Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro 2016 in Santa Bárbara, MG
79th Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro
From June 24 to July 3, 2016, the district of Brumal, in Santa Bárbara – MG, hosted another edition of the traditional Cavalhada and Festa de Santo Amaro (an equestrian pageant reenacting the battle between Moors and Christians, held during the Feast of Saint Maurus), one of the most emblematic celebrations of the Serra do Caraça. The festival, now in its 79th edition, kept alive the faith, culture and tradition that have united the community around devotion to the patron saint, Santo Amaro, for decades.
Organized by the Santa Bárbara City Hall, in partnership with the Brumal Community Association and the Nossa Senhora das Graças Curacy, the festival featured a novena, Masses, processions, cultural performances and concerts, attracting residents and visitors from across the region.
More than a religious event, the Cavalhada is a link between past and present — an expression of faith and identity that reinforces Brumal's historic and cultural importance to the heritage of the Serra do Caraça.
Tradition and Devotion in Brumal
The religious program began on June 24, with a novena and daily celebrations in honor of Santo Amaro. At each Mass, believers and neighboring communities gathered at the Mother Church to renew their faith and keep alive a tradition that spans generations.
On Saturday (July 2), the festivities became even more moving with the Mass in honor of the horsemen, held at the Santo Amaro Church, reinforcing the symbolism of the Cavalhada as an act of faith and gratitude.
On Sunday (July 3), the sound of the bells marked the start of the Day of the Great Feast at 6 a.m. At 9 a.m., the Mass welcoming the pilgrims took place, followed at 1 p.m. by the cultural performance of the group Rodas de Nazaré, coordinated by Márcia Brum.
At 2 p.m., the solemn Mass in the Santo Amaro square brought together hundreds of believers and preceded one of the most eagerly awaited moments: the procession with the image of the patron saint, which went through the streets of Brumal amid faith and emotion.
The Cavalhada: Intangible Heritage and Symbol of the Serra do Caraça
At 5 p.m., the 79th Cavalhada of Brumal began, with horsemen in colorful costumes on decorated horses reenacting the battle between Moors and Christians for possession of the Holy Land of Jerusalem.
The spectacle, which blends faith, theater and folk culture, is the heart of the festival and one of the oldest folk performances in Minas Gerais. Afterwards, the public enjoyed a moving fireworks display that lit up the district's sky.
The night closed with a show by Quincas da Viola at 7 p.m. at the Largo de Brumal — a moment of fellowship that brought generations together to the sound of traditional country music.
Culture, Music and Joy
The cultural program of the 79th Cavalhada of Brumal mixed faith and fun. On Friday (July 1), the public enjoyed performances by the Ars Fascinium and Yolando dos Santos choirs, with special guests Jeff & Alex, followed by a show by Banda DR4 at 10 p.m.
Saturday (July 2) featured a big show by the duo Guilherme & Santiago, who brought joy and romance to the Santa Bárbara night. The duo, known nationwide for modern sertanejo hits, was the high point of the music program, drawing a large crowd to the Largo de Brumal.
The event also included the 3rd Solidarity Ride, held on the morning of the 2nd at 8 a.m., bringing together cyclists from the region on a route combining sport and solidarity.
History and Cultural Heritage
The Cavalhada of Brumal is recognized as Intangible Heritage of Santa Bárbara under Municipal Law No. 1,518/2009, of July 23, 2009. The tradition represents the old battles between Moors and Christians during the Crusades and was introduced in Brumal by the muleteers Jorge Calunga and Amaro Luiz, inspired by the Cavalhada of Morro Vermelho, in Caeté.
More than a performance, the Cavalhada is an expression of faith and belonging. Its continuity over almost eight decades shows the love and commitment of the residents in keeping this heritage alive, a source of pride for the Serra do Caraça and the whole town of Santa Bárbara.
A Celebration That Unites Generations
The 79th Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro reaffirmed the value of tradition and the community's spirit of unity. Amid songs, prayers, horses and fireworks, the event once again delighted the public and reinforced the importance of preserving the cultural and religious heritage that gives the region its identity.
In Brumal, faith keeps galloping strong, accompanied by music, joy and the memory of a people who turn devotion into culture and tradition into pride.
