Report: Maiva D’Auria / COP30 Brasil

Narration: Bárbara Bezerra                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Voice-over: Paula Godoy

Reporter: As the host of COP30 and the gateway to Amazônia, the capital of Pará carries in every corner a history of resistance, diversity, and cultural richness. Though it is a modern urban center with nearly 1.4 million inhabitants, Belém preserves the traditional charm of colonial-era mansions, squares, churches, and chapels. A metropolis vibrant with culture, innovation, tradition, and beauty. Amid the rhythm of carimbó, the taste of açaí, the warmth of paradisiacal beaches, and the joy of a charismatic and welcoming people, Brasil is preparing to show the world that development, environmental preservation, and social justice not only can coexist but must go hand in hand.

As the world’s largest climate conference draws near, this special series offers a glimpse into what makes Belém a postcard-worthy symbol of Northern Brasil. It is an invitation to discover—and be captivated by—the capital of Amazônia, which is preparing to welcome the world.

Belém is home to one of Brasil’s oldest markets and the largest open-air market in Latin America: the iconic Ver-o-Peso Market, inaugurated in 1625. A true epicenter of Pará cuisine, bursting with traditional aromas, colors, and flavors.

At Ver-o-Peso, the stalls display fresh fish and shrimp, a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, flours and spices of every kind, natural remedies, herbs, folk cures, and countless other items found only in this unique market. Amid this vibrant bustle, Ulisses Silva runs his stall serving açaí with fried fish—one of the most traditional dishes sold at the site.

The vendor grew up in Ver-o-Peso Market, where he began working at his mother’s stall. Over time, he carved out a space of his own. He wants to see the world discover and appreciate the rich culinary tradition of Northern Brasil.

Ulisses: "I think most people will want to try it, and they will find it a bit unusual—they will think that, because we find it delicious, in this case—açaí with fish. So, our big challenge, joyfully, will be getting them to taste our fish. To present our food, our cuisine, which is fish like dourado, filhote, and pirarucu, which will be the most served.

Reporter: Pirarucu, mentioned by Ulisses, is one of the largest freshwater fish species in the world. Another traditional dish from Pará is tacacá—a soup of Indigenous origin made with tucupi - a broth extracted from manioc. The recipe also includes shrimp, tapioca, and jambu, a plant commonly found in Northern Brasil that causes a mild numbing and tingling sensation in the mouth and tongue. Or, as locals say, it makes you 'tremble' and salivate.

There is also the irresistible pato no tucupi—duck meat simmered in tucupi broth with jambu and aromatic herbs—and maniçoba, a dish made from the leaves of wild manioc (maniva), which are cooked for several days to eliminate cyanic acid, a toxic compound. After this long preparation, the maniva is combined with pork, cured beef, sausage, and seasonings.

And it does not stop there: For dessert, tapioca pudding, Brasil nut bonbons, ice cream made from endemic regional fruits, and cupuaçu sweets made from a large, oval fruit with creamy white pulp.

Just a few steps from Ver-o-Peso lies Estação das Docas, a charming culinary complex that is truly an invitation to sit back, savor the region’s delights, and enjoy a breathtaking sunset along the shores of Guajará Bay.