Located in the Northeastern area of Brazil, Fortaleza is the fifth largest city in Brazil. It is the future home of the 2014 FIFA world cup. It is also the home to the statue of Iracema, Mucuripe Beach, and the Lighthouse Museum.
History
Fortaleza was discovered in 1500 by a Spanish explorer, Vicente Pizon. He named the area Santa Maria de la Consolacion. Unfortunately due to the treaty of Tordesillas, the Spanish were not able to colonize the area. The Portuguese began colonizing the area in 1603. The Dutch tried to take over for awhile but the Portuguese managed to expel them. By 1800 the area was considered an urban center with Fortaleza as its capital. The city has continued to grow throughout the centuries since.
Dance
Many different forms of dance have originated in Fortaleza. Bumba-meu-boi or oi Ceara are songs and dances of Portuguese roots that are part of a religious cult to the ox. Tore is a dance originated by the tremembes. Voileiros, emboladores and cantadores are very popular types of music in the North and known for the social criticism. Maracatu is a dance celebrated during the Carnivals of the Baque Virado or Nacao lines. Danca do coco is an Afro-Brazilian dance very popular on the beaches. View full article »
