Mercado Ver-o-Peso - Belém (Brazil)
Visiting Mercado Ver-o-Peso was the single main reason that made me buy a plane ticket to Belém. This enormous market is nothing short of spectacular. I stopped by on several different occasions during my week in town, and in each of them I was able to absorb a little bit more of the beautiful culture around it.
Here, you can find an infinite variety of local ingredients, from regional spices, types of flour and herbs to the famous castanha-do-pará (or Brazil nut). All in a chaotic but welcoming atmosphere, where each vendor is eager to show a little bit more of what is behind their product.
For my first visit, I knew that I had to experience the market at dawn, when fishermen arrive at the port that is part of the complex with their daily catch to supply the market. It is a very unique experience to witness firsthand how this process takes place and how beautiful and varied are the river-fish brought on the boats.
The famous Feira do Açaí, an open-air fair for the commercialization of innumerous açaí pots, takes place at this hour as well.
Going to the market at 5am definitely gave a different perspective of it all. As I am not an early bird myself, I made sure to fit this visit as soon as I landed in the city very late at night. After checking in, I only had to kill one hour before making my way there.
But visiting Ver-o-Peso during the day, at peak hours, is a completely different experience. This is when the market is at its liveliest state, with customers and vendors full of energy. The place emanates sounds, smells and colors that are hard to forget. This is also the perfect time to try a local lunch at one of the infinite food stalls. The friendly ladies at this part of the market prepare very authentic meals at affordable prices.
One that I particularly enjoyed was the famous Box da Lucia, from @chefluciatorres. Fresh fish, well prepared amid the maze that is the Ver-o-Peso market.. I could not have asked for better vacation days.
(Versão em Português nos comentários)
