Caetanos de Cima
The land is the greatest patrimony of the people
Caetanos de Cima is a community of hard-working and welcoming people that live in a vast field of dunes and lagoons. Family farming and handcraft fishing are the source of income of these 46-families community, whose level of organization and political and environmental consciousness makes it an example of local development based on sustainability in its different activities.
The relation with the land has revealed to be a strong element of identity for the residents of Caetanos de Cima. Its historic struggle in favor of the right over its territory resulted in a decree stating that the area was to become a settlement for the agrarian reform still in the 80’s, which, unfortunately, did not eliminate the land conflicts that persist until today, currently with new threats such as the implementation of conventional tourism facilities.
Its cultural wealth is marked by elements from the coast, with stories and dramas told by the elderly. The Coconut dance is done by people of all ages again. Actually, to work memories and encourage cultural activities is one of the forms of resistance encountered by the community. In this sense, the “Ponto de Cultura Abrindo Velas Pescando Cultura” is running since 2005, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and counseling from the Terramar Institute. This project strengthens the musical tradition and other artistic expressions already existing in Caetanos de Cima, through the integration with formal school education.
WEST COAST
District of Amontada
170 km from Fortaleza
The relation with the land has revealed to be a strong element of identity for the residents of Caetanos de Cima. Its historic struggle in favor of the right over its territory resulted in a decree stating that the area was to become a settlement for the agrarian reform still in the 80’s, which, unfortunately, did not eliminate the land conflicts that persist until today, currently with new threats such as the implementation of conventional tourism facilities.
Its cultural wealth is marked by elements from the coast, with stories and dramas told by the elderly. The Coconut dance is done by people of all ages again. Actually, to work memories and encourage cultural activities is one of the forms of resistance encountered by the community. In this sense, the “Ponto de Cultura Abrindo Velas Pescando Cultura” is running since 2005, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and counseling from the Terramar Institute. This project strengthens the musical tradition and other artistic expressions already existing in Caetanos de Cima, through the integration with formal school education.
WEST COAST
District of Amontada
170 km from Fortaleza
