Festa do Vinho 2004 in Catas Altas, MG

4th Festa do Vinho

On May 14, 15 and 16, 2004, the town of Catas Altas, in the Serra do Caraça, celebrated the 4th edition of the Festa do Vinho (Wine Festival), reaffirming a tradition that was already becoming one of the best-loved and most authentic in rural Minas Gerais.

The event was held at Praça Monsenhor Mendes, bringing residents and visitors together around music, culture and artisanal jabuticaba wine — a product that symbolizes the town's identity and intangible heritage.

Organized by the Catas Altas town council in partnership with Aprovart (Association of Wine Producers and Family Farmers), the festival kept growing in facilities, attendance and regional importance, becoming a major landmark on the cultural and tourist calendar of the Serra do Caraça.

A Tradition That Grows Stronger Every Year

Following its now traditional format, the 2004 Festa do Vinho ran for three days in May and kept the family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere that has always defined the event.

With each edition the festival gained more exhibitors and new attractions, boosting tourism and the local community's sense of belonging.

Since its creation in 2001, the festival's purpose has been clear: to value the artisanal production of jabuticaba wine and celebrate the culture of Catas Altas in all its forms. In 2004 this purpose was reaffirmed even more strongly, showing the maturity and organization the event had achieved.

Attendance grew, the musical performances diversified and Praça Monsenhor Mendes became the true stage of Catas Altas identity, uniting tradition, music and joy.

Music and Regional Artists

The music program of the 4th Festa do Vinho was one of the highlights of the edition, bringing established names in Minas Gerais music and artists representing regional talent.

The main acts included:

• Saulo Laranjeira, comedian, singer and songwriter known for his work on the TV show A Praça é Nossa and for championing Minas Gerais popular culture.

• Aggeu Marques e Banda, who thrilled the crowd with a lively repertoire of Brazilian pop rock and MPB hits.

• Raquel Coutinho e Banda, with striking interpretations of contemporary Brazilian music.

• Lô Borges e Banda — Lô Borges being one of the icons of the Clube da Esquina movement — whose presence gave the festival a historic, poetic touch.

• Orquestra Newton Paiva, which delighted the audience with sophisticated instrumental arrangements and technically excellent performances.

• Banda Afilhados do Sereno, from Catas Altas, proudly representing local talent and the spirit of the festival.

This eclectic lineup established the event as a meeting of tradition and modernity, mixing Minas Gerais popular music with contemporary sounds and giving visibility to the regional music scene.

The stage at Praça Monsenhor Mendes became the heart of the festival, with daily performances drawing a diverse and enthusiastic crowd — residents, tourists and families who saw the festival as a meeting point of culture and community.

Culture, Community and the Wine Contest

Artisanal jabuticaba wine remained the star of the event. Made by local families belonging to Aprovart, the wine kept its place of honor in the stalls around the square.

The traditional Best Jabuticaba Wine Contest remained one of the main attractions, awarding family producers whose wines stood out for quality, flavor and authenticity.

These activities reinforced the role of the Festa do Vinho as a guardian of Catas Altas traditions — a celebration of artisanal knowledge, cooperation between families and the pride of belonging to a town with deep roots and a strong community spirit.

More than a competition, the contest symbolized unity and recognition of work passed down through generations.

Organization and Community Support

The Catas Altas town council and Aprovart continued to lead the organization of the event, with strong involvement from merchants, producers and residents.

Even without major sponsors, the festival stood out for its participatory management and community support, as residents saw it as an opportunity to promote local economic development and sustainable tourism.

Simplicity and collective spirit remained the essence of the event, making the 2004 Festa do Vinho an example of a cultural celebration built on dedication and love for what is genuinely from Minas Gerais.

Legacy of the 4th Edition

The 2004 Festa do Vinho marked a milestone of growth and consolidation. With ever larger crowds and a standout program, the event established itself as a regional reference in culture, music and tradition.

Artisanal jabuticaba wine remained the link between past and present, uniting generations and celebrating what is most authentic about Catas Altas: the union of rural work, art and hospitality.

The 2004 edition showed that the Festa do Vinho was here to stay, as one of the most beautiful expressions of Minas Gerais culture — an event where wine, music and the people's pride come together in perfect harmony.