Festa da Quitanda and Festival da Goiabada 2017 in Cocais, MG
6th Festa da Quitanda and 5th Festival da Goiabada
The Colonial Village of Cocais, one of the most charming destinations in the Serra do Caraça, hosted the 6th Festa da Quitanda and 5th Festival da Goiabada on May 6 and 7, 2017, one of the most traditional and best-loved celebrations in the region. Created to value and promote the authentic Minas Gerais quitanda (traditional homemade baked goods) and the famous Goiabada Cascão (chunky guava paste), recognized as Intangible Heritage of Barão de Cocais, the event is already part of the town's official festival calendar and attracts visitors from all over Minas Gerais.
Organized by the Barão de Cocais City Hall, through the Departments of Culture and Tourism and Economic Development, the festival had the support of Emater-MG, the Rural Producers' Union, the Cocais Community Association and the Association of Family Farmers of Barão de Cocais and Region, as well as local partners such as Buffet Carmo Martins, Rancho do Quinto and the Military Police.
The 2017 edition established the Festa da Quitanda as a showcase of food and cultural tourism in the Serra do Caraça, bringing together flavors, aromas and know-how that capture the essence of life in inland Minas Gerais.
Opening and Tribute to Local Tradition
The opening ceremony, held on Saturday morning, marked the start of a weekend of pure celebration. Municipal authorities from the Executive and Legislative branches, representatives of organizations and associations, public servants, residents and tourists took part in a symbolic tree planting around the Praça do Rosário, where the festival takes place.
The ceremony, accompanied by the century-old Banda de Música Santa Cecília, symbolized the community's commitment to the environmental and cultural preservation of Cocais. Those present included Mayor Décio Santos, Secretary of Culture and Tourism Marcos Lamego, councilor Geraldo E. das Neves, Arminto Couto (president of the Rural Producers' Association), Ramon Vieira (Economic Development), Maria Macieira (winner of the 2016 contest), Emerson Barra (Emater) and Rogério Vidal (Environment).
The morning set the tone for the event: tradition, nature, food and music came together to celebrate the pride of belonging to the Serra do Caraça.
Workshops and Flavors That Tell Stories
The workshops were among the program highlights. Chef Vicente Medeiros, from SENAC Minas, led the workshop "Forno e Fogão: Primórdios da Cozinha Mineira" (Oven and Stove: The Origins of Minas Gerais Cooking), presenting techniques and recipes typical of old wood-fired kitchens. Quitandeira Maria Rita de Alcântara Martins taught the workshop "Modo de Fazer a Goiabada Cascão" (How to Make Goiabada Cascão), showing the artisanal process that turns the fruit into one of the most symbolic delicacies of Barão de Cocais cooking.
These learning moments reinforce the importance of traditional know-how as cultural heritage, while attracting tourists who want to experience the authentic Minas Gerais cooking of the Serra do Caraça.
All day long, the Praça do Rosário was filled with irresistible aromas from the stalls: pão de queijo, cakes, broas, polvilho (cassava starch) biscuits, angu pastries, sausages and assorted treats. The public tasted recipes handed down from generation to generation, prepared with simple ingredients and plenty of affection.
Music, Joy and Folk Culture
The music program was another high point of the festival. On Saturday, visitors were delighted by the MPB Classics performed by Mário e Banda and, later, by the infectious swing of Odilara in the show "Sambalanço". The performances turned the square into a big open-air stage, where families and tourists danced and celebrated the joyful spirit of Cocais.
On Sunday, the event began early with the traditional "Pelas Trilhas do Barão" Walk (Along the Baron's Trails), organized by guide João Lima, linking nature, health and tourism. On arrival, participants were welcomed with freshly brewed coffee, biscuits fried on the wood stove and the traditional polvilho biscuit fresh from the clay oven — an experience only a visit to the Serra do Caraça can offer.
The morning continued with performances by the Orquestra de Viola Caipira Luthier, the Chorinho Café com Prosa group and, closing in great style, the Samba de Raiz of the group Oi de Gato. The sounds, smells and countryside atmosphere made the public feel at home.
Quitanda Contest and Junior Quitandeiros Contest
The traditional Quitanda Contest and the Junior Quitandeiros Contest brought together talent of all ages. In total, 37 participants presented 81 different dishes, in three categories: Breads and Quecas, Cakes and Pies, and Biscuits, Cookies and Ring Cookies.
The judges — including Márcia Francisco, a journalist from Belo Horizonte; Vanda Gomes, president of the Catas Altas City Council; Vicente Medeiros, SENAC chef; and Janira Braga, Secretary of Tourism and Culture of Santa Bárbara — assessed presentation, originality, flavor and aroma.
The result was a true celebration of the creativity and talent of local quitandeiros. Highlights included Maria Macieira S. Moreira, champion with her Pão de Batata com Goiabada (potato bread with guava paste), and Cleiton R. G. Silva, junior winner with his Abobreira de Coco com Goiabada (coconut pumpkin cake with guava paste). In addition, Stall No. 3, run by Teresinha and Piedade, was voted the best decorated of the edition.
The winners received cash prizes and were honored by Mayor Décio Santos, councilors and representatives of the partner organizations.
A Tradition That Generates Income and Strengthens Tourism
The Festa da Quitanda and Festival da Goiabada is not just a cultural event but also a tool for economic and tourism development. As Secretary Marcos Lamego pointed out, the celebration "energizes the whole tourism chain, generating income and valuing the work of local quitandeiras and producers".
With each edition, the district of Cocais grows stronger as a food tourism destination in the Serra do Caraça, attracting families and visitors looking for authentic experiences. The combination of flavors, music and tradition makes the event a true symbol of Minas Gerais hospitality.
