History and heritage
The name of Aracati comes from the Tupi Guarani,
language spoken by the Brazilian Amerindians: Aracatu = ARA (time, light,
clarity) and CATU (good), ie favourable climates, fragrant breeze or wind
that feels good. Its original name was Cruz das Almas, Santa Cruz de Aracati
and, since 1842, Aracati.
Aracati owns an important architectural heritage: several buildings of
the 18th century, residences that retain their facade decorated with blue
and white tiles (azulejos) in the old “Rua Cel Alexanzito” (Rua Grande) are a legacy of the colonial times.
In April 2000,
the city has been declared national heritage by the IPHAN (National Historical
and Anthropological Heritage Institute).
Among the most interesting monuments of Aracati are: the church “Nosso Senhor do Bonfim”, the church “Dos
Prazeres” (1854), the church “Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos”, “the
Casa da Câmara” (Municipal House – Picture on
top of page), the Municipal Library (Biblioteca Municipal) and the church "Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Brancos" (Photo below) located at the Matriz Square. The Institute of the “Museu do Jaguaribano” in the Rua Grande is also worth a detour.
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Interests
Do not miss the daily open market (morning) that occupies the streets
closed to the public market hall: stalls offer a wide variety of goods
such as fruits and vegetables, spices, meat and fishes but also clothing,
shoes and much more...
The name of the river Jaguaribe (Jaguar-y-pe) that crosses the city comes
from the Tupi-Guarani language and means River of the Panthers. The Jaguaribe
holds pleasant surprises for eco-tourism lovers, a branch of tourism in
constant development.
But, undoubtedly, the beaches of the municipality are the main attraction
of Aracati: Canoa Quebrada (the best known), Majorlândia, Quixaba,
Retirinho, Fontainha and Lagoa do Mato.
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Carnival
Aracati organizes the biggest and busiest Carnival of the Ceará state.
During the 5 days of music and animation, it is not less than 350,000
people who come to enjoy this unique festival.
Events
- Festa do Senhor do Bonfim (Jan 1st)
- Festa
de São Sebastião (January)
- Festival Folclórico-cultural
do Baixo-Jaguaribe (January)
- Carnaval d’Aracati (February)
- Canoarte
(July)
- Fête de la ville (July 25th)
- Régate de
Jangadas de Majorlândia (October).
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 Location of Aracati
(Google Map):
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