Canal do Gentil, em Belém (2025-02-20) by Alessandro Falco/FolhapressFolha de S.Paulo
COP30
The city of Belém, capital of Pará, is preparing to host the 30th United Nations conference on climate change (COP30), which takes place between the 10th and 21st of November of 2025. The week prior, on the 6th and 7th, a meeting of State and Government leaders will take place.
Canal Carapuru, Belém (2025-02-20) by Alessandro Falco/FolhapressFolha de S.Paulo
The main space for official events will be the City Park, which will host pavilions and tents with the most diverse themes. More than 40 thousand visitors are expected, according to estimates by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV).
Mercado Ver-o-Peso, em Belém (2023-05-23) by Lalo de Almeida/FolhapressFolha de S.Paulo
Beauties from the river to the land
Belém is known for its natural beauty, cultural manifestations and rich gastronomy, famous for products such as guaraná, Brazil nut and açaí - the star of the Ver-O-Peso market.
Mercado Ver-o-Peso, em Belém (2023-05-23) by Lalo de Almeida/FolhapressFolha de S.Paulo
Mercado Ver-O-Peso is the largest public market in the Amazon region, and is considered one of the oldest public markets in the country. In addition to açaí, typical fish, medicinal herbs and fruits are some of the traditional items sold there.
Old Town
Right next to it, you can see a series of historic buildings. The market is located in the Cidade Velha (Old City) neighborhood, the birthplace of Belém. There are famous spots such as the Belém Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral da Sé) and the Forte do Presépio, the first construction in the city, from January 1616.
Baía do Guajará, em Belém (2017-07-09) by Luíza Zaidan/FolhapressFolha de S.Paulo
Guajará Bay
On the banks of Cidade Velha it is possible to see the Guajará Bay, formed by the meeting of the waters of the Guamá and Acará rivers, from where it is possible to see some of the beautiful natural landscapes that surround the capital of Pará, such as Ilha do Mosqueiro and Mangal das Garças.
Vila da Barca, em Belém (2004-04-02) by Lalo de Almeida/FolhapressFolha de S.Paulo
Rivers and stilts
The water, however, is also a cause for concern for residents of precarious areas, which make up 57.17% of Belém's inhabitants, according to IBGE. In flooded regions, it is common to see houses built on stilts.
As part of the interventions aimed at the Conference, the city receives drainage and sanitation works, such as widening canals and building collection systems. In total, there are works on 13 channels.
Círio de Nazaré, em Belém (2000-10-08) by Adriana Zehbrauskas/FolhapressFolha de S.Paulo
Cirio of Nazareth
Belém is also known for its cultural and religious traditions. The capital of Pará is home to the Círio de Nazaré, Brazil's largest religious festival.
Círio de Nazaré, em Belém (2002-10-13) by Antônio Gaudério/FolhapressFolha de S.Paulo
Cirio of Nazareth
Every year, millions of worshippers join in a procession that celebrates the figure of Our Lady of Nazareth. The festival is considered a cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Fachada do Teatro da Paz, em Belém (2017-07-10) by Luíza Zaidan/FolhapressFolha de S.Paulo
Theatro da Paz
Another symbol of local culture is the Theatro da Paz, founded on February 15, 1878. With room for 900 people, the space houses frescoes, various works of art and gold decorations.
Mercado Ver-o-Peso, em Belém (2017-07-12) by Luíza Zaidan/FolhapressFolha de S.Paulo
Amazon Metropolis
Between stunning beauty and a vibrant culture, between rivers and stilts, the so-called Amazon Metropolis is a portrait of Brazil and its contrast. Now, Belém is preparing for a new milestone: hosting the largest climate convention in the world.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.