Tucuruí

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Tucuruí is a municipality in Pará, Brazil, in the Northern region. The name comes from Tupi words meaning “river of ants” or “river of locusts.”

The city is famous for the Tucuruí Dam on the Tocantins River. It is managed by Eletrobrás Eletronorte and created a huge artificial lake. The lake is very deep and has a long shoreline, with many islands and abundant fishing.

Tucuruí’s economy today relies on agriculture and commerce. In the past, a railroad helped move Brazil Nut products, an important local resource. The dam spurred new industries in the region.

Attractions include the dam itself, with a visitor center and tours of how it works. The lake offers scenic views and chances to see fish like tambaqui and Cichla in their natural habitat. The city also has the Museum of Extinct Railroad, and a restored Brazil Nut train is on display at the Eletrobras Eletronorte Cultural Center.

Cultural events include a February carnival and a June festival celebrating the tucunaré fish. Local dishes are rich in fish, especially Peixe no Saco, where the fish is seasoned and cooked inside its own stomach in a spicy broth. Other foods include Tacacá, Vatapá, and maniçoba.

Tucuruí has an airport about 10 km from downtown, currently served by Azul Brazilian Airlines. The city covers about 2,086 square kilometers and had around 115,000 residents in 2020. The time zone is BRT (UTC−3). The nickname of the city is the Capital of Energy.