Stories by the fire: An unforgettable luau at Prainha do Canto Verde
Gastronomy, ciranda dance, and a conversation circle on a magical seaside night on the coast of Beberibe
Ceará is one of those destinations that makes you sigh just by hearing the name. With its ever-blue sky, golden dunes, welcoming villages, and a sea of an almost unbelievable green, the state holds some of Brazil’s most fascinating landscapes. But beyond the popular beaches and iconic postcards, the coast of Ceará also reveals hidden paradises where time seems to pass differently, with a calm that embraces and enchants.
One of these hidden gems is Beberibe, a municipality surrounded by colorful cliffs and peaceful beaches, located just over 1h30 by car from Fortaleza. There, almost like a well-kept secret among dunes, lagoons, and coconut groves, lies Prainha do Canto Verde. The natural beauty is striking, but what truly leaves a mark on visitors is the strength and charisma of its community. About 1,300 people live there and have been fighting since the 1970s to preserve their land, culture, and way of life.
Prainha is part of the Rede Tucum, an initiative by traditional coastal communities in the state of Ceará that develop community-based tourism. And the best way to experience the spirit of resistance and hospitality of the Prainha community is through the Luau and Conversation Circle. The experience begins at sunset and ends with you dancing ciranda on the sand, listening to fishermen’s stories, and tasting fish with tapioca that is pure poetry. Ready for this journey?
TRADITION, FLAVOR, AND WARMTH
The experience begins in the late afternoon, departing from Fortaleza and driving to Beberibe for about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Arrival at the community is around 5 p.m., and the reception immediately sets the tone: affection, easy smiles, and a breeze that mixes sea and bonfire. The experience is entirely organized by the residents themselves and lasts about 3 hours — enough time to calmly immerse yourself in the local culture.
The setting is the beach itself, with the sound of the waves accompanying the start of the conversation circle. Sitting around the fire, you’ll hear moving stories about the history of the community, their struggle for land, ancestral knowledge, and memories passed down through generations. It’s a moment of genuine exchange, where each story told seems to ignite another spark of connection.
Meanwhile, the fish with tapioca begins to be prepared — a typical dish made with fresh ingredients and lots of love. Dinner is shared under the moonlight, creating that special feeling of togetherness that only good food and good company can provide.
With the moon already high, someone picks up a zabumba, another a triangle, and suddenly you’re in the middle of a ciranda circle. There’s no audience — everyone dances, even those who “don’t know how.” The steps are easy, and within minutes you’ll be spinning on the sand, laughing and enjoying the moment while voices sing.
At the end of the night, your guide will take you back to Fortaleza, where you can rest and get ready to enjoy all the city has to offer in the following days of your trip.
IN BODY AND MEMORY FOREVER
Spending a night in the Extractive Reserve of Prainha do Canto Verde is much more than an outing. It’s a celebration of a people’s resistance, the beauty of connection, and tourism done with integrity. Everything is carefully organized, and for this reason, the experience requires advance booking to ensure that you are welcomed with attention and respect, in a truly special encounter.
In addition to the evening experience, the community also offers other attractions, such as cart rides, regional trails, sea turtle hatching observation (between November and January), and cultural celebrations like the traditional Queimação de Judas during Holy Week. It’s worth setting aside at least one day of your trip to experience everything Prainha has to offer!
STAY TUNED!
To ensure the best experience, wear light clothing, flip-flops or sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, and bring a canga or mat to enjoy the night comfortably by the fire.
Prainha do Canto Verde is more than a destination. It’s an embrace. And this luau is the best way to feel what community-based tourism means: when traveling stops being about consuming landscapes and becomes about celebrating people. If you’re looking for an experience that blends nature, affection, history, and true flavors, this is a real gift. And best of all: made by those who love and care for this little piece of paradise!
HOW TO GET THERE
Fortaleza International Airport – Pinto Martins