Nova Petrópolis, recognized as the Capital of Meliponiculture in Rio Grande do Sul since the end of 2023 due to its prominent production of honey from native stingless bees, celebrates this honor at the 2nd Nova Mel Fest. The event will take place from March 8th to 10th and is part of the Summer at Jardim da Serra Gaúcha, highlighting meliponiculture through exhibitions, sales, lectures, workshops and music.
On February 22, a delegation from Nova Petrópolis, including vice-mayor Martim Wissmann, personally invited governor Eduardo Leite to the event. The official opening will be on March 9th, at 9am. The title of State Capital of Meliponiculture was an initiative by deputy Sergio Peres, with reporting by deputy Elton Weber, who emphasized the environmental importance and potential for expansion of the activity in Nova Petrópolis.
According to Francelino dos Santos, president of the NovaMel Association, the city has around 5,000 certified swarms of native stingless bees, in addition to smaller breeders. Five species of bees have certified production: jataí, tubuna, mandaçaia, manduri and canudo. The honey is processed at Fazenda Pirajá, where the headquarters of the NovaMel Association are located, equipped with specific decanters for these types of honey.
Nova Mel Fest, with free entry, will be held on Rua Coberta in Nova Petrópolis, promoting local meliponiculture and offering visitors a diverse cultural and educational experience.
