Foto: GISELLE NUAZ
,, This creates a legacy of community empowerment, proving that Ceará's wind changes lives
The first stop of GKC Velas Trairi begins next week, running from June 21 to 27. Guajiru Kite Center (GKC), located in Guajiru, Trairi (Ceará), is the meeting point for professional and amateur athletes from various parts of the world. During the event, the venue will be the center of attention for sailing sports enthusiasts, reinforcing Ceará’s reputation as the number one destination for kitesurfing and wingfoiling on the planet.
Jailson dreamed of and brought to life Brazil's largest sailing sports event. Photo: Giselle Nuaz
Conceived by Ceará-born kitesurfer Jailson Sena, founder of GKC Watersports, the festival was born from a transformative vision: to establish Trairi as a top global destination for wind sports. "Our mission goes beyond the competitions. The high level of performance on the water connects with entrepreneurship, culture, and sustainability on land. This creates a legacy of community empowerment, proving that Ceará's wind changes lives," Jailson explained.
Eco-barrier installation at the 2025 event. Photo: Tavares Junior
In addition to sports, GKC Velas Trairi pioneers environmental regeneration initiatives. For the 2026 edition, organizers have committed to a strict waste management system featuring selective collection. This initiative aims to strengthen the Sol Nascente Cooperative—formed by local waste pickers in Trairi—thereby generating income and promoting environmental leadership. Furthermore, over 1,000 kg of organic waste will be composted and distributed to local family farming. The event will also feature the installation of eco-barriers to retain solid waste, environmental education through artistic interventions, a Sustainability Forum, and beach clean-ups.
Isabel Lupiañez, founder of Projeto Vivo in Piauí, will bring 14 children who learn kitesurfing with her to Ceará. Photo: Giselle Nuaz
The full schedule for the GKC Velas Trairi Festival is free and open to the public, ensuring democratic access to sports and culture. The organization has also provided approximately 60 free registrations for social projects that encourage kitesurfing, as well as for traditional raft fishermen (jangadeiros) from the Guajiru community and adjacent areas. The Preá event is set for September, and the Paracuru stop takes place in December.
