters community tourism and interest in authentic experiences, something increasingly sought after by foreign and Brazilian tourists.
A Space for Resistance, Exchange, and Community Strengthening
More than just a festive event, the Sesc Povos do Mar Meeting is a space for dialogue, learning, and cultural resistance. Traditional communities on the coast of Ceará have a unique opportunity at this meeting to reaffirm their identity, exchange knowledge and experiences, and strengthen their networks of coexistence and work.
Indigenous representatives, quilombolas, jangadeiros, fishermen, and masters of popular arts work together to keep traditions alive and ensure that new generations remain connected to their roots. This union strengthens the pluralistic “cearensidade,” which recognizes and celebrates the cultural diversity of the state.
The Legacy and Challenges for the Future
Since its creation in 2010, the Sesc Povos do Mar Meeting has grown in size and importance, becoming a national reference in the appreciation of traditional cultures. Upon completing 15 years, the event reaffirms its commitment to the preservation of ancestral knowledge and the sustainable development of coastal communities.
On the other hand, challenges remain, such as the need to expand the reach of public policies that support these communities, strengthen the local creative economy, and ensure the environmental sustainability of the coast. The event serves as a catalyst for these discussions and mobilizations, involving public managers, the private sector, and civil society.
Fortaleza and the Ceará Coast: A Living Territory of Culture and Opportunities
For residents of Fortaleza and tourists visiting the state, the Sesc Povos do Mar Meeting is an invitation to discover a Ceará that goes beyond beaches and natural landscapes — a Ceará made up of stories, art, music, and collective work. The program shows that culture is alive and that the coast is a territory rich in opportunities and traditions.
For entrepreneurs and those interested in business in the region, the event highlights the potential of the creative economy and cultural tourism. Investing in support for these communities and in projects that value intangible heritage can be a sustainable and profitable strategy that promotes regional development and strengthens local identity.
Conclusion
The Sesc Povos do Mar 2025 Meeting is not just a party or a cultural exhibition — it is a moment to reaffirm roots, exchange between generations, and generate economic and social opportunities for the coast of Ceará. By promoting art, gastronomy, music, and traditional knowledge, the event creates a link between the past, present, and future, becoming one of the main symbols of cultural identity and sustainable development in the region.
Whether for local residents, tourists, artists, or entrepreneurs, the gathering is a clear demonstration of how powerful culture can be in strengthening communities and transforming realities. Fortaleza and the coast of Ceará have much to celebrate — and the SESC Peoples of the Sea Gathering is living proof of that.
