Poconé

- 16.256666666667 - 56.622777777778Koordinaten: 16 ° 15 ' S, 56 ° 37 ' W

Poconé is a small town in Brazil with about 31,000 inhabitants. It is located at the entrance of the Pantanal and about 100 km from the Cuiabá ( capital of Mato Grosso ) away. The city's name comes from the Beripoconeses, Indians who lived in this area. Here the Transpantaneira, the road connection from Poconé begins across the Pantanal.

Poconé was founded on January 21, 1781 and was until a few decades ago, the largest city in Brazil with respect to cattle auctions. This is where most cows were auctioned off until about 25 years ago. Even today, there is every Sunday a cattle auction. Until 15 years ago Poconé was also focus of many gold diggers who did not get through until the Pantanal, but have tried it again and again. Through the Gold Rush, the city flourished in the late 1980s. It originated bars, pubs and prostitution, smuggling and drug trafficking developed. From the mid- 1990 years, the gold seekers disappeared again and life returned to normal. For many small shop, bar owners and restaurant owners but that meant ruin. Near to the center still exists a huge bonanza with several hundred meters depth, where it is still always dug for gold.

The inhabitants of Pocone love festivals and celebrations. Some festivals take up to five days, with traditional folk dances can be seen. The local cuisine is markedly different from the rest of Brazil. There are Pacu (fish), Rodízio (grilled meat ), special freshwater fish from the Pantanal, piranhas with cassava and rice and fruit compotes made ​​from local fruits. Its specialty is the fruit liqueurs produced here are considered that are also for purchase. The people live mainly from agriculture and forestry.

The gap between rich and poor is palpable. The vast population lives from hand to mouth. Many residents commute to Cuiabá, because there is no work in Poconé. For larger investments, the money is missing. Tourism is developing only slowly. The city is the starting point for visits to the northern Pantanal and a haven for birds, fishing and nature lovers who want to try their luck in the Rio Cuiabá, Rio and Rio Piraim Pixaim.