The riverside communities of the Amazon have deep roots that go back over 14,000 years, when the first Asian peoples migrated to the Amazon Valley. These groups developed complex societies, adapting to the forest environment and managing it sustainably. With the arrival of Europeans and later, migrants from Brazil’s Northeast during the rubber boom (1850–1970), the riverside or “caboclo” culture emerged—a fusion of Indigenous, Portuguese, and Northeastern influences. These communities spread along the rivers, living in stilt houses and developing a close relationship with the forest and water cycles. It was only in the 21st century, through Presidential Decree No. 6.040/2007, that the Brazilian federal government officially recognised riverside peoples as part of the country’s traditional populations.
Riverside culture is marked by a rich tapestry of popular knowledge, music, dance, and cuisine. Carimbó, a traditional rhythm from Pará, is a joyful artistic expression connected to nature. Stilt houses built with local wood showcase adaptation to the wet environment. Local cuisine relies on forest and river products such as fish, açaí, and manioc. Knowledge of medicinal plants and sustainable fishing techniques is passed down orally through generations, preserving cultural identity and strengthening community bonds.
Riverside traditions are deeply rooted in daily life and communal celebrations. Festivals such as Çairé and the Açaí Festival celebrate the harvest and reinforce social cohesion. Herbal baths, like those offered during the visit to Boa Vista do Acará, are ancestral practices promoting physical and spiritual well-being. Artisanal fishing, fruit gathering, and manioc flour production not only support families economically but also keep cultural practices and respect for nature alive.
Riverside communities operate under collective systems, where land is communally used and decisions are made in assemblies. Private ownership is limited to homes and gardens. This organisation strengthens solidarity and sustainable management of natural resources.
The economy is based on sustainable extraction, family farming, and artisanal fishing. Products such as açaí, Brazil nuts, and pirarucu are sold in local and regional markets. Initiatives like the Carauari Rural Producers Association (ASPROC) exemplify community organisation to add value to products and ensure economic sustainability.
Riverside spirituality is syncretic, blending Catholicism with Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian beliefs. Practices such as novenas, patron saint festivals, and healing rituals are common. Spirituality is closely tied to nature, recognising entities and spirits present in the forest and rivers.
Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is vast and respected. Herbs such as priprioca and andiroba are used to treat various ailments. Herbal baths, like those experienced during the visit, are therapeutic practices that promote balance and health, integrating body and spirit.
Riverside communities have a history of resistance in the fight for land rights, access to basic services, and cultural recognition. Organisations like ASPROC and movements such as the Forest Peoples Alliance, founded by Chico Mendes, have played key roles in defending these communities' rights and promoting environmental conservation.
European travellers can reach Belém via international flights with connections in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. From Belém, the tour to Boa Vista do Acará includes boat transport, offering an immersive experience in the Amazon landscape. The approximately 6-hour excursion includes hotel transfer, a local guide, and cultural activities, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the visit.
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