Jubilee of São João Batista 2023 in Barão de Cocais, MG

The return of a tradition in the Serra do Caraça

After three years of waiting, the 2023 Jubilee of São João Batista (Saint John the Baptist) marked the triumphant return of one of the best-loved celebrations of Barão de Cocais and the whole Serra do Caraça. The reunion with religious and cultural traditions moved residents and visitors, reaffirming the importance of the patron saint for the town and its community.

Organized by the City Hall, through the Department of Culture and Tourism, the festival revived the charm and devotion that are part of local history. With Masses, shows, theater, dances and games, the Jubilee was a true symbol of faith and joy, connecting new generations with the cultural roots of Barão de Cocais.

The event also consolidated its role as one of the most significant in the Serra do Caraça region, attracting believers and tourists looking for a welcoming atmosphere full of faith, music and tradition.

Music, joy and local talent

The music program of the 2023 Jubilee featured varied rhythms that pleased every audience. On Thursday (22nd), singer Marcelo Bhering made his debut at the festival, livening up the crowd with a vibrant sertanejo repertoire.

On Friday (23rd), the duo Cláudio & Lidiany — by now a tradition at the event — delighted the audience with charisma and romance, creating a festive, family atmosphere. The closing took place on Sunday with a moving performance by the Orquestra Mineira de Viola Caipira (Minas Gerais Viola Caipira Orchestra), which treated those present to a show of music and emotion rooted in Minas Gerais tradition.

Besides the main attractions, the stage also made room for local talent, such as the Banda de Música Santa Cecília and the Orquestra Sementes, which delighted the public with performances full of dedication and local pride.

Traditions and games that delight generations

The Jubilee of São João Batista is much more than a religious event — it is a celebration of folk culture. In 2023, the festival revived traditional games that delighted children and adults, such as the pau de sebo (greasy pole), quebra-pote (pot-breaking game) and the famous walk over the embers, one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the event.

The June quadrilhas (square dances) and children's theater added even more charm and fun, filling the square with traditional