Jubilee of São João Batista 2017 in Barão de Cocais, MG

Faith, tradition and joy in the Serra do Caraça

The 2017 Jubilee of São João Batista (Saint John the Baptist) reaffirmed the strength of the faith, culture and traditions of Barão de Cocais, one of the most devout towns in the Serra do Caraça. From June 15 to 24, the town enthusiastically celebrated the 11th edition of the Jubilee, attracting believers, tourists and residents to one of the most eagerly awaited festivals on the local calendar.

Organized jointly by the São João Batista Parish and the City Hall, through the Department of Culture and Tourism, the event offered a program full of religious moments, cultural performances and concerts, combining spirituality and popular celebration.

The cold June nights were warmed by bonfires, colorful bunting and the sound of June festival music, creating a scene typical of the traditional Serra do Caraça festivals, where religion blends with joy and community life.

A jubilee of faith and fellowship

The religious program brought hundreds of believers to the novenas, Masses and processions in honor of Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of Barão de Cocais. The celebrations took place at the Praça Monsenhor Gerardo, next to the Sanctuary, bringing together families, pastoral groups and visitors who came to give thanks and renew their vows.

The faith of Barão de Cocais was evident in the devotion of the believers and the strong presence of the communities that help keep alive a tradition spanning generations. The ringing of the bells, the prayers and the tributes reinforced the Jubilee's role as one of the strongest symbols of spirituality in the Serra do Caraça.

Besides the religious side, the festival was marked by moments of reunion, emotion and celebration of the cultural identity of Barão de Cocais.

Cultural program and concerts

The 2017 Jubilee stage hosted a series of varied musical performances designed to please every audience. Attractions included Matheus Luccato, Trio Lampião, Vitor & Guilherme, Forró de Lua, Orquestra de Viola (viola caipira orchestra), Jeff & Alex, Banda Santa Cecília, Coral Yolando dos Santos, Menina do Céu and Cláudio & Lidiany.

With varied repertoires — from sertanejo to forró, by way of Brazilian popular music and Minas Gerais traditions — the shows ensured a festive, family atmosphere every night.

According to the Secretary of Culture and Tourism, Marcos Lamego, the aim was to offer a democratic, high-quality event, valuing local and regional artists without neglecting the religious and cultural traditions that make the Jubilee one of the town's best-loved festivals.

Living culture and community pride

The 2017 edition also celebrated the cultural expressions of Barão de Cocais. A themed exhibition by the municipal schools portrayed the Saint John the Baptist festivities over the years, highlighting the photo collection "Cenário Pé de Pomba", organized by local researcher José Carlos Siqueira.

The event also featured the Geração de Renda (Income Generation) group, which brought food trucks and local entrepreneurs to the venue, as well as the quitandeiros (makers of traditional homemade baked goods), who had a prominent spot, welcoming visitors with the flavors of the region's traditional cooking.

Traditional games, such as the pau de sebo (greasy pole) and quebra-pote (pot-breaking game), were also part of the program, keeping alive the June festival roots that have delighted locals and visitors of the Serra do Caraça for centuries.

A successful, well-received jubilee

After the festival, Mayor Décio dos Santos highlighted the success of the 2017 edition. According to him, the Jubilee regained regional prominence, attracting a larger audience and having a positive impact on the local economy. "We managed to hold a beautiful, well-organized festival at a lower cost than in previous editions. The outcome is very positive and we expect the next jubilee to be even better," said the mayor.

The result was a vibrant event that combined religion, culture and fellowship, showing that the Jubilee of São João Batista remains the heart of the traditions of Barão de Cocais.

Amid prayers, music and bonfires, the town showed the people of the Serra do Caraça once again that faith can warm even the coldest June nights.