Festa dos Pés de Pomba 2012 in Barão de Cocais, MG
38th Festa dos Pés de Pomba
The Festa dos Pés de Pomba is one of the most emblematic celebrations of Barão de Cocais, a town in the enchanting Serra do Caraça, a region known for combining nature, culture and tradition.
In 2012, the event reached its 38th edition, with a special program bringing together nationally known artists and local talent, reaffirming the pride and identity of the people of Barão de Cocais.
The festival took place from July 27 to 29, at the José Furtado Events Space, with shows, regional performances and the involvement of the whole community.
With free admission, the event attracted residents and tourists from many neighboring towns, who enjoyed three days of music and joy. This year's program stood out for its mix of styles — from rock to samba — and for the presence of big names in Brazilian music.
Tradition and Identity in the Serra do Caraça
Created in 1974, the Festa dos Pés de Pomba was born to turn a once-derogatory nickname — "pés de pomba", literally "dove's feet" — into a symbol of pride for the people of Barão de Cocais.
Over the decades, the celebration has become one of the town's main cultural events, strengthening community ties and boosting tourism in the region.
In 2012, the event kept this essence alive, celebrating local culture, music and the hospitality of Barão de Cocais amid the inspiring landscape of the Serra do Caraça.
More than a music festival, the Pés de Pomba has become true intangible heritage, with each edition reinforcing the people's identity and their desire to preserve traditions that span generations.
Music Program: Three Days of Pure Energy
The 38th Festa dos Pés de Pomba offered a vibrant program, mixing local and national acts in memorable nights.
The event began on Friday (July 27) with Banda Conexão 3, which opened the program with a danceable, engaging repertoire. Then the crowd cheered the show by the band Scarcéus, known for its alternative rock style and songs that marked the 2000s.
The first day already showed that the 2012 edition would be one of the liveliest in recent years.
On Saturday (July 28), the night began with the traditional Prata da Casa (Homegrown Talent) show, featuring bands from Barão de Cocais and the region — Incrível Rock, K2, Anarquia and Rock Bar — in a celebration of local talent.
Then the audience enjoyed one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the event: the show by the band Capital Inicial, which performed its great hits, such as "Primeiros Erros", "Natasha" and "À Sua Maneira".
With an electrifying performance, the band turned the José Furtado Space into a sea of voices and lights, leaving an unforgettable mark on the festival's history.
Closing the festival on Sunday (July 29), the public gathered earlier, at 5 p.m., to enjoy the infectious sound of the band 1001 Watts, followed by the traditional Bartucada, a percussion group from Diamantina (MG) known for its energy and vibrant choreography.
The closing was an explosion of joy, bringing entire families together and reaffirming the spirit of unity that defines the Pés de Pomba.
Valuing Local Artists
One of the main features of the 2012 edition was its emphasis on valuing local artists, who opened the main shows and shared the stage with big names in Brazilian music.
Regional bands such as Rock Bar, Incrível Rock and K2 showed that Barão de Cocais and the Serra do Caraça are true breeding grounds for talent.
The musical diversity of the three days reinforced the City Hall's commitment to supporting local culture and art, recognizing the value of those who make music an instrument of expression and identity.
Closing and Legacy of the 38th Edition
The 2012 edition of the Festa dos Pés de Pomba was considered an absolute success in attendance and organization.
With unforgettable shows, such as Capital Inicial, and a vibrant close with the Bartucada, the festival reaffirmed its role as one of the most important cultural celebrations in inland Minas Gerais.
The mix of established artists and local talent showed the strength of Barão de Cocais as a center of culture and entertainment in the Serra do Caraça.
More than a music event, the Pés de Pomba remains an expression of the soul of Barão de Cocais — joyful, creative and resilient — turning the town's history into a reason for celebration and collective pride.
