Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro 2024 in Santa Bárbara, MG
85th Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro
From June 28 to July 7, 2024, the district of Brumal, in Santa Bárbara – MG, enjoyed days of intense devotion and joy during the 85th Cavalhada and Festa de Santo Amaro (an equestrian pageant reenacting the battle between Moors and Christians, held during the Feast of Saint Maurus). Recognized as the town's first intangible heritage, the celebration brings together faith, history and folk culture in an event that has moved the Serra do Caraça region for decades.
With a program full of Masses, processions and musical performances, the festival reaffirmed the bond between tradition and local identity. The event was organized jointly by the Santa Bárbara City Hall, the Brumal Community Association and the Nossa Senhora das Graças Curacy, with the support and active participation of the whole community.
With each edition, the Cavalhada of Brumal establishes itself as one of the greatest cultural expressions of the Serra do Caraça, attracting pilgrims, horsemen and tourists who find a historic, welcoming setting in the district.
Religious Program: Devotion and Gratitude to Santo Amaro
The religious part of the festival began on June 28 with the traditional Novena of Santo Amaro, which continued until July 6. During the celebrations, the public took part in rosaries, Masses and moments of prayer at the Salão Vicentino (parish hall), keeping alive the faith that has inspired the residents of Brumal for generations.
On June 29, the Santo Amaro motorcade set off from in front of the church, blessing drivers and vehicles in a symbolic gesture of protection and gratitude. On Sunday (30th), the faithful attended the rosary and morning Mass, renewing their devotion to the patron saint.
The tributes intensified on July 6 and 7, with celebrations dedicated to the horsemen and pilgrims. On Sunday (7th), emotions ran high during the solemn Mass in praise of Santo Amaro, followed by the traditional procession through the streets of Brumal, bringing together families, believers and visitors from many towns of the Serra do Caraça.
Culture and Music: Joy at the Largo de Brumal
Besides the religious celebrations, the cultural program offered great moments of fellowship and entertainment. On Friday (5th), the public gathered for shows by Hebert & Gabriele and the duo Cláudio & Lidiane, who livened up the night with plenty of sertanejo.
On Saturday (6th), a DJ set warmed up the crowd for the most eagerly awaited show of the edition: the nationally known duo Henrique & Diego, who got the crowd going with their hits and charisma. The performance was one of the high points of the festival, bringing residents and tourists together in an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Closing on a high note, Sunday (7th) began with the Alvorada (dawn salute), one of the most traditional moments, marking the festive awakening of the district. In the afternoon, at 5 p.m., the performance of the 85th Cavalhada of Brumal took place, accompanied by a moving fireworks display. The night ended with singer Denner Ferreira, who brought energy and sertanejo rhythm to the close of the event.
The Cavalhada: A Living Tradition in the Serra do Caraça
The Cavalhada is the heart of the festival and one of the oldest cultural expressions in Minas Gerais. Inspired by old medieval tournaments and legends about the battle between Moors and Christians, it symbolizes the victory of faith and unity over differences.
In Brumal, this tradition is preserved with pride. Horsemen adorned with colored ribbons and traditional costumes parade and reenact symbolic battles, delighting the audience that packs the Largo de Brumal to watch the spectacle. The event is also an important element of identity and belonging for residents, who take an active part in the organization and the tributes to Santo Amaro.
Keeping the Cavalhada alive means keeping the history of the Serra do Caraça alive — a territory where the sacred and the popular meet in perfect harmony.
A Heritage That Unites Generations
More than an event, the Cavalhada of Brumal and Festa de Santo Amaro is a celebration that spans generations. It preserves values, revives memories and reinforces the importance of faith as a pillar of the community.
The 85th edition reaffirmed that, in the Serra do Caraça, tradition and modernity can go hand in hand. The participation of new generations of horsemen, musicians and volunteers shows that the legacy of Santo Amaro remains alive and vibrant.
With the support of the Santa Bárbara City Hall and the local community, Brumal remains the guardian of one of the most beautiful cultural and religious traditions in Minas Gerais — a heritage that enriches the history and tourism of the Serra do Caraça.
