Fortaleza is mostly about beaches. Temperatures range from 23-31 C with rare exceptions. July - November has virtually no rain. February - May can have its share, but mostly at night. The city has been invaded by Europeans over the past decade and prostitution is rife in tourist areas. Fairly safe for a Brazilian city this size (about 2,5 million), but don't wander too far from Beira Mar, especially not after dark. Although quite a party town, Fortaleza itself hibernates during carnival, when any party-animal who can afford to goes to some outlying beach.
The author José de Alencar is so important for the identity of the city of Fortaleza (and also the state), that its inhabitants are known as Alencarinos. He eagerly discussed the origins of the people, languages and geographical names of the region. Most important in this context is the novel Iracema, with its renowned main character lending her name to several neighbourhoods and inspiring statues around town.
In Brazil, Fortaleza is also known for its crop of comedians, and the forró music and dance, all gaining popularity countrywide.
Eat
Thursday is crab day in Fortaleza, especially in the many shacks at Praia do Futuro.
Three options for a rodizio (grilled meats en masse):
The state of Ceará is renowned for it's seafood. Near the fish market are several restaurants:
If you are a bit more courageous, buy your shrimp, lobster, squid, whatever straight from the stalls, and one of the nearby shacks to fry it for you. One kilo of mid-sized shrimps about R$ 15, R$ 3 for frying, the plenty of beers!
There is bad, watery, plastic flavoured ice cream galore in Fortaleza, as elsewhere in Brazil. Try these for the real stuff:
