Festa dos Pés de Pomba 2021 in Barão de Cocais, MG
47th Festa dos Pés de Pomba
The Festa dos Pés de Pomba is one of the most striking symbols of the cultural identity of Barão de Cocais and the whole Serra do Caraça region. Created in the 1970s to turn an old nickname — "pés de pomba", literally "dove's feet" — into a source of pride, the festival has been alive for almost half a century, celebrating the talent and welcoming spirit of the town's people.
In 2021, the celebration reached its 47th edition, once again in an online format, adapting to pandemic times without losing the brilliance, joy and emotion that are part of its history.
With the motto "Nossa gente, nossa festa" (Our people, our festival), the event was streamed on the City Hall's YouTube channel from July 23 to 31, featuring more than 35 artistic acts, dozens of local musicians and a virtual audience of over 10,000 people.
The initiative, organized by the Municipal Department of Culture and Tourism, kept the festival's tradition alive, strengthening the creative economy and valuing local artists.
Barão de Cocais Culture and Talent in the Spotlight
The 2021 edition set a new standard in valuing local culture. Besides shows and musical performances, the event included theater, a food festival and initiatives to support regional artistic production.
More than 50 local musicians took part in the performances, which were recorded and added to the town's cultural portfolio — an initiative that reinforces Barão de Cocais's commitment to the development of its artists and cultural producers.
With every stream, the public could feel the festive, welcoming atmosphere of the Serra do Caraça, even at a distance. The live streams were full of interaction: residents sent photos and messages and shared special moments on their social media, keeping alive the infectious energy of the Festa dos Pés de Pomba.
Music Program: Diversity and Energy
The music program of the 47th Festa dos Pés de Pomba stood out for its variety of styles and the strong presence of local talent.
On Friday (July 23), the opening was by Duo ACapella, followed by Clever Paulo e Banda, Flavinho, Naty Rock and Amarelo Turquesa, who delighted the audience with MPB, pop rock and original songs.
On Saturday (July 24), the mood was joyful and romantic, with performances by Sérgio Augusto & Bruno, Jeff e Alex, Cláudio & Lidiany, Malícia do Forró and DJ Danny Albuquerque, who closed the night with plenty of electronic music.
Sunday (July 25) brought the best of MPB, samba and pagode, with Robson Nunes, Mistura do Samba, Mistura Envolvente and the band Off Road 80, closing the first weekend in style.
The second weekend began to an electronic beat on Friday (July 30), with performances by Projeto Ohm, DJ Ronald, DJ Aycond, DJ Orbys, DJ Hommer and the legendary DJ Formigão, who brought back the classics of the town's old parties.
On Saturday (July 31), the festival closed in great style with plenty of rock, featuring the bands Rock Bar, KA2, Cidade Vinil, Mr. Mojo – The Doors Cover and Armazém do Rock, who got the audience going and ended the festival with unforgettable energy.
Theater and Culture on Stage
The 2021 theater program also stood out, reinforcing the artistic and educational character of the festival. During the nine days of the event, the public could watch plays for all ages, streamed live from Barão de Cocais.
The children's productions delighted families with shows such as "O Velho Lobo do Mar" (The Old Sea Wolf), "Astronaut(a)", "A Arte de Tecer e Esperançar" (The Art of Weaving and Hoping), "As Aventuras de Chico Chicó em Barão de Cocais" and "As Mil e Uma Noites (de Quarentena)" (The Thousand and One Nights of Quarantine).
For adult audiences, the highlights were "Oi Lá, Inezita" and "O Amigo Fiel" (The Faithful Friend), which explored cultural and emotional themes of everyday life.
The Lambe-Lambe theater, with its miniatures and intimate staging, also delighted the public by bringing the idea of "pocket theater" into the digital age, bringing art closer to the community even in times of isolation.
Delivery Food Festival: Flavors of the Serra do Caraça
For the second year in a row, the Pés de Pomba Food Festival was held in a delivery format, bringing local bars and restaurants into the event program.
With five participating establishments — Tia Lú Refeições e Lanches, Em Cantos Comidaria, Espetinho Bom Demais, Hamburgueria DuCheffs and Requinte Buffet —, the festival highlighted the diversity of Minas Gerais cuisine and the typical flavors of the Serra do Caraça.
The dishes were judged by a technical panel based on criteria such as creativity, presentation, aroma and flavor.
The winner of the edition was the dish "Lembrança de Vó" (Grandma's Memory), from Tia Lú Refeições, followed by "Bem Mineirinho" (Em Cantos Comidaria) and "Porco Embriagado na Cachaça" (Cachaça-Drunk Pork, by Espetinho Bom Demais).
Besides boosting the food sector, the festival promoted local commerce, encouraging conscious consumption and valuing the town's entrepreneurs.
A Celebration of Resilience and Identity
The 47th Festa dos Pés de Pomba was a true example of cultural resilience. Despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the event kept alive the flame of Barão de Cocais pride and the sense of belonging to the Serra do Caraça.
With online streams, theater, music and food, the festival proved that tradition can reinvent itself and keep connecting people, even when hugs have to wait.
More than an event, the Pés de Pomba is a symbol of the strength and joy of Barão de Cocais — a people who sing, dance and celebrate their history with open hearts and feet firmly on the ground of the Serra do Caraça.
