Festa de Santo Antônio 2018 in Santa Bárbara, MG

The Festa de Santo Antônio (Feast of Saint Anthony) is one of the most important cultural and religious events in Santa Bárbara, celebrating the town's patron saint in an atmosphere of faith, music and fellowship. In 2018, the event had a special edition, marked by improved facilities and a revival of the charm of traditional June festivals, with a new format combining religion, food and popular joy.

Held from June 6 to 13, in the Historic Center, the festival impressed residents and visitors of the Serra do Caraça with the quality of its attractions and the beauty of the setting. With the theme "Tradição, Fé e Gastronomia" (Tradition, Faith and Food), the event featured big shows, traditional food stalls, a decoration contest and new features that strengthened the bond between the community and local organizations.

Organized by the Santa Bárbara City Hall, through the Department of Culture and Tourism Development, the 2018 Festa de Santo Antônio became a landmark in valuing culture and the solidarity economy, reaffirming its status as the town's Intangible Heritage.

Opening and First Days of Celebration

The event began on June 6, with the opening of the food stalls and a show by Trio de Lá, who entertained the audience with regional classics. The Historic Center became a colorful scene, with bunting, traditional decorations and the unmistakable aroma of June festival treats filling the air.

On Thursday, June 7, the highlight was the show by Father Omar, rector of the Christ the Redeemer Sanctuary in Rio de Janeiro. With the show "Samba de Fé" (Samba of Faith), the priest moved the audience and got them dancing, blending music, spirituality and the infectious joy of Rio samba in an unforgettable night.

On Friday, June 8, the Estação da Música presented the musical "Mestres do Sertão" (Masters of the Backlands), showcasing the strength of folk culture and the talent of local artists. The repertoire, full of viola caipira and traditional songs, delighted the audience and set the mood for the big attractions still to come.

These first days showed the festival's commitment to cultural diversity and to valuing Santa Bárbara's talent, reaffirming the town as one of the most authentic cultural centers of the Serra do Caraça.

Shows, Quadrilhas and Folk Traditions

Saturday, June 9, was livened up by the duo Denner e Kauã, who brought sertanejo universitário hits and won over the audience with an engaging repertoire. On Sunday, June 10, the traditional Band Gathering brought together musicians from different towns, reinforcing the importance of instrumental music in Santa Bárbara's cultural life.

Also on Sunday, the audience was delighted by the Quadrilha São Gererê (square dance group), champion of the Arraial de Belô 2017, which brought a true spectacle of color and rhythm to the square. The night closed with the second performance of the musical "Mestres do Sertão", showing the talent and dedication of local artists.

On Monday, June 11, the program continued with a show by Hebert e Gabriele, who serenaded the audience with romantic hits and sertanejo songs that marked generations.

These nights were a faithful portrait of the spirit of the Festa de Santo Antônio: tradition, joy and belonging. Each performance reinforced the value of local culture and the hospitality typical of the Serra do Caraça region.

Arrasta-Pé, Faith and a Festive Closing

Tuesday, June 12, the eve of the patron saint's day and Brazil's Valentine's Day (Dia dos Namorados), was one of the high points of the festival. The main attraction was the band Fulô de Mandacaru, straight from Pernambuco. With authentic northeastern forró, the musicians got the audience dancing to hits such as "Nosso Xote" and "Deu Bom", turning the Historic Center into a big Saint Anthony arrasta-pé (forró dance party).

Joy took over the town, and people from the Médio Piracicaba and the whole Serra do Caraça turned out in force, packing the square for a night of music and celebration.

The closing, on June 13, featured the traditional Saint Anthony's Lunch and a show by the duo Vitor e Fabrícia, who ended the festival with a repertoire full of faith and romance.

These moments reaffirmed the community and religious character of the event, which, besides offering leisure and culture, strengthens the bonds of devotion and solidarity among the people of Santa Bárbara.

Food and Stall Contest

In 2018, the Festa de Santo Antônio food stalls had a new format and a special creative touch. For the first time, the City Hall held a decoration contest, awarding the three best-decorated stalls, with traditional June festival elements and references to Saint Anthony.

Voting took place from June 6 to 12, and the winners were:
1st place – Pastoral Familiar
2nd place – Apae
3rd place – Grupo Florescer

Besides the contest, the stalls also won people over with their food. Under the coordination of the Empreender Você Program, launched by the City Hall in 2015, the organizations took part at no cost, keeping all the profits made during the event. The program provides facilities, lighting and equal opportunities for microentrepreneurs and local organizations, fostering the solidarity economy and regional development.

The June treats were a hit with the public: cassava pastel from Aarte, cheese pastel from Apae, barbecue skewers from Assanbloc, Saint Anthony omelet from Pastoral Familiar, plus broths and choconhaque (hot chocolate with cognac) from Grupo Florescer and Rever. The variety and flavor of the dishes became an attraction in their own right, reinforcing the culinary identity of Santa Bárbara and the Serra do Caraça.

Tradition, Culture and Community Development

The 2018 Festa de Santo Antônio was a perfect combination of faith, tradition and innovation. The revamped event delighted the public, promoted social inclusion and highlighted the role of local organizations in strengthening the town's culture and economy.

The City Hall's initiative of offering free, sustainable facilities for the stalls showed its commitment to responsible development and to valuing the cultural practices that keep Santa Bárbara's history alive.

Over eight days, the Historic Center became a meeting place for generations, where every song, every dish and every smile recalled the origins of the devotion to Saint Anthony — a symbol that continues to unite the faith and culture of the Serra do Caraça.