Várzea Grande, Brazil
Region: Mato Grosso
Geographic Coordinates: -15.650000, -56.133300
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Population: 287526
Language: Portuguese
Várzea Grande is a city in Brazil’s Mato Grosso state, Located on the banks of the Cuiabá River and part of the metropolitan area of Cuiabá. The city has a population of around 280, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 1, 226 square kilometers. The name Várzea Grande means big floodplain in Portuguese due to its location on a large plain that floods during the rainy season. The city’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, With soybeans and corn being grown in abundance. However, There has been significant growth in other industries such as construction and commerce.
Visitors to Várzea Grande can enjoy several natural parks and reserves nearby such as Chapada dos Guimarães National Park which offers stunning views of canyons, Waterfalls, And rock formations. Another popular destination for nature lovers is Pantanal Matogrossense National Park which boasts an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Cultural landmarks worth visiting include churches like Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church built-in 1750 or Sao Benedito Church dating back to 1875.
Visitors can also explore museums like Museu de Arte Sacra de Mato Grosso that houses religious art pieces from colonial times or Casa Barão de Melgaço Museum where artifacts like weapons used by indigenous tribes are displayed. For entertainment options for locals or tourists alike there are plenty! Shopping centers like VG Shopping Mall offer everything from clothing stores to movie theaters while parks such as Parque Ecológico Tanque do Fancho provide outdoor activities such as fishing or hiking trails.
Overall Várzea Grande offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, Cultural heritage, And modern amenities making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the best of Mato Grosso.
- Parque das Águas
- Museu Rondon
- Catedral de São Sebastião
- Shopping Várzea Grande
- Estádio Governador José Fragelli (Arena Pantanal)
- Morro do São Jerônimo
- Sesi Park
- Praça Aquidaban
- Mercado Municipal de Várzea Grande
- Agriculture:
- Soybeans
- Corn
- Cotton
- Rice
- Sugarcane
- Manufacturing:
- Textiles
- Footwear
- Food products
- Construction
- Retail
- Services:
- Banking facilities
- Healthcare providers (hospitals and clinics)
- Hotels and restaurants
- Transportation:
- Cuiabá International Airport
- BR-364 and BR-163 highways
- Logistics companies
- Education:
- Universities located within or close to the city limits (such as UFMT)
- The colonization of Várzea Grande by Portuguese settlers took place in the 18th century.
- The municipality of Várzea Grande was established in 1867.
- The Marechal Rondon International Airport was built in 1956, which helped to boost economic growth and development in the region.
- Several major industries were established, including a sugar mill, textile factory, and meatpacking plant.
- Notable people from Várzea Grande include Olympic gold medalist Maurren Maggi (athletics), footballer Edmundo Alves de Souza Neto (known as Edmundo), and politician Jayme Campos who served as Governor of Mato Grosso state from 1991-1994 and again from 2003-2010.
- In recent years, urbanization and environmental degradation have posed challenges for Várzea Grande due to its proximity to the Pantanal wetlands ecosystem.
- Museu Histórico de Mato Grosso – A museum that showcases the history of Mato Grosso state, including its indigenous peoples, colonial period, and modern era.
- Centro Cultural José Sobrinho – An art center featuring exhibitions and performances by local artists and musicians.
- Parque das Águas – A park with natural pools and waterfalls, perfect for swimming or relaxing in the sun.
- Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo – A beautiful church dating back to the 18th century with stunning architecture and religious artifacts.
- Praça Aquidaban – A central square in Várzea Grande where locals gather for events, festivals, and markets.
- Monumento ao Pracinha – A monument dedicated to Brazilian soldiers who fought in World War II.
- Museu do Rio Cuiabá – A museum showcasing the history of the Cuiabá River, which has played a significant role in shaping Várzea Grande’s culture and economy over time.
- Parque da Família Sesi Park- An outdoor recreational area that includes playgrounds for children as well as sports fields for adults to enjoy various activities like soccer or volleyball games.
- Casa de Cultura Popular de Varzea Grande- This is a cultural center that showcases traditional arts & crafts from Brazil such as pottery making or weaving techniques used by indigenous communities living nearby Varzea Grande.
- Centro Cultural e Turístico Jardim Botânico- This is a botanical garden that features many species of plants native to Brazil along with educational exhibits about their uses in medicine or food preparation among other things.
- Várzea Grande is a city located in Mato Grosso, Brazil that has a strong passion for football.
- The city is home to several local football clubs that compete in regional leagues.
- Mixto Esporte Clube, founded in 1934, is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in the area, having won numerous state championships throughout their history.
- Operário Futebol Clube was established in 1949 and has had success playing competitive football both locally and nationally.
- Dom Bosco Esporte Clube was founded more recently in 2005 but has quickly become a prominent club within the local football scene.
- Additionally, Várzea Grande is also home to notable handball club Handebol Feminino de Mato Grosso and basketball club Cuiabá Basquete Club.
- Festa de São Benedito is a religious festival celebrated in May to honor the patron saint of Várzea Grande.
- Festival de Inverno is held in July and features music, dance, and traditional food.
- Encontro Nacional de Motociclistas is an annual national motorcycle gathering held in August.
- Expoverde is an agricultural fair showcasing local produce and livestock held in September.
- Carnaval is a lively carnival celebration with parades, music, and dancing held annually before Lent.
- Festival da Juventude promotes cultural diversity through music, dance, and art for youth; it’s held annually in November.
- Natal Iluminado is a Christmas festival with light displays, live performances and activities for all ages during the holiday season.
- Feira do Peixe Vivo takes place during Holy Week where locals can buy fresh fish directly from fishermen at affordable prices annually.
- Churrascaria Costela de Ouro: This restaurant is famous for its traditional Brazilian barbecue and offers a variety of meat dishes.
- Peixaria Popular: If you are a seafood lover, then this place is perfect for you. It serves fresh fish dishes cooked in traditional Brazilian style.
- Casa do Pastel: This restaurant specializes in pastels, which are fried pastry pockets filled with various savory or sweet fillings.
- Pizzaria Forno de Minas: This pizzeria offers delicious pizzas made with fresh ingredients and cooked in a wood-fired oven.
- Restaurante e Lanchonete Sabor Caseiro: As the name suggests, this restaurant serves homemade-style food such as feijoada (a stew of beans and meat), rice, beans, and other typical Brazilian dishes.
- Bar e Restaurante Canto do Peixeiro: Another seafood-focused restaurant that offers a variety of grilled fish dishes served with sides like rice, beans, and salad.
- Botequim da Gente Boa: This bar serves typical Brazilian snacks like coxinha (chicken croquettes) and empadas (savory pies) along with cold beer or caipirinhas (Brazil’s national cocktail).
- Parque das Águas – a park with walking trails, playgrounds, and water features.
- Parque Berneck – a green space with sports fields and picnic areas.
- Parque Tia Nair – a park with playgrounds, basketball courts, and walking paths.
- Parque do Lago – a lakeside park with walking trails and fishing opportunities.
- Complexo Esportivo Barra do Pari – a sports complex with soccer fields, tennis courts, and an indoor gymnasium.
- Praça Aquidaban – a public square that hosts cultural events and has outdoor seating areas.
- Parque Massairo Okamura – a park with sports facilities including soccer fields and volleyball courts.
- Praça dos Carreiros – another public square that often holds community events such as fairs or concerts.
