Have you ever imagined celebrating São Paulo’s birthday with a giant cake in the shape of the city map? Well, this Saturday, the 25th, several initiatives will mark the capital’s 471st birthday, and one of them is just that. That’s because, since 2004, the Mercado Municipal Paulistano, or Mercadão, has been celebrating the capital’s birthday and also its own – the space opened to the public on January 25, 1933 – with this traditional birthday cake.
At 6 meters long, 4 meters wide and weighing an impressive 563 kg, this year’s cake is a true symbol of the celebrations. Made with sponge cake, icing cream filling, fresh coconut and strawberries, it will be distributed free of charge to the public from 12.30pm. But the tip is to get there early to guarantee your slice, after all, like any good tradition, this one brings together dozens of São Paulo residents who go there not just to enjoy the delicacy.
São Paulo’s birthday cake tradition unites history and gastronomy
The Espetáculo do Bolo project was the brainchild of chef Ricardo Magalhães on São Paulo’s 450th birthday in 2004.
Since then, the collaborative action has brought together around 40 professionals and volunteers to make the cake at the Mercadão itself. To do this, it has the support of institutions such as the Observatório da Gastronomia and the Cozinha Escola Program.
Assembly begins the day before, with the last details being finalized on the day of the event, to ensure the freshness of the fruit and the perfection of the finishes. As well as celebrating the city, the event also marks the anniversary of Mercadão, which turns 92 in 2025.
After the traditional cutting of the cake, the public is treated to a special concert by the São Paulo band Demônios da Garoa, guaranteeing a party with the authentic spirit of the city.
