Festival Sabores do Morro 2022 in Morro D'Água Quente, MG

After a two-year break forced by the pandemic, the district of Morro D'Água Quente came alive again with the 5th Festival Sabores do Morro (Flavors of the Morro Festival), in December 2022. The event's return was much more than the resumption of a cultural program: it was a reunion with the memory, flavors and identity of a community deeply attached to its land.

Held from December 9 to 11, the festival brought together residents, tourists and visitors in an atmosphere of celebration and belonging. The activities took place amid the striking landscapes of the Serra do Caraça, reinforcing the connection between food, nature and culture.

The 2022 edition marked a new cycle for Sabores do Morro. After the silence of the pandemic years, the event returned stronger, with a varied program and strong public participation.

The 5th Festival Sabores do Morro thus became a symbol of cultural resilience and appreciation of local traditions in Catas Altas.

The return after the pandemic break

2020 and 2021 were years of interruption for the festival, in line with what happened across the country. The absence of Sabores do Morro made it clear how much the event had already become part of the district's cultural life.

In 2022, the return was carefully planned, prioritizing the reunion of people and the revival of the activities that had always marked the festival. The prevailing feeling was one of joy and gratitude.

The event's return revived economic activity in Morro D'Água Quente, benefiting local producers, artisans, shopkeepers and service providers.

More than resuming a schedule, the festival symbolized the community's ability to reorganize itself and continue valuing its culture even after a difficult period.

Traditional food and local identity

Food was once again at the center of the festival in 2022. Visitors could try dishes made with local ingredients, following traditional recipes that are part of the history of Morro D'Água Quente.

Minas Gerais quitandas (homemade baked goods), homemade sweets, regional dishes, craft drinks, honey products and local farm produce filled the stalls of the Sabores do Morro collective.

Made up of entrepreneurs from the community itself, the collective aims to preserve regional cooking, generate income and strengthen tourism. In 2022, this purpose was even more evident.

By valuing simple, accessible and authentic flavors, the festival reaffirmed its community essence and its commitment to the Serra do Caraça territory.

Cooking workshops, handicrafts and cultural activities

Besides the food fair, the 5th Festival Sabores do Morro had a rich program of cooking workshops. Guest chefs and members of the collective shared techniques, recipes and experiences with the public.

The workshops encouraged the exchange of knowledge and brought visitors closer to local life, reinforcing the educational character of the festival.

Handicrafts also had their place, valuing the manual work and creativity of the region's residents. Pieces made in the district reflected local cultural identity.

This variety of activities made the event a complete experience, going beyond food and strengthening the community's cultural ties.

Music program and headline acts

Music played a central role in the 2022 edition, with a program bringing together local, regional and nationally known artists. Over the three days, different musical styles entertained the public.

Highlights included performances by Fernando Augusto, Banduzé, Lorena Amaral, Bob Drummond and Daniel Dejero, Velotrol, Ablusadas and Rubber Soul, a Beatles tribute band.

The high point of the festival was the show by the band 14 Bis, on Saturday, December 10. Formed in 1979 in Belo Horizonte, the band performed hits such as Linda Juventude, Todo Azul do Mar, Bola de Meia Bola de Gude and Planeta Sonho.

The show drew large crowds to Morro D'Água Quente and reinforced the festival's regional profile.

Organization, partnerships and regional impact

The 5th Festival Sabores do Morro was organized by the Sabores do Morro Association in partnership with the Catas Altas City Hall, through the Department of Tourism and Culture. The partnership between the community and the local government was essential to the success of the edition.

The event was open to the public and took place in a central area of the district, ensuring broad access and integration between residents and visitors.

The festival had a direct impact on local tourism, raising the profile of Morro D'Água Quente and strengthening its presence on itineraries linked to the Caraça Sanctuary.

The 5th Festival Sabores do Morro thus reaffirmed its role as one of the main community food and cultural events in the Serra do Caraça region.