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International Fishing Festival

The city of Cáceres, in the state of Mato Grosso, hosts the International Fishing Festival (FIP). What started out as a local festival in 1980 has now become the biggest river fishing festival in the world.

Since it was entered into the Guinness Book of Records in 1995, the festival has become a high-profile event that attracts around 200,000 people. As well as proof of fishing ability, the event includes various other activities - environmental education, shows, folkloric presentations, sports and recreational competitions, the Boat Show and Arts and Crafts Fair - as well as the opportunity to try out the Mato Grosso gastronomy.

In the past few years local history and culture has been promoted, with the construction of a central stage area in the Praça Barão do Rio Branco and replicas of regional icons from the past. For just over a week the locals welcome thousands of tourists to their city, with spectators gathering on the edge of the River Paraguai to see both the junior and main competitions. The festival culminates on the last day with the presentation of prizes, cultural shows and a big firework display.