Ver-O-Peso 397 years: Historical heritage of Brazil, market is the largest open-air fair in Latin America | For

The Ver-o-Peso market turns 397 years old this Wednesday (27). What is now a complex that attracts the attention of visitors from all over the world as it is the largest open-air fair in Latin America, began at Belle Epóque, the height of the rubber economy in the Amazon.

The Iron Market and the Meat Market, which are part of the architectural complex, reveal the aesthetics of the time. Cobblestones and train tracks can still be seen, identifying that 100 years ago, Ver-o-Peso was already a large urban commercial center, says historian, Marcio Neco.

In 1977, the Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (Iphan) recognized Ver-o-Peso as a large architectural and landscape complexbecoming one of the most famous and recognized tourist attractions in Brazil, as well as in Latin America.

At a time when the journey from Belém to Portugal lasted at least 30 days by ship, the only way to communicate was through postcards.

The foreigner, upon arriving in the capital of Pará, bought a postcard to send to his family on the other side of the ocean. To this day, it is possible to find cards with market images from the 19th and 20th centuries spread across several European countries.

Currently, Ver-o-Peso encompasses a set of structures that include the Ver-o-Peso Fair, the Iron Market (Fish), the Bologna Market (meat), Solar da Beira, Pedra do Peixe and the Açaí Fair.

The total number of registered permit holders working in these spaces is 1,498, according to the registry of the Municipal Economy Secretariat (Secon), which are distributed across 33 sectors. Of this total number of permit holders, 361 are women.

After 22 years, the Ver-o-Peso complex is due for a general renovation, announced by Belém City Hall in February and initiated by the Açaí Fair. The planned investment is R$63 million.

The celebrations for Ver-o-Peso’s 397th anniversary began early in the morning, with cake and congratulations in front of Solar da Beira.

Until 2pm the 6th edition of the “Ver-o-Peso Games”. The game competitors are divided into six teams, named after regional fruits, typically found in the market: Cupuaçu, Açaí, Bacuri, Puninha, Pará Nut and Mango. Around 120 people are expected to participate in the competition.

The group “Os Falsos do Carimbó” and the Belém Municipal Guard band will offer national and regional repertoire for the population in the space.

See services that will be offered this Wednesday (27):

• Vaccination
• testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• issuance of Easy Pass cards, first and second copies of half-pass cards for students, senior cards and cards for People with Disabilities (PWDs)
• issuance of Urban Property and Territorial Tax (IPTU) and Location and Operation License Fee (TLPL)
• debt installments and guidance regarding Real Estate Transfer Tax (ITBI)
• registration of people in the Federal Program Minha Casa Minha Vida, carried out by the Municipal Housing Secretariat (Sehab).

• documents emission
• health care
• vaccination
• tests to detect diseases
• legal guidance
• beauty services
• musical performances

Buses that run in Ver-o-Peso are being diverted at Av. Presidente Vargas, Conselheiro, Padre Eutiquio, João Diogo and 16 de Novembro.