Jubilee of São João Batista 2018 in Barão de Cocais, MG

Faith and tradition that warm the heart of Barão de Cocais

The 2018 Jubilee of São João Batista (Saint John the Baptist) once again reaffirmed the strength of the faith and traditions of Barão de Cocais, one of the most devout and culturally rich towns in the Serra do Caraça. Held from June 15 to 24, the event turned the Praça Monsenhor Gerardo into a great space of fellowship, joy and spirituality.

Promoted by the São João Batista Parish, in partnership with the City Hall, through the Department of Culture and Tourism, the Jubilee brought together believers, visitors and tourists who, even on cold June nights, warmed their hearts with devotion to the town's patron saint.

With a program mixing religious moments, cultural performances and regional shows, the festival reinforced the identity and pride of the people of Barão de Cocais, keeping alive one of the most traditional celebrations of the Serra do Caraça.

Opening of the festivities and religious program

The celebrations began on June 15 with the raising of the São João Batista mast, a symbol of faith and devotion that marks the official start of the Jubilee. Next came the talent show by the José Maria de Morais State School and a musical performance by Denner & Kauã, setting a festive tone for the opening.

Throughout the period, the event featured moments of prayer, novenas, Masses and blessings at the Sanctuary, bringing the community together in celebrations of faith and thanksgiving.

The tradition of school quadrilhas (square dances) and choir performances reinforced the family, participatory character of the Jubilee, keeping alive the cultural heritage handed down for generations in Barão de Cocais.

Culture, music and joy at Praça Monsenhor Gerardo

The 2018 Jubilee stood out for its rich cultural program, which delighted the public with performances by local and regional talent. From June 15 to 24, the stage at Praça Monsenhor Gerardo hosted shows by Banda Santa Cecília, Robson Nunes, the FUNCEC Big Band Orchestra, Forró de Saia, Giancarlo & Adriano, Jeff & Alex, and a closing show by the duo Cláudio & Lidiany.

The nights were full of celebration and fellowship. The school talent shows, the Maestro Yolando dos Santos Choir, the Pastoral da Juventude quadrilhas and the university students' group showed the community's involvement in preserving June festival traditions.

Besides music, the public enjoyed seasonal treats, food stalls and games that gave the celebration a special touch, reinforcing the living culture of the Serra do Caraça.

Closing and attractions on the patron saint's day

The close of the Jubilee, on June 24, was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of Barão de Cocais and a symbol of faith and hope for the faithful. The day, a municipal holiday, brought devotees together for recreational activities and traditional games, such as the pau de sebo (greasy pole), quebra-pote (pot-breaking game) and porquinho engraçado (greased-piglet chase).

In the afternoon, the public enjoyed a performance by the Maestro Yolando dos Santos Children's Choir, and in the evening the university students' quadrilha took over the square, followed by the closing show by Cláudio & Lidiany, who moved the audience and marked the end of another unforgettable edition.

With a mix of faith, music and joy, the 2018 Jubilee of São João Batista reaffirmed the role of Barão de Cocais as a reference for culture and religious life in the Serra do Caraça region.

A festival that unites generations

More than an event, the Jubilee of São João Batista is a meeting of generations. Children, young people, adults and seniors come together with the same purpose: to celebrate the patron saint who has blessed the town for centuries.

The event is a living expression of Minas Gerais faith and one of the greatest symbols of the identity of Barão de Cocais. With each edition, the Jubilee reinforces the sense of belonging and the importance of preserving the traditions that shaped the history of the Serra do Caraça.

With the bonfire lit and hearts full of hope, Barão de Cocais closed another Jubilee certain that faith remains the bond linking the past, present and future of its people.