Festa dos Pés de Pomba 2023 in Barão de Cocais, MG
49th Festa dos Pés de Pomba
The Festa dos Pés de Pomba is one of the most striking cultural events of Barão de Cocais and the Serra do Caraça region. Created in 1974, the celebration grew out of the townspeople's desire to turn into pride the nickname "pés de pomba" (literally "dove's feet"), used in the past in a derogatory way in reference to the town's red soil. Today, the term stands for belonging and joy, expressing the vibrant spirit of the people of Barão de Cocais.
In 2023, the event reached its 49th edition, reinforcing its importance as a symbol of local identity. There were days of intense musical, cultural and culinary activity that energized the town and attracted visitors from many parts of Minas Gerais. Every year, the Festa dos Pés de Pomba reaffirms Barão de Cocais as one of the main festive and tourist destinations of the Serra do Caraça.
Culture and Tradition Celebrated in the Serra do Caraça
The 2023 edition kept alive the essence that made the event famous: the union of tradition, joy and cultural diversity. From the opening on July 21 to the closing on July 30, the mood was one of pure celebration.
The streets became more colorful, the squares came alive and the sound of the bands echoed among the mountains of the Serra do Caraça, creating a unique atmosphere that blended history and modernity.
The program was organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism with the direct involvement of the local community. Besides shows and performances, the event offered spaces for art, food and leisure that celebrated regional talent and entrepreneurship.
The public enjoyed a true festival of flavors and sounds, marked by the authenticity of the Minas Gerais people and the natural charm of Barão de Cocais.
Music Program: Big Names and New Talent
The 49th Festa dos Pés de Pomba offered a music schedule combining established artists and local talent. The event began with regional shows at the sports gym and in the town's squares, featuring Mistura do Samba, Gabi Star, DJ Gui, Mikael RB99, Caixa Amplificada and Banda de Gordura, who entertained the crowd in the first days.
From the second weekend on, the main stage was taken over by heavyweight names in Brazilian music.
On Friday (28th), acclaimed singer Elba Ramalho moved the audience with her charisma and MPB classics. Before her, the public enjoyed performances by Mr. Jackie and Jucafé, as well as a special set by DJ Danny Albuquerque, who closed the night with plenty of energy.
On Saturday (29th), rock took over the festival with a vibrant show by Paulo Ricardo, former frontman of the band RPM, who brought a dose of nostalgia and modernity to the Serra do Caraça audience.
And to close on a high note, Sunday (30th) belonged to the sertanejo universitário duo Ícaro & Gilmar, who got the crowd going and marked the close of one of the most memorable editions in the event's history.
Food Festival: Flavors That Tell Stories
Besides music, the 49th Festa dos Pés de Pomba featured the Food Festival, bringing together six local bars and restaurants, each presenting traditional dishes and creative takes on Minas Gerais cuisine. The festival was promoted with the support of the Instituto Cultural Vale, strengthening the link between culture, the economy and tourism.
Visitors could enjoy everything from traditional treats to elaborate dishes made with regional ingredients, celebrating the culinary diversity and richness of the Serra do Caraça.
This food space was one of the high points of the festival, valuing the talent of local cooks and offering sensory experiences that brought together taste, history and affection.
The event also included the launch of the book "Entre o Sacro e o Profano" (Between the Sacred and the Profane), by Barão de Cocais writer J.D. Vital, which reflects on the town's cultural identity, reinforcing the artistic and literary character of the Pés de Pomba.
Tradition, Art and Community United in One Festival
More than a series of shows, the Festa dos Pés de Pomba represents the collective strength of Barão de Cocais and its ability to celebrate its own history. In 2023, the event reaffirmed the importance of culture as a tool for unity and social transformation.
The involvement of families, the leading role of local artists and the strong turnout showed that the Pés de Pomba remains a living symbol of the Serra do Caraça.
With each edition, the event reinvents itself without losing its essence, showing that tradition and modernity can go hand in hand. The Festa dos Pés de Pomba is, above all, a tribute to the pride of Barão de Cocais — a legacy that resonates across generations and continues to strengthen the town's name as a cultural reference in Minas Gerais.
