Festa do Vinho 2011 in Catas Altas, MG

11th Festa do Vinho

From May 13 to 15, 2011, Catas Altas celebrated another edition of its most traditional event: the Festa do Vinho (Wine Festival), which reached its 11th edition bringing together culture, music, faith and, of course, the unmistakable taste of jabuticaba wine, the town's greatest symbol.

With a music lineup featuring Elba Ramalho, Sá & Guarabyra and O Teatro Mágico, the 2011 edition delighted the public and reinforced the festival's role as one of the most important cultural gatherings in Minas Gerais.

Tradition and History in Every Toast

The Catas Altas Festa do Vinho was born of a wish to value the work of local producers and keep alive a tradition that spans generations. Since the 19th century, growing jabuticaba trees and making artisanal wine have been part of Catas Altas identity, especially after the decline of gold mining.

Over the years, the event has become a landmark of regional culture, attracting visitors from many towns to taste artisanal wine, discover the beauty of the Serra do Caraça and experience typical Minas Gerais hospitality.

In 2011 the festival reaffirmed this heritage, showing that jabuticaba wine is not just a drink — it is a link between the past and present of Catas Altas.

Music and Emotion at Praça Monsenhor Mendes

Praça Monsenhor Mendes, in the historic heart of town, was once again the main stage. The music program brought acclaimed MPB and Brazilian pop artists, creating a harmonious mix of styles and generations.

• Friday, May 13: singer Elba Ramalho opened the festival with all her charisma and energy, performing hits that blended forró, baião and northeastern rhythms and winning the crowd over on the first night.

• Saturday, May 14: the duo Sá & Guarabyra gave a moving show with great classics of "rural rock" and songs that defined an era, such as "Sobradinho" and "Dona".

• Sunday, May 15: the group O Teatro Mágico closed the festival, enchanting the audience with a performance full of poetry, music and theater and ending the event memorably.

The variety of acts reinforced the event's aim of bringing together different forms of cultural expression, offering the public a complete, unforgettable experience.

Jabuticaba Wine: Heritage and Symbol of the Town

The real star of the festival, however, was jabuticaba wine. Made by hand by local families, it carries the flavor of tradition and the care passed down through generations.

During the event, visitors could taste different variations of the drink and see the production process up close — from harvest to bottling. This focus on local production is what makes the Festa do Vinho more than entertainment: it is a showcase for the family economy and sustainable tourism in the region.

Jabuticaba wine is undoubtedly the greatest symbol of Catas Altas — and every glass served at the festival is a toast to the history and effort of its people.

Culture, Faith and Community

As in every edition, the 2011 Festa do Vinho also included moments of spirituality and community. Religious services at the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição preceded the concerts, reaffirming faith as an essential part of life and culture in Catas Altas.

Food fairs and exhibitions of local products completed the program, letting visitors enjoy the best of the town's cuisine and crafts.

These activities reinforced the festival's diverse character — a space where art, music, faith and tradition come together in perfect harmony.

Closing and Legacy of the 11th Edition

With memorable shows and a joyful, welcoming atmosphere, the 2011 Festa do Vinho went down in history as one of the event's most special editions.

The crowd left Praça Monsenhor Mendes with full hearts and the unique taste of jabuticaba wine on their palates. The town, in turn, reaffirmed its role as guardian of a tradition that grows stronger every year.

More than a celebration, the Festa do Vinho is a portrait of the soul of Catas Altas — a celebration of culture, friendship and the beauty of living among the mountains of the Serra do Caraça.