319th Anniversary of Santa Bárbara, MG in 2023

Santa Bárbara, MG's 319th anniversary was celebrated with a weekend full of emotion, marked by tributes, inaugurations, religious events and an unforgettable show that brought together residents and visitors. Surrounded by the beauty of the Serra do Caraça, the town once again showed its talent for combining tradition, faith and joy in moments that reinforce the pride of being from Santa Bárbara.

The celebrations, organized by the administration of Alcemir Moreira and Professora Dionir Rodrigues, offered activities for all audiences — from award ceremonies to sports and cultural attractions. The program was carefully planned to celebrate the history and development of the municipality, which keeps moving forward without losing its welcoming essence.

The highlights included the inauguration of important public works, the presentation of the Affonso Penna Medal of Merit, the "Estação Fit" run and walk and the grand finale with the group Pique Novo, which turned Praça da Estação into a great stage of joy.

Inaugurations: A Bridge and a Footbridge for the Future

The celebrations began on Friday, December 1, with the inauguration of the new footbridge in Barra Feliz, a long-awaited project for the local community. Built by the City Hall through its Department of Infrastructure and Urban Planning, the opening symbolized a commitment to mobility and residents' well-being.

With an investment of more than R$600,000, the footbridge offers pedestrians more safety and comfort, making it easier to get around and contributing to the quality of life in the area. The event was attended by authorities, public employees and residents, who celebrated the achievement as a milestone for the district.

On Saturday (2nd), it was the turn of the Paiol community to celebrate the opening of a new bridge, an investment of more than R$2 million. The modern structure replaced the old crossing, ensuring safer and quicker access between the community and the town center.

These works reinforce the importance of planning urban growth in an integrated way, valuing every corner of the territory around the Serra do Caraça, a natural and historic heritage that inspires sustainable development in the region.

Affonso Penna Medal of Merit: Recognition and Gratitude

On Saturday evening, December 2, the highlight was the presentation of the highest honor awarded by the municipality: the Affonso Penna Medal of Merit. The ceremony, held in the auditorium of Colégio Nossa Senhora do Sagrado Coração, brought together personalities, relatives and guests in a celebration of recognition and gratitude.

The honor is awarded to people and institutions that have made a significant contribution to the progress and appreciation of Santa Bárbara. In 2023, the honorees were former mayor Leris Felisberto Braga, who governed the municipality from 2012 to 2020; pastor Antônio Ataíde Lino Lopes, of the Assembleia de Deus church; and the Parish of Santo Antônio, represented by Father Darcy, which would celebrate the parish's 300th anniversary in 2024.

The honorees received warm and emotional applause in recognition of careers marked by dedication, faith and commitment to the town. Each speech reinforced the sense of belonging to this land blessed by the Serra do Caraça, a symbol of the region's identity and cultural resilience.

The evening was also a moment to reflect on the importance of preserving memory and valuing those who contribute every day to strengthening the Santa Bárbara community.

"Estação Fit" Run and Walk

Sunday (4th) dawned full of energy and movement. The Department of Government, Sports and Public Order organized the final stage of the Estação Fit run and walk, which brought together amateur and professional athletes on a course through the town's historic streets.

The event was marked by enthusiasm and sportsmanship, promoting physical activity and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. During the awards ceremony, singer Jhonatan Augusto entertained the audience with upbeat songs, closing the morning in a relaxed atmosphere.

More than a competition, the race symbolized the union of health, leisure and community, values that reflect the way of life in Santa Bárbara. With the natural landscape of the Serra do Caraça in the background, participants shared a moment of personal achievement and collective belonging.

The sporting activity reaffirmed the town's commitment to public policies that value well-being and social integration, strengthening residents' sense of pride.

Luzes de Santa Bárbara and the Show by Pique Novo

Closing the festive weekend, Sunday night was taken over by a spectacle of light and emotion. The inauguration of the Luzes de Santa Bárbara (Santa Bárbara Christmas Lights) lit up the historic center, turning streets and squares into an enchanting Christmas setting.

The audience was moved by the beauty of the decorations and the magical atmosphere that took over the town. Then Praça da Estação became the main stage of the celebrations, hosting the group Pique Novo, which entertained the crowd with national pagode hits.

With charisma and plenty of energy, the band got everyone singing and dancing, closing Santa Bárbara's 319th anniversary with an unforgettable celebration. The event showed how much the town values togetherness, joy and respect for its traditions.

The celebrations reaffirmed Santa Bárbara's role as one of the most charming destinations in the Serra do Caraça, where nature, culture and history meet in perfect harmony.