Festa dos Pés de Pomba 2015 in Barão de Cocais, MG
41st Festa dos Pés de Pomba
The Festa dos Pés de Pomba is one of the most traditional celebrations of Barão de Cocais, a town in the rich cultural and natural territory of the Serra do Caraça.
In 2015, the event reached its 41st edition, bringing together music, theater, food and cultural workshops from July 17 to 26, with activities spread across several parts of town.
The theme of the edition was "Circuito Cultural" (Cultural Circuit), and the main stage was the Helda Gerdau Bridge parking lot, which welcomed thousands of people over the festival days.
Organized by the City Hall, through the Department of Culture and Tourism, the 2015 Festa dos Pés de Pomba reinforced its prominent place on the regional calendar, combining tradition, art and joy in an event that is already part of the identity of Barão de Cocais.
Tradition, Culture and Joy in the Serra do Caraça
The Festa dos Pés de Pomba was born in the 1970s with the aim of turning an old nickname — "pés de pomba", literally "dove's feet" — into a symbol of pride and unity.
More than four decades later, the celebration remains one of the public's favorites, strengthening the sense of belonging and the pride of being from Barão de Cocais.
With each new edition, the event reaffirms the town's commitment to valuing its cultural roots and encouraging local artistic production.
In 2015, the festival's expanded format — with music improvement workshops, theater performances and the traditional Food Festival — brought the population even closer to art and culture.
The integration of different cultural expressions showed that the Serra do Caraça is not only a natural sanctuary but also fertile ground for talent and artistic expression.
Music Program: Three Days of Big Shows
The music program of the 41st Festa dos Pés de Pomba was intense and varied, attracting audiences of all ages.
The big shows took place on July 24, 25 and 26 and provided memorable moments in the event's history.
On Friday (July 24), the night was dedicated to rock, with the traditional "Saideira do Festival Gastronômico" (Food Festival Closing Party), featuring the bands Segundo Plano, Incrível Rock, Black Bird Fly, Banda KA2 and Naty Rock.
These local groups put on a real show, highlighting the region's musical talent and warming up the crowd for the big weekend attractions.
Saturday (July 25) belonged to the acclaimed band Cidade Negra, which brought its engaging reggae and hits that marked generations, such as "Firmamento" and "A Estrada", to Barão de Cocais. The infectious energy of the show had the audience singing along and turned the night into a great celebration of Brazilian music.
Closing the festival on Sunday (July 26), the group Melanina Carioca took the stage at 6 p.m., mixing samba, pop and funk in a lively performance that crowned the 41st edition in style.
2015 Food Festival: Flavors That Delight
The Food Festival is one of the pillars of the Festa dos Pés de Pomba, and in 2015 it was once again a great success.
Held from July 17 to 21, the festival livened up local bars and restaurants, which presented creative dishes inspired by Minas Gerais cuisine and the typical flavors of the Serra do Caraça.
The event had strong public participation and closed during the "Saideira" on the 24th, when the dishes were judged by a technical panel and by the public.
The participating establishments had the opportunity to show the best of their kitchens, strengthening food tourism and encouraging local consumption.
The festival has become a showcase of culinary talent and an added attraction for visitors to Barão de Cocais during the festival period.
Shows and Workshops: Art and Cultural Training
Besides music and food, the 2015 Festa dos Pés de Pomba also valued theater and artistic training.
From July 18 to 22, the Circus Theater delighted audiences with shows mixing humor, circus arts and storytelling, especially for children.
The performances reinforced the educational character of the event and helped broaden access to culture.
Another highlight was the Music Improvement Workshop, which offered learning and exchange of experience for young local talent.
This initiative was essential to encourage artistic development and strengthen cultural production in Barão de Cocais, broadening the reach of musicians from the Serra do Caraça region.
Closing and Legacy of the 2015 Edition
The 41st Festa dos Pés de Pomba stood out for its exemplary organization, the quality of its attractions and the engagement of the people of Barão de Cocais.
The event boosted the local economy and tourism and reaffirmed Barão de Cocais as one of the most important cultural centers of the Serra do Caraça.
Amid flavors, colors and sounds, the 2015 Pés de Pomba once again left a feeling of pride and belonging, showing that the tradition remains alive and renewed every year.
