Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro 2012 in Santa Bárbara, MG
75th Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro
From June 22 to July 1, 2012, the district of Brumal, in Santa Bárbara – MG, was once again filled with faith, culture and joy with the 75th 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). The traditional celebration, considered one of the most important cultural and religious events of the Serra do Caraça, brought together the local community and visitors for an extensive program combining devotion, music, art and history.
Promoted by the Brumal Community Association and the Nossa Senhora das Graças Curacy, with the support of the Santa Bárbara City Hall, local schools and partner institutions, the 2012 edition stood out for its variety of cultural attractions and the involvement of the population at every stage of the event.
Faith and Devotion in Honor of Santo Amaro
The religious program began on June 22, with the ringing of the bells at noon, marking the start of the Novena of Santo Amaro. At 7 p.m., the first Mass was celebrated, followed by a special performance by the quadrilha (square dance) of the Grupo Reviver Saúde, supported by the Brumal Health Center team — a moment bringing together faith and community well-being.
In the following days, religion remained in the spotlight. From June 25 to 28, daily Masses and novenas were celebrated, always with the active participation of the communities of the Curacy, reinforcing spirituality and the sense of unity among the faithful.
The culmination of devotion came on Sunday, July 1, the Day of the Great Feast. At 2 p.m., a Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated, presided over by Archbishop Dom Barroso and concelebrated by the priests of the Nossa Senhora das Graças Curacy. Afterwards, the procession with the image of Santo Amaro went through the district's streets, filling Brumal with faith and emotion.
Culture, Music and Tradition
The cultural program was a true portrait of the vitality and creativity of the people of Brumal. On June 23, the public enjoyed the Lourival String Recital, with local artists and the String Quartet of the Santa Bárbara Music School. Then students from the Nhá Nita State School delighted the audience with a traditional June quadrilha.
Sunday, June 24, brought something new: the SESI Leisure Street, set up in the church square, with games and recreational activities for children and families. That same day, the Cyclists' Meet took place, reinforcing the community's sporting spirit and integration.
On Friday (June 29), the Cecília Álvares Duarte Municipal School held a lively June Festival at 4 p.m. In the evening, the public enjoyed a series of performances: the Grupo Florescer Quadrilha from Santa Bárbara, the Colégio Educare Quadrilha from Barão de Cocais, a show by the band of the NGO Consciência Jovem from Barra Feliz and, closing the night, Banda Álibe, which got the crowd going with popular hits.
Saturday, June 30, featured performances by Banda Nos Trilhos, made up of students from the Santa Bárbara Music School, and Banda CHEB, which brought plenty of rhythm and energy to the night.
The Cavalhada: Heritage and Emotion
The high point of the program came on Sunday, July 1, at 5 p.m., with the 75th Cavalhada of Brumal. The reenactment, symbolizing the battle between Moors and Christians, moved the audience by reviving a spectacle that spans generations and remains one of the most beautiful expressions of Minas Gerais folk culture.
Right after the Cavalhada, at 7 p.m., the Brumal sky was lit up by a big fireworks display, followed by a special musical close with Banda Agência 4, which entertained the crowd with a vibrant, danceable repertoire.
A Living Tradition in the Serra do Caraça
The Cavalhada of Brumal is officially recognized as Intangible Heritage of Santa Bárbara under Municipal Law No. 1,518/2009, and remains a landmark of identity and belonging for the people of Santa Bárbara. In 2012, the celebration reaffirmed the importance of tradition, religion and art as fundamental pillars of regional culture.
More than a festival, the 75th edition was a testimony to the community's strength in preserving its origins, keeping faith in Santo Amaro alive and proudly celebrating the history that makes the Serra do Caraça one of the most symbolic and charming places in Minas Gerais.
