Belém Pará: the Amazonian capital that will host COP30.
The capital of Pará will host COP30 in 2025, standing out globally for its rich history, culture, and strategic importance in the Amazon. The event, presided over by Brazil, places the city at the center of discussions on climate change.
Belém do Pará is a gateway to the Amazon, where tradition, faith, and unique flavors come together in a setting of rivers and lush nature – Photo: Raphael Luz / Agência Pará.
Belém is one of the most emblematic cities in Brazil, not only for its history and strategic location but also for its important role in the culture, economy, and tourism of the Northern region of the country. Founded more than 400 years ago, on January 12, 1616, Belém has a rich historical heritage that reflects its origins as a port city and its development over the centuries. It is currently one of the largest cities in the Amazon and a gateway to the region. In November 2025, the capital of the state of Pará will host the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), a globally significant event presided over by Brazil, which will put the city and the country in the international spotlight.
With a population of 1.3 million, Belém serves as a regional hub, with a per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of R$ 20.562 billion, demonstrating a diversified and growing economy. The city plays a crucial economic role for the state and the Northern region, acting as a vital commercial and logistical center for the flow of Amazonian products to the rest of Brazil and abroad. The city’s geographical location, on the banks of the Amazon River, makes Belém a strategic point for the trade of products such as açaí, guaraná, Brazil nuts, cocoa, and fish, in addition to being an important center for industry and services.
Açaí, in particular, is one of the major symbols of the local economy. This purple fruit, extracted from a palm tree typical of the Amazon, is consumed in various forms in Brazil and exported to other parts of the world. At the Ver-o-Peso market, one of the largest in Latin America, açaí is one of the most sought-after products, along with a variety of traditional Pará dishes, such as pato no tucupi, maniçoba, and tacacá. The market, with nearly 400 years of history, is an example of the vitality of the local gastronomy and the cultural importance of Belém.
Tacacá is a typical broth from the Amazon, made with tucupi, jambu, shrimp, and tapioca starch | Photo: Bruna Brandão / MTUR.
The city is also known for its rich cultural diversity. With strong influences from indigenous, Black, Portuguese colonial, and immigrant communities, Belém offers a unique experience of immersion in the traditions and customs of the Amazon. The Círio de Nazaré, the largest religious festival in Brazil, is one of the most significant cultural events in the city. Every year, thousands of faithful gather to celebrate Our Lady of Nazaré, the Queen of the Amazon, in one of the largest processions in the world, both by land and by water. This festivity, which takes place on the second Sunday of October, attracts tourists from all over the country and is one of the most important moments for the local population.
River pilgrimage of the Círio de Nazaré | Photo: Ricardo Stuckert / PR.
In addition to its gastronomy and religious festivals, Belém is an important tourist hub, offering a wide range of historical and natural attractions. The Cidade Velha neighborhood, where the city was founded, is home to colonial buildings like the Forte do Presépio and the Sé Cathedral, offering a true journey through time. In the same neighborhood, the Brazilian government and the city hall recently completed the revitalization of the São Brás Market, marking the first infrastructure project undertaken in preparation for COP30. With an investment of R$150 million, the renovation not only modernizes the market but also symbolizes a legacy of infrastructure and sustainable development for the local population.
Revitalization of São Brás Market is an infrastructure legacy for Belém, the host city of COP30 | Photo: Amarilis Mariza.
The city is also surrounded by islands, such as Marajó Island, famous for its beaches and unique fauna, and Combu Island. The beaches of the Tapajós River, near Belém, are also highly sought after by tourists looking to relax in its calm and warm waters.
The lush nature of the Amazon is reflected in the green spaces of Belém, such as the Utinga Environmental Park, which serves as a refuge for those wishing to experience the region’s fauna and flora. The city’s humid equatorial climate, with high temperatures throughout the year, is a notable feature, but it is precisely this tropical atmosphere that attracts visitors from around the world, seeking authentic experiences in the planet’s largest tropical rainforest.
In terms of infrastructure, Belém’s International Airport is a key point for tourism and the city’s economic development. With a flow of 3 million people per year, the airport connects Belém to domestic and international destinations, facilitating the arrival of tourists and investors who see the city as a gateway to the rest of the Amazon and its numerous economic and natural opportunities.
In addition to its economic and cultural relevance, Belém has increasingly become a promising tourist destination. The city, which captivates with its historical and natural beauty, has gained even more prominence on the global stage with the confirmation of its role as the host of COP30. The event will bring global attention to solutions for climate challenges. The conference will be an opportunity for Brazil to position itself as a hub for discussions on addressing climate change.
Mercado Ver-o-Peso is a traditional open-air market with regional products | Photo: Pedro Guerreiro / Agência Pará.
Belém do Pará is a city that stands out for its history, culture, economy, and its immersion in the Amazon. With a vibrant and welcoming population, the city offers its residents and visitors a unique environment where tradition and modernity coexist. The anticipation for COP30 reflects the city’s potential to become an international reference hub when it comes to actions to address climate change.
