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Fortaleza is one of the most important centers for crafts—especially bobbin lace—in the Northeast. Shops sell a good variety of handicrafts, and others have clothing, shoes, and jewelry along Avenida Monsenhor Tabosa in Praia de Iracema. Shopping centers both large and small house branches of the best Brazilian stores.
Markets and fairs are the best places to look for lacework, embroidery, leather goods, hammocks, and carvings.
For lace aficionados, a trip to the town of Aquiraz is a must. Ceará's first capital (1713–99) is today a hub for artisans who create the famous bilro (bobbin) lace. On the beach called Prainha (6½ km [4 miles] east of Aquiraz) is the Centro de Rendeiras Luiza Távora. Here, seated on little stools, dedicated and patient lace makers explain how they create such items as bedspreads and tablecloths using the bilro technique.
First-class artisan work from across the region is featured at this upmarket workshop, where you can often catch the craftspeople at work. Even though the prices for wood, straw, and ceramic work may be steeper than at the Mercardo Central, the high quality more than makes up for this.
More than 600 artisans sell their work at this nightly fair.
