The story of Canoa begins in 1650, when the Portuguese captain Francisco Soares da Cunha with his boat ran aground on the beach in front of the Ponta Grossa, in the region of Icapuí, while he was on the way to map the region of Aracati. The captain and his crew then drove the boat up to Canoa in search of someone who could repair. Since then remained a fishing village until the 60th, when it was discovered by groups of passengers who, with their backpacks, they settled in Canoa in search of adventure and tranquility. In those days there were no facilities for tourists nor restaurants, and it was the untouched nature that attracted tourists. The only place to sleep was the home of Mr. Adolphus, who offered hospitality and food to visitors. The magic of the place then began to attract artists and tourtists from all parts of Brazil and the world. Those who survived moved beyond fishing, crafts or music and there are also artists and local painters, as Niciano and Pontola, two natives, who painted the natural beauty of the place. Canoa was the muse of inspiration that received and attracted many foreign craftsmen, who were bewitched by the magic of the region and decided to move there, build their own houses and raise a family.

Today you can find various types of working handcraft, work with resin, leather, wire, the coconut, but the majority is concentrated in the processing of silver. It is worth mentioning two masters of this art, Jose and Beto, from which many factories have left professionals. Today this art is threatened by wild commerce, which dangerously lower prices.
Currently there are fifty families in the neighborhood "Vila do Estevao" who still live exclusively on fish, the fishermen's wives, as well as care of the family, contributing to the budget process and sell hand made lace. Unfortunately this ancient art is slowly disappearing for this association has been established to safeguard it.

 

Origin of the symbol

The true story of the symbol of Moon-Star tell that Maria de Fátima Freire da Silva took a couple of passengers from Pakistan to spend their holidays in Canoa Quebrada.
At that time, in the mid-eighties, the beach of Canoa was offering a lot of freedom, the natives and residents have always been extremely hospitable, and the harmony between peace, serenity and nature was very high.

In Canoa there was an atmosphere unusually magical, especially after the passage of Comet Halley. The couple went to a craftsman who carved turtle shells and ox horn, the master sculptor Eliziário Chico. The husband then drew a moon with a star that was later carved bone turtle, and gave it to his wife. The Master then thought that this would be the perfect symbol for Canoa Quebrada, even because the moon-star is also a nomadic symbol, perfect to tribute the people of travelers who annually visit Canoa.