Chocolate Fair offers space for children and combines play with knowledge
The Chocolate and Flor Kids are among the most sought-after activities at the event. Those who have not yet visited the venue have until this Sunday (8), when the program will end.
Whether learning to care for plants or making their own chocolate, children have been enthusiastically present at the Amazon Cocoa and Chocolate Fair, which ends this Sunday (8) at the Hangar Convention and Exhibition Center in Belém. The "Flor Kids" and "Chocolate Kids" spaces are among the busiest in the program, bringing together entire families in playful workshops that promote knowledge and direct contact with Amazonian culture.
One of the most excited participants is nine-year-old Isabelle Ribeiro, who is attending gardening workshops for the third consecutive time.
"I like to play with dirt. My mom and dad brought me back to participate, and I’m enjoying it. I think it’s cool to plant and learn to water our little plant," she said.
In addition to taking care of the seedlings, Isabelle also had fun in the chocolate workshop and made a point of praising the entire experience. "It’s very tasty. Next year I will ask my parents to bring me again. I want to learn new recipes. The Chocolate Fair was very cool! We had chocolates to taste and many toys. I love chocolate, and the plant part was also very cool, to develop children's brains," she commented.
Another highlight among the little ones was Ana Prado, 8, who participated in the Kids Kitchen alongside her father, José Alberto, on Saturday night (7). The duo waited in line to experience making their own chocolate.
"It’s going to be fun. My favorite chocolate is white, but I like any kind. We have fun and learn. Plus, we get to taste what we made," Ana said excitedly.
Parents approve educational activities
For parents, the workshops represent a valuable learning opportunity outside the classroom. Visitor Luh Neves, who attended the fair with her daughter, praised the initiative of the Secretary of Agricultural Development and Fisheries (Sedap) and the Faepa/Senar System (Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of Pará and National Rural Learning Service).
"I think it’s very important that play and knowledge go hand in hand. Both the chocolate workshop and the gardening one provide various knowledge that enriches children's childhood. Those who haven’t brought their children yet should take advantage of this Sunday because there’s a lot of good stuff," she recommended.
Education and Amazonian culture from an early age
According to Ivaldo Santana, coordinator of Procacau at Sedap, the children's spaces are a mandatory part of fairs focused on cocoa, chocolate, and flowers, aiming to bring new generations closer to Amazonian culture.
"These spaces always attract a lot of attention, not only from children but also from parents, who encourage their children to learn about the chocolate-making process and gardening, all in a playful and educational way," he explained.
