The history of Pipa goes back to the time of the discovery of Brazil by the Portuguese, when the earliest maps of the coastline were drawn. In the first charts of the “Capitancy of Rio Grande” Pipa appears under the name Orotapiry, which in the native Indian tongue means “White man’s village”.
Later, in 1626, it reappears under the name Itacoatiara which signifies “the painted cliff”. Later still it appears under the title “Ponta do Cabo Verde” (Green Headland), culminating with the name in use today, “Praia da Pipa” (Pipa Beach).
The name Pipa (= barrel) possibly refers to the similarity between the Pedra do Moleque (street urchin’s rock) and a large barrel of wine or salt beef. This strange sandstone pillar, situated under the cliffs of the Chapadao, was probably used as reference point by the mariners of yore.


The population and traditions of Pipa spring from this ethnic mixture, from the Indian tribes which used to inhabit the region, the Portuguese colonists and the African slaves, not forgetting the dutch merchants who invaded the Northeast of Brazil and settled briefly in this area. Remnants of the diverse cultural traditions are being revived by historians and older citizens: popular dances and dramas known as Boi de Reis, Zambe, Coco de Roda, the Batucadas, Dramas and Lapinhas.
Since its “rediscovery” 20 years ago, Pipa has attracted a colorful population of nature-lovers, surfers, artisans, restaurateurs, bons vivants and idealists who have put down roots here, captivated by the beachs, dunes, cliffs, Atlantic forest, dolphins and turtles.
Nowadays, Pipa boasts an excellent infrastructure for tourism, including a wealth of hotels, restaurant, shops and nightclubs. It is considered one of the most important seaside resorts in the Northeast, attracting people from all over the world who come in search of ecological paradise.