Capanema brings together railway history and religious traditions, along with designated swimming spots in the municipality. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between cultural sites in the town and excursions elsewhere in the municipality. Event dates also vary: some take place in specific months, while Círio de Capanema is scheduled according to Corpus Christi.
Railway Heritage and Town Culture
Antiga Caixa d’Água da Ferrovia is a railway-history landmark open to the public and marked with tourist signs, on Avenida Magalhães Barata. As signage and access conditions may change, it is worth checking shortly before your visit.
Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro is considered an outstanding example of Capanema’s historical and cultural heritage. It is on Travessa César Pinheiro in the town center. If you would like to visit the church interior, check the opening hours in advance.
In the municipality’s Mirasselvas District, Antiga Estação Ferroviária was built in 1908. Its architecture is eclectic, with a slight Art Deco influence. The station thus adds a specific construction date and its own architectural context to the railway theme.
Marujada and Festivals Throughout the Year
Capanema’s Marujada includes religiously themed cultural performances in December for São Benedito and in January for São Sebastião. Children, young people and adults take part; the exact programs may vary. The Festividade da Marujada in the municipality of Capanema has also been recognized as tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the state of Pará. This recognition was reported in December 2022.
The Corpus Christi procession, also called “Círio de Capanema,” is held annually. It follows an elaborate carpet made of flowers, sand and sawdust. The exact date varies with the national calendar and is therefore not fixed.
Since 2011, Feira da Cultura has been held in June in a public square in Capanema. The program included exhibitions of local culture, handicraft sales, and performances by musicians and local folk groups. If you would like to plan your trip around the fair, confirm before traveling whether and when it will take place during your stay and what program is planned.
Excursion Destinations in the Municipality of Capanema
The private excursion destination Lagoa Azul is located on the BR-308 highway at kilometer 7. It is designated for swimming and observing the flora. Facilities include a free, uncovered parking lot with space for ten cars, a restaurant, a bar and a snack bar. Its listed opening hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. year-round. Check current conditions before setting out.
The public Balneário Rio Quatipuru on the PA-448 highway is also designated for swimming and observing the flora. Its listed operating hours are 24 hours a day, year-round. Check current access conditions before setting out.
The Rio Quatipuru forms the boundary between Tracuateua and the Mirasselvas District and is visited in July. There are bars and restaurants by the river; check their current availability in advance.
Getting There and Planning Your Dates
From Belém, Capanema can be reached via the BR-010, BR-316 and PA-242 highways. The road route is paved and signposted. Check road conditions before setting out.
When choosing your dates, the difference between the festivals is important: Marujada is associated with December and January, while Círio falls on the movable date of Corpus Christi. If a cultural event is the main reason for your trip, confirm the date and program before booking and plan your hotel nights accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Marabá, Castanhal, Tracuateua, Capitão Poço, Rio Dourado, Vigia, Canaã dos Carajás, Bragança.
Go to the overview of destinations in: Pará.
