Crochet turns historic Belém street into open-air gallery

Crochet Street at Ver-o-Peso gathers 250 artisans and transforms a historic alley into an open-air gallery in Belém.

The Ocidental Alley of the Francisco Bolonha Market, in the heart of Ver-o-Peso, hosts the largest crochet open-air exhibition in Northern Brazil. Stretching for about 70 meters, Crochet Street is covered by a colorful mosaic made of around 1,000 squares measuring 50 by 50 centimeters, created by 250 artisans from the region. The initiative is led by the Ver-A-Arte Movement, created by Armarinho Ponto Cheio, with support from the municipal administration, Sebrae Pará and Círculo.

The project remains on display until the end of the year and occupies one of Belém’s most iconic tourist spots. The alley, located beside the Ver-o-Peso meat market, attracts residents and visitors seeking local cultural experiences. The proposal expands this connection and offers a visual experience that blends tradition, creativity and belonging. After COP30, the space will transform into a Christmas light street.

More than one thousand balls of Cléa Duplo yarn, made from 100% sustainable cotton, were used in the creation of the pieces. Each square is unique and handcrafted by women who find in artisanal work a path to expression, income and autonomy. The action reinforces the Ver-A-Arte Movement’s commitment to sustainability, material reuse and community engagement.

“Crochet is more than technique, it is affection, it is resistance. Seeing this street become a living gallery is a way to recognize the talent of Pará’s artisans and show the world what we can create together.”

The statement comes from Patrícia Resque, creator of the project and head of Armarinho Ponto Cheio. Círculo, a partner company, highlights the social impact of initiatives that unite art and culture.

“Craftsmanship is a language that connects people, stories and territories. Being part of actions that value manual work and promote inclusion aligns with our purpose as a brand. Crochet Street shows how yarn can weave dreams and transform spaces.”

Art that inspires and transforms

The Ver-A-Arte Movement was created to bring craftsmanship to new spaces and encourage collective work. Crochet Street is one of the project’s most expressive achievements, uniting talent, mutual support and passion for art. The installation took place between November 10 and 14, with participation from the artisans who produced the pieces. The exhibition is expected to attract visitors from across the state and become a cultural landmark for the city.

Círculo

Círculo is the largest manufacturer of craft yarns in Latin America and develops products and accessories for manual arts. With 87 years in the market, the company has over 1,500 employees and exports to more than 55 countries. Its portfolio includes over 700 products. The team of 13 artisans offers workshops throughout Brazil, supporting education and professional development in the field. The brand also encourages hobbyists with free e-books, a dedicated app and specialized publications.