Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro 2009 in Santa Bárbara, MG
72nd Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro
From June 27 to July 5, 2009, the district of Brumal, in Santa Bárbara – MG, once again relived one of its oldest and best-loved traditions: the Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro (an equestrian pageant reenacting the battle between Moors and Christians, held during the Feast of Saint Maurus), which reached its 72nd edition in 2009. Considered one of the most important cultural and religious events of the Serra do Caraça, the festival brought together thousands of believers, tourists and families in days of devotion, music and joy.
The festival is organized by the Brumal Community Association and the Brumal Pastoral Council, with the support of the Santa Bárbara City Hall, and is a link between past and present — keeping alive a tradition that spans generations.
A Celebration of Faith and Devotion
The program of the 2009 Festa de Santo Amaro began on June 27, with the religious activities that form the essence of the event. Throughout the week, the community took part in Masses and novenas, bringing residents and visitors together in moments of prayer and faith.
Sunday, July 5, was the high point of the program, with a series of rites symbolizing devotion to Brumal's patron saint. The day began with the pealing of the bells and the traditional thanksgiving Masses, followed by the procession of the Glorious Santo Amaro and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
From 5 p.m., the most eagerly awaited moment began: the raising of the mast and the 72nd Cavalhada of Brumal, directed by Divino Lúcio and José de Mário, direct descendants of the first horsemen who started the celebration. The reenactment of the battle between Moors and Christians, full of symbolism and color, moved the audience and reaffirmed the festival's historic value as a true heritage of Minas Gerais faith.
Culture and Joy in the Serra do Caraça
Besides its religious character, the 72nd Cavalhada of Brumal also offered a rich cultural program, with school quadrilhas (square dances), traditional food stalls and musical performances.
The community's schools kept the June tradition alive with dances and quadrilhas. In the evenings, shows entertained the crowd at the Largo de Brumal, with highlights including the bands K2 (July 3), Mistura Envolvente (July 4) and Conexson Brasil (July 4), who got the crowd going with eclectic repertoires and plenty of rhythm.
The festival closed, after the Cavalhada and the fireworks display, with Banda Basquiat, which entertained Sunday night with popular songs and plenty of celebration.
Heritage and Living History
The Cavalhada of Brumal is one of the greatest symbols of Santa Bárbara culture and was officially recognized as Intangible Heritage of Santa Bárbara by Municipal Law No. 1,518/2009, of July 23, 2009.
In essence, the tradition represents the symbolic battle between Moors and Christians, dating back to the medieval Crusades, and expresses, in the local context, the power of faith and community unity. Since 1937, when the muleteers Jorge Calunga and Amaro Luiz organized the first performance in thanks for a grace received, the festival has been kept alive through the dedication of their heirs and the involvement of the district's families.
Every year, new horsemen join the group, carrying on a legacy that is at once religious, cultural and emotional.
A Tradition That Moves Generations
The 72nd Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro reaffirmed the community's commitment to preserving one of the most beautiful traditions of the Serra do Caraça. More than an event, it is a symbol of identity, unity and belonging for the people of Santa Bárbara.
Amid the ringing of the bells, the shine of the colored ribbons and the trot of the horses, Brumal showed once again that its history is still alive — a history written with faith, courage and devotion to Santo Amaro, the protector and inspiration of the whole district.
