Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro 2017 in Santa Bárbara, MG
80th Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro
In 2017, the district of Brumal, in Santa Bárbara – MG, enjoyed a special edition of the Cavalhada and Festa de Santo Amaro (an equestrian pageant reenacting the battle between Moors and Christians, held during the Feast of Saint Maurus), which celebrated 80 years of history, faith and culture. The celebration, recognized as the town's Intangible Heritage by Municipal Law No. 1,518/2009, reaffirmed Brumal's role as the guardian of one of the oldest and most meaningful traditions of the Serra do Caraça.
The festival took place from June 23 to July 2, combining a religious and cultural program in a series of events that celebrated religion, popular identity and the pride of a community that has kept its cultural heritage alive for eight decades.
Promoted by the Santa Bárbara City Hall, the Brumal Community Association and the Nossa Senhora das Graças Curacy, the 2017 edition was marked by the opening of the Cavalhada Memorial, a historic milestone in preserving this decades-old tradition.
A Historic Milestone: Opening of the Cavalhada Memorial
On June 23, the Cavalhada of Brumal Memorial was opened, a space created to value and preserve the history of the horsemen and the religious symbols that make up this traditional celebration.
The venue houses exhibitions on the costumes, instruments and characters of the Cavalhada, as well as historical records and photographs portraying the legacy of the festival's founders. The space also serves as an administrative and cultural center, dedicated to maintaining the tradition and strengthening the collective memory of Brumal and the whole Serra do Caraça.
The opening of the memorial was received with emotion by the community and by the descendants of the muleteers Jorge Calunga and Amaro Luiz, who introduced the Cavalhada in Brumal. Inspired by the Cavalhada of Morro Vermelho, in Caeté, they began the festival to fulfill a vow to Santo Amaro, creating a tradition that became a symbol of faith and unity.
Religious Program: Faith and Devotion to Santo Amaro
The religious part of the 80th edition kept the essence of the festival alive. During the celebrations, Masses, novenas and processions were held, bringing together believers from different communities of the town and the Serra do Caraça region.
The celebrations began with the novena of Santo Amaro, which continued throughout the week and culminated in the traditional procession through the streets of Brumal, with the image of the patron saint and the emotion of the devotees.
The sound of the bells, prayers and hymns reinforced the sense of devotion that spans generations, making the Cavalhada a religious event as much as a cultural one.
Culture and Music in the Serra do Caraça
The cultural program was full of attractions and memorable moments. The festival featured traditional food, stalls, artistic performances and concerts, bringing residents and tourists together for joyful nights.
On June 30 (Friday), the public enjoyed the sound of Banda Auê, which brought a lively, varied repertoire. On Saturday (July 1), the stage was taken over by two legends of sertanejo music: Milionário & Marciano, who moved the audience with unforgettable classics, celebrating the meeting of generations and the strength of traditional country music.
On Sunday (July 2), the program culminated in the 80th Cavalhada of Brumal at 5 p.m., followed by the traditional fireworks display and a performance by Boteco do Léo, closing the edition in an atmosphere of celebration and fellowship.
The schedule also included the 4th Solidarity Ride, held on July 1 at 8 a.m., bringing together cyclists from the region on a route combining sport and solidarity.
The Cavalhada: Intangible Heritage and Living Legacy
The Cavalhada of Brumal is one of the most authentic expressions of Minas Gerais culture, symbolically representing the battles between Moors and Christians during the medieval Crusades. The performance, led by horsemen on decorated horses, includes gestures and rituals that blend faith, art and religious symbolism.
Oral transmission, popular faith and a sense of community are the pillars of this celebration, which continues to be carried on with dedication by local families. Over the years, the festival has been recognized not only as a religious event but also as a historic and cultural landmark of the Serra do Caraça, attracting visitors from across the region and other parts of the state.
80 Years of History, Culture and Devotion
The 80th Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro was not only a celebration of faith but also a milestone in preserving the memory and cultural heritage of Santa Bárbara.
With the opening of the Cavalhada Memorial, the community reaffirmed its commitment to history and ensured that future generations can learn about and value the origins of this tradition.
In 2017, Brumal celebrated not just a number but a legacy: eight decades of faith, culture and identity, making the Cavalhada one of the strongest and most moving symbols of the Serra do Caraça and Minas Gerais.
