Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro 2023 in Santa Bárbara, MG

84th Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro

Every year, the district of Brumal, in Santa Bárbara – MG, becomes a true setting of faith and devotion during the 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 oldest and best-loved traditions of the Serra do Caraça. In 2023, the 84th edition reaffirmed the historic and cultural value of this intangible heritage, bringing the local community and visitors together for days of intense religious life, culture and joy.

From June 23 to July 2, the festival combined the spirituality of the religious celebrations with the charm of the cultural traditions that have shaped the identity of the people of Brumal for decades. The program was organized by the Santa Bárbara City Hall, in partnership with the Brumal Community Association and the Nossa Senhora das Graças Curacy, valuing tradition and keeping the ancestors' legacy alive.

Devotion and Faith: The Novena of Santo Amaro

The religious program began on June 23, with the rosary and the opening Mass of the Novena of Santo Amaro, a central event that involves the whole community. The celebrations continued into early July, always marked by the active participation of the faithful and a spirit of unity and gratitude.

On June 24, the traditional Santo Amaro motorcade went through the communities of the curacy, blessing vehicles and drivers as a symbol of protection and faith. Sunday (25th) was reserved for the morning novena and a Mass attended by many residents and visitors.

The celebrations continued until July 1, when the Mass in honor of the horsemen was celebrated at the Brumal school's sports court. Religious life, always accompanied by moments of prayer, reinforced devotion to the patron saint and the spiritual importance of the event for the whole Serra do Caraça region.

Music, Culture and Joy on Brumal Nights

The cultural part of the 84th Cavalhada of Brumal brought a program full of local and regional talent. On June 30, shows by Jordiana Batista and the duo Washington & Waldomiro livened up the crowd, ending the night with infectious energy.

The next day, July 1, music filled the Largo de Brumal with DJ Kennin, who kicked off the party with danceable beats and special guests. Then the audience cheered singer Luiza Martins, who delighted everyone with her charisma and striking voice.

These moments of fellowship and joy reinforced the popular character of the event, attracting visitors from many towns of the Serra do Caraça and valuing the region's artists.

The Great Feast: Cavalhada, Procession and Closing

The high point of the event came on July 2, the Day of the Great Feast. At dawn, the Alvorada (dawn salute) announced the start of the celebrations. At 9 a.m., the Mass welcoming the pilgrims brought together hundreds of devotees and horsemen, followed by the solemn Mass in praise of Santo Amaro and the traditional procession through the streets of Brumal, which moved everyone present.

At 5 p.m., the most eagerly awaited moment: the performance of the 84th Cavalhada of Brumal, accompanied by a fireworks display that lit up the sky and drew applause from the audience. Then, at 7 p.m., a show by Sérgio Augusto & Bruno closed the night with plenty of sertanejo and fun, officially ending another successful edition.

With every horseman who enters the arena, the audience relives the old tradition of the symbolic battles between Moors and Christians — a spectacle that combines faith, culture and identity. Above all, the Cavalhada is an act of historic and community preservation that reaffirms the value of the cultural traditions of the Serra do Caraça.

Tradition and Belonging in the Serra do Caraça

The Festa de Santo Amaro and the Cavalhada of Brumal are living expressions of Santa Bárbara's cultural heritage. More than a religious event, they represent the sense of belonging of a people who honor their roots and pass on their love of tradition to new generations.

In 2023, the 84th edition showed that faith and culture can go hand in hand, keeping alive one of the most authentic celebrations in Minas Gerais. Every year, the Cavalhada strengthens religious and cultural tourism in the Serra do Caraça, attracting visitors charmed by the beauty of the churches, the warmth of the community and the festive spirit that takes over Brumal.

The festival thus remains a true living heritage — a symbol of unity, devotion and pride for the people of Santa Bárbara and the whole region.