Jericoacoara history

History and Origins of the Settlement

Jericoacoara, affectionately called "Jeri" by locals and tourists, possesses a history distinct from the major colonial centres of Brazil. This place developed not by royal decree, but as a natural refuge, gradually transforming from a humble fishing village into a major tourist destination.

Foundation and Etymology

Jericoacoara has no precise founding date. For a long time, it was a small settlement lost amidst the dunes of the state of Ceará. There are several versions regarding the origin of the name, the most popular of which traces back to the Tupi-Guarani indigenous language:

• A combination of the words "yuruco" (hole) and "cuara" (turtle), which can be translated as "turtle hole," as sea turtles frequently laid their eggs on the local beaches.
• According to another version, the name is related to the shape of the dunes, resembling a lying alligator ("jacarequara").

Key Development Factors

The development of the settlement was defined by its unique geographical position, which served as a natural barrier for centuries:

• Geographic Isolation: Vast sand dunes separated the village from the rest of the world. For a long time, it was only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles or on foot, which preserved the traditional way of life.
• Opening to the World: A turning point in Jeri's history was the year 1994, when The Washington Post included the local beach in its list of the ten most beautiful in the world. This event instantly attracted the attention of travellers and changed the region's destiny.

Early Culture and Economy

Before the tourism boom, Jericoacoara's economy was extremely simple and based on subsistence living. The residents' primary occupation was artisanal fishing. A cultural feature of the region for a long time was the absence of modern amenities: electricity only arrived here in the late 1990s, and street lighting remains limited to this day so as not to outshine the light of the moon and stars. This created a special atmosphere of unity with nature, which the locals strive to preserve today.

Key Events in the History of Jericoacoara

• 1614: A Portuguese expedition led by Jerônimo de Albuquerque reaches the region's coast, marking the beginning of the European presence.
• 19th Century: Jericoacoara is established as a small, isolated settlement of fishermen living off subsistence farming far from civilisation.
• 1984: The area is declared an Environmental Protection Area (APA), which was the first official step towards protecting the unique dune ecosystem.
• 1994: The Washington Post includes the local beach in the top ten in the world, sparking the beginning of an international tourism boom.
• 1998: Electricity is brought to the village via an underground network to preserve the authentic landscape without poles and wires.
• 2002: The territory's status is upgraded to Jericoacoara National Park, ensuring stricter federal protection of natural resources.
• 2017: A municipal tax for sustainable tourism is introduced, with funds directed towards maintaining cleanliness and ecological balance.
• 2017: A regional airport opens in the neighbouring municipality of Cruz, significantly simplifying logistics for travellers.

Development Milestones: From Fishing Village to World-Class Resort

The transformation of Jericoacoara is a unique example of how a remote settlement adapted to global demand, balancing between progress and nature conservation. Here are the key stages that formed the resort's modern appearance:

• The Era of the "Isolated Paradise" (pre-1980s)

  For a long time, the settlement's economy was based exclusively on artisanal fishing and barter trade. The lack of roads and infrastructure preserved the way of life. Significance: This period formed the place's cultural code—a relaxed atmosphere and a close connection with the ocean, which is Jeri's main brand today.

• Media Breakthrough (1994)

  After the local beach was included in global media rankings, a stream of foreign tourists flooded into the village. Significance: This event launched the region's economic restructuring. Locals began to shift from fishing to the service sector, opening the first family guesthouses and restaurants.

• "Invisible" Electrification (1998)

  Installing electricity was a complex engineering task: the network was laid underground to avoid installing poles. Street lighting was intentionally kept dim. Significance: This allowed for the introduction of comfort (air conditioning, hot water) without damaging visual aesthetics, preserving Jericoacoara's famous starry sky.

• Federal Territory Protection (2002)

  The creation of the National Park imposed a strict ban on expanding development boundaries. Significance: Urban planning restrictions prevented the cosy village from turning into a metropolis with high-rises. This created a scarcity of land, making real estate and holidays here more exclusive.

• Logistics Revolution (2017)

  The opening of its own airport for commercial flights. Significance: A radical change in the tourist profile. While the resort was previously the domain of young adventurers and windsurfers ready for a long bumpy ride in jeeps, Jericoacoara has now become accessible for family holidays and the premium segment.

