Guia do Brasil
Pará
The richness of Pará state, in the North Region of Brazil, comes from the earth, nature and the joy of its people. The confluence of the Tapajós and Amazonas rivers symbolises the Pará state’s cultural mosaic, where indigenous roots coexist with its immigrant influences — especially the Portuguese, Spanish and Japanese — without undermining the traditions and beliefs of riparian zone life.
In the capital, Belém, its hybrid architecture combines the Portuguese colonial-style mansions with the post-modernity of the docks. This mixture of history and the contemporary era is seasoned with the exotic flavours and vibrant colours of the open-sky street fairs and markets – namely the famous Ver-o-Peso, one of the greatest symbols of Pará state’s inhabitants.
Sport is also part of the state’s culture. In 2012, Belém hosted the South American Aquatics Championship and in 2002, hosted the South American Games. The city of Ananindeua, in the metropolitan area of the capital of Pará state, is the hometown of athlete Péricles da Silva, Brazilian National Artistic Gymnastics Team gold medallist in the pommel horse event at the 2011 Pan American Games held in Guadalajara.
In Santarém, the Alter do Chão temporary beach is a mandatory stop for international cruise ships that pass through the region. Ilha de Marajó, the world’s largest fluvial island and inland waterway, is famous for its distinct Marajoara crafts and the Buffalo herds that take refuge in its large flooded areas.