Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro 2014 in Santa Bárbara, MG

77th Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro

From June 27 to July 6, 2014, the district of Brumal, in Santa Bárbara – MG, celebrated another edition of one of the most important cultural traditions of the Serra do Caraça — 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). In its 77th edition, the festival reaffirmed its role as the town's intangible heritage, bringing together faith, culture and history in a celebration that spans generations.

Organized by the Santa Bárbara City Hall, in partnership with the Brumal Community Association and the Nossa Senhora das Graças Curacy, the festival was a true chapter of faith, art and authenticity, reviving religious and cultural traditions that have been part of Santa Bárbara's identity since 1937.

A Chapter of Faith and Devotion

The story of the Cavalhada of Brumal is intertwined with the origins of the district itself and the religious identity of the people of Santa Bárbara. According to historical accounts, it all began in 1937, when Mr. Jorge da Silva Calunga received a grace from Santo Amaro and held the first celebration to fulfill a vow. Since then, every year on the first Sunday of July, residents and visitors gather in Brumal to celebrate the patron saint and recall the symbolic battle between Moors and Christians.

The 2014 religious program began on June 27, with novenas, confessions and Masses led by the communities of the Curacy and neighboring localities. The next day, June 28, the traditional Santo Amaro motorcade took place, with a special blessing for vehicles and drivers.

On Sunday (29th), the celebration became even more moving with the Horsemen's Mass, featuring the Coral Sertanejo de Caeté (country choir) and the traditional blessing of the horsemen and horses.

On Saturday (July 5), Mass was celebrated with the Coral Exército de Cristo choir, from the town of Itabira, bringing believers together in one of the most memorable moments of the religious program.

The celebrations closed on Sunday (July 6), the Day of the Great Feast, with the ringing of the bells at 6 a.m., followed by a solemn Mass concelebrated by the priests of the Curacy and the procession with the image of Santo Amaro, which went through the district's streets amid hymns and prayers.

Culture and Music in the Serra do Caraça

The cultural program was varied and drew large crowds throughout the festival.

On Sunday (June 29), the opening featured food stalls and a show by the band Mistura do Samba, followed by a cycling meet with a prize draw, which livened up the visitors' afternoon.

On Friday (July 4), the stage at the Largo de Brumal hosted a show by the band Maria Bunita, bringing plenty of music and fun. On Saturday (July 5), the highlight was the duo Rick & Renner, one of the best-loved acts in Brazilian sertanejo music, who moved the audience with their greatest hits.

Sunday (July 6) closed the festival with a series of traditional activities:

• 12 p.m. – Band performances in the square of the Santo Amaro Church

• 5 p.m. – 77th Cavalhada of Brumal, accompanied by a fireworks display by Elmo de Castro

• 6 p.m. – Closing show by viola players Clever & Rondinele, who ended the night with music and celebration

The Cavalhada: Living History and Cultural Heritage

The Cavalhada of Brumal is officially recognized as Intangible Heritage of Santa Bárbara under Municipal Law No. 1,518/2009, of July 23, 2009. The performance is inspired by the battles between Moors and Christians during the Crusades, representing the victory of the Christian faith and the symbolism of fraternity between peoples.

With colorful costumes, decorated horses and traditional choreography, local horsemen retell this story at the Largo de Brumal, carrying on a ritual of devotion and belonging that remains faithful to its origins.

Every year the event takes on new features without losing its essence: valuing the faith, culture and legacy left by the festival's founders.

A Celebration That Unites Generations

The 77th Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro was another milestone in preserving and continuing the tradition. The combination of religion, music and folk culture made the 2014 edition one of the most memorable of the decade, reaffirming Brumal's pride in being the guardian of one of the greatest cultural treasures of the Serra do Caraça.

Amid the sound of drums, the ringing of the bells and the shine of the horsemen's colored ribbons, the people of Santa Bárbara once again showed that faith in Santo Amaro remains the bond linking the past, present and future of their history.