• Introduction of the Tourist Tax (2017)

  Authorities introduced a tax on sustainable tourism (Taxa de Turismo Sustentável). Significance: An economic instrument allowing the municipality to cope with the increased load on infrastructure and finance waste collection and ecological preservation amidst mass tourism.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Unlike the major colonial centres of Brazil, in Jericoacoara you will not find Baroque cathedrals or buildings from the Classicism era. The architecture of this place is unique in that it is completely subordinate to the natural landscape. The urban environment of Jeri is a celebration of vernacular (folk) architecture, seamlessly flowing into modern tropical eco-design.

Urban Planning Features

The appearance of the settlement is strictly regulated by National Park rules. Urban planning here is aimed at preserving the atmosphere of an isolated village, despite the resort's popularity:

• Sandy Streets: This is the main architectural feature. Laying asphalt or paving stones is legally prohibited here. The sand on the streets preserves natural drainage and supports a special "relaxed" rhythm of life, where footwear is often unnecessary.
• Height Restrictions: To preserve the horizon line and the view of the dunes, the construction of multi-storey buildings is prohibited. Most structures are single or double-storey.
• Integration with Nature: Buildings are often constructed around existing coconut palms and cashew trees, rather than replacing them.

Styles and Eras

Jericoacoara's architectural history can be roughly divided into two periods, each corresponding to its own style:

• Fishing Community Period (pre-1990s) — Traditional Style
  Historical development characteristic of simple fishermen. Houses were built from available materials: clay, wood, and carnauba palm straw. This style is distinguished by maximum simplicity, functionality, and the use of the taipa (wattle and daub) technique.
• Tourism Boom Period (post-2000s) — Rustic Chic
  The modern style dominating hotels and restaurants. This is a stylisation of antiquity using expensive natural materials. Characteristic features: raw stone, solid wood, polished cement, thatched roofs, open verandas without glazing, and the use of driftwood in decor.

Landmark Structures and Streets

There are no monumental monuments in Jericoacoara, but there are objects that form the village's recognisable appearance:

• Church of Nossa Senhora de Fátima (Igreja Nossa Senhora de Fátima): A small temple built entirely of stone. This is a vivid example of how religious architecture adapted to local conditions, resembling a miniature fortress rather than a classical church.
• Rua Principal and Rua do Forró: The central sandy streets where the concentration of "Rustic Chic" style is at its maximum. Here you can see the best examples of adapting commercial buildings to the tropical climate.

Notable Figures Associated with the Region

Although Jericoacoara remained a secluded fishing village for a long time, its history and formation are linked to the names of great explorers, national heroes of the state of Ceará, and modern athletes who opened this place to the world.

• Jerônimo de Albuquerque Maranhão
  Role: Portuguese commander and explorer (17th century).
  Considered a key figure in the region's early history. In 1614, during an expedition to expel the French from Brazil, he set up camp and built temporary fortifications in the area of modern-day Jericoacoara. This event became one of the first documentary mentions of this locality on maps.
• Pero Coelho de Sousa
  Role: Pioneer and coloniser (17th century).
  Led the first overland expedition to Ceará in 1603. His detachments travelled along the coast, exploring dunes and bays. It was thanks to his journeys that the outlines of the coastline, where the village later emerged, were mapped.
• Martim Soares Moreno
  Role: Military figure, "Founder of Ceará" (17th century).
  A historical figure who became the prototype for the main character in the famous novel "Iracema". He played a decisive role in consolidating Portuguese influence on the coast of Ceará, defending territories from European competitors and establishing contact with local tribes.
• Francisco José do Nascimento (Dragão do Mar / Dragon of the Sea)
  Role: Leader of the jangadeiro fishermen and abolitionist (19th century).
  Although born in a neighbouring region, Dragão do Mar is the main symbol of the jangadeiro culture (fishermen on sailing rafts), which forms the basis of Jericoacoara's identity. His fight for fishermen's rights and the abolition of slavery formed the spirit of freedom inherent to the entire coast of Ceará.
• Kauli Seadi
  Role: Three-time windsurfing world champion (Modern Era).
  One of Brazil's most famous athletes, who made a huge contribution to popularising Jericoacoara as a global hub for water sports. By choosing this place for training and business, he attracted the international community's attention to the resort's unique wind conditions.