Today registration was open for the World Social Forum in Belem, the cost being 30 Reais (~$13 US) for those from the geopolitical North. Yes, world travelers, bring your passports for registration. At this point of early registration the vast majority are Brazilians, though as the official opening draws near expect a more international crowd.

The event is taking place at two conjoined universities in a jungle amazon river edge setting on the Northern edge of Belem, “The Federal University of the Rural Amazons” and “Para Federal University”. Expect a lot of long distance walking to are fro events, careful venturing off the roads as there is thick fresh mud to be avoided, and also red fire ants.

The crowds moving through the registration hall.

Some tents going up for locals.

More tenting…

Larger structures still going up all over the place…

A group of Brazilian Christians was out on colorful display at an early parade at the WSF site. I didn’t really get this, no political signs, just Bible verses. But I must admit they knew how to party.

To the question – “what are you doing here?” one marcher replied “bringing Jesus to save the world”. Well, I suppose everyone pretty much agrees on that goal – and we’ll be sure to ask around for other possible solutions to the how to save the world question in the coming days.