Festa de Santo Antônio 2015 in Santa Bárbara, MG

In 2015, Santa Bárbara enthusiastically celebrated the 3rd Winter Festival and Festa de Santo Antônio (Feast of Saint Anthony), one of the most eagerly awaited events on the town's cultural calendar. The festival combined tradition, faith, music and food in a program full of local and regional attractions, establishing the town as one of the cultural and tourist centers of the Serra do Caraça.

Held from June 6 to 13, at the Espaço Cultural da Estação (Station Cultural Space), the event was promoted by the City Hall, in partnership with the City Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Economic Development. Over eight days, the public enjoyed a rich combination of shows, folk performances, food stalls with traditional dishes and religious activities.

Tradition, Culture and Food

The program began on Saturday, June 6, with the opening of the food stalls and a show by the Corporação Musical Santo Antônio (town band), followed by the Grupo Folclórico e Cultural Sangê de Minas, which brought folk traditions to the stage. To close the opening night, the audience enjoyed a show by the band Incrível Rock, led by José Antônio, which kept the energy high.

On Sunday, June 7, the festival continued with the traditional Band Gathering, bringing together bands from the region. The night was marked by the romance and joy of the duo Hebert e Gabriele, who delighted the audience with their sertanejo repertoire.

Throughout the week, the event was filled with the irresistible aroma of stalls offering traditional June festival treats, such as broths, canjica (sweet hominy), quentão (hot spiced cachaça), pastéis, barbecue skewers and homemade sweets — a true celebration of Minas Gerais cuisine.

School Performances and Local Artists

On Monday, June 8, the Chico Severino and Marphiza Magalhães Santos municipal schools delighted the audience with their June quadrilhas (square dances), reinforcing the involvement of school communities in the town's cultural traditions. Then singer Naty Rock took the stage with a vibrant show mixing pop, rock and Brazilian hits.

On Tuesday, June 9, the highlight was the Adélia Hosken Ayres Municipal School, which presented a beautiful tribute to the patron saint, Saint Anthony. Next, the band Luxford entertained the audience with plenty of pop rock and well-known hits, in a night of strong public participation.

On Wednesday, June 10, the Irmã Amandina Maria Municipal School performed, followed by a show by Sérgio e Bruno, who brought joy and charisma to the Station stage.

These nights showed how much the festival reflects Santa Bárbara's cultural identity and the involvement of the whole Serra do Caraça community.

Faith and Music in the Religious Program

Thursday, June 11, featured a special performance by APAE, which moved the audience with its inclusive quadrilha. Then singer Cristiane Silva took the stage with her striking voice, ending the night in a festive, emotional mood.

On Friday, June 12, expectations were high for the most eagerly awaited attraction: Father Alessandro Campos. Known nationwide as "the sertanejo priest", he gave a show of faith and joy, mixing music, religion and messages of hope.

Father Alessandro Sets an Attendance Record

Father Alessandro's performance was a true milestone in the history of the Festa de Santo Antônio. For the first time, the program featured a religious show of this size, and the result was an absolute success.

More than 6,000 people gathered at the Espaço Cultural da Estação for the show, which moved and engaged the audience with well-known songs, preaching and moments of prayer. Entire families packed the square in an atmosphere of faith and celebration.

The priest showed charisma and sensitivity, alternating between songs and reflections on the values of life and spirituality. The show confirmed the strength of religion as one of the pillars of the event and marked the 2015 edition as one of the most memorable of the decade.

Closing and Tribute to Saint Anthony

On Saturday, June 13, the Patron Saint's Day, the program closed on a high note. The food stalls opened early and the public enjoyed traditional dishes while waiting for the tributes to Saint Anthony, held in the main square.

The closing featured the group Alternativa do Pagode, with a light, festive repertoire, ending the event in an atmosphere of fellowship and joy.

The 2015 Festa de Santo Antônio was a celebration of faith, culture and unity, reaffirming the City Hall's commitment to strengthening tradition and encouraging cultural tourism in the Serra do Caraça.

Banner Contest: Art and Tradition

One of the new features of this edition was the Banner Contest, which celebrated folk art and the creativity of the participants. The contest was promoted by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Economic Development, with the aim of reviving the tradition of handmade banners — religious and cultural symbols present in Minas Gerais celebrations.

The contest awarded the top three entries in two categories: ages 18 to 59 and over 60. Voting took place from June 6 to 12, in person and online, on the City Hall website. The public could vote directly at the Espaço Cultural da Estação, taking an active part in choosing the winners.

This initiative reinforced the community, participatory character of the festival, bringing the population even closer to the cultural expressions that are part of the region's history and identity.

A Living Tradition in the Serra do Caraça

With a varied program, well-organized facilities and strong public participation, the 2015 Festa de Santo Antônio was a real success. The event stood out for valuing traditions, encouraging local culture and perfectly combining religion, music and Minas Gerais food.

The festival reaffirmed Santa Bárbara's role as a guardian of the cultural heritage of the Serra do Caraça, keeping alive the devotion to Saint Anthony and the community spirit that unites generations.