Bordered by river beaches and clear waters all year round, Alter do Chão, an ancient fishing village is thirty-five kilometers from the city centre.

Of a similar age to Santarém - both were founded in 1661 - Alter do Chão was the territory of the Boraris Indians who left behind them a five-day ritual: this is the Sairé festival that takes place each July and is a native celebration that has gradually incorporated the religious symbols of the Jesuit fathers in native dances and chants.

Today the festival includes the Procession to the Holy Ghost, with pilgrims invoking justice, carrying flags and adorned rods.