Festa dos Pés de Pomba 2016 in Barão de Cocais, MG

42nd Festa dos Pés de Pomba

The Festa dos Pés de Pomba is one of the most traditional celebrations of Barão de Cocais and the Serra do Caraça region, bringing music, culture and food together in a single event.
In 2016, the festival reached its 42nd edition, establishing itself as one of the largest cultural events in the Médio Piracicaba region.
Held from July 28 to 31, at the José Furtado Events Space, the program delighted the public with shows by established artists, performances by local bands and the traditional Food Festival, which once again highlighted the talent and creativity of Barão de Cocais cooking.

The event, promoted by the Barão de Cocais City Hall through the Department of Culture and Tourism, had free admission, reinforced security and modern facilities, with improvements such as new restrooms, dressing rooms, a first-aid station and an expanded floor — making the venue even better suited to large crowds.

Tradition, Music and Culture in the Serra do Caraça

Every year, the Festa dos Pés de Pomba reaffirms its importance as a symbol of the cultural identity of Barão de Cocais. Created in the 1970s to turn an old nickname — "pés de pomba", literally "dove's feet" — into a source of pride, the festival has grown into one of the town's main attractions.
The 2016 edition featured a varied, high-level music program, with nationally known artists and local talent representing the rich cultural scene of the Serra do Caraça.

Over four days, the public experienced the union of tradition and modernity, with rhythms ranging from rock to forró, by way of samba and pop.
The event also had reinforced policing, ensuring the safety and comfort of the visitors who packed the venue every night.

Music Program: Big Crowds and Big Names

The 42nd Festa dos Pés de Pomba began on Thursday (July 28) with the Food Festival Closing Party, powered by Rock Barão II — an event that brought together the Barão de Cocais bands Naty Rock, The Lei, Mr. Mojo, KA2 and Black Bird Fly for a night of pure rock.

On Friday (July 29), the band Walktock livened things up, proudly representing Barão de Cocais after winning fourth place at the Festival de Talentos da Música Brasileira, in Rio de Janeiro. Then the group Sambô took the main stage and turned the event into a big party with its unmistakable style, mixing samba, pop and rock.

Saturday (July 30) featured one of the most eagerly awaited shows of the edition: Alceu Valença performed in the town for the first time, delighting the audience with hits such as "La Belle de Jour", "Coração Bobo" and "Cana Caiana".
The festival closed on Sunday (July 31), at 6 p.m., with the pagode group Molejo, who got everyone dancing and singing their classics, ending the edition memorably.

Food Festival: Barão de Cocais Flavors and Creativity

One of the big highlights of the 2016 Festa dos Pés de Pomba was the Food Festival, which celebrated local cuisine and offered a true spectacle of flavors.
For the second year in a row, the bar Pé de Serra, from the district of Cocais, won first place with the dish "Cabrocha com molho aroeira" (with pink peppercorn sauce), which won over the judges and the public.

Second place went to Botiquim Santana, also from Cocais, with the dish "Segredo da Mina", and third place went to Bar Em Cantos, with the tasty "É bão mermo".
Other participants also stood out with creative recipes inspired by Minas Gerais tradition, such as:

• Espeteria Wooden – Wooden Barcheese

• Luz de Minas – Moda Caipira

• Restaurante Brasileiríssimo – Uai Sô

• Pizzaria Itália – Paleta Mineira ao Molho Barbecue (Minas-style pork shoulder in barbecue sauce)

The festival closed on Thursday night with a large crowd and was judged by a panel that considered criteria such as presentation, creativity, flavor and originality.
The event has become one of the pillars of the festival, bringing food, art and regional identity together with one purpose: to celebrate the best of Barão de Cocais and the Serra do Caraça.

A Successful Event and a Source of Regional Pride

The 2016 edition of the Festa dos Pés de Pomba was a success in every respect — attendance, organization and artistic quality. The improved facilities at the José Furtado Events Space offered visitors more comfort, while policing and health services provided safety and peace of mind throughout the event.

With the support of companies and the Military Police, the festival reinforced the tourist and cultural potential of Barão de Cocais.
The variety of attractions, the involvement of the community and the brilliance of local artists showed that the "pés de pomba" tradition is more alive than ever, representing the pride of a people who joyfully celebrate their origins and the vibrant culture of the Serra do Caraça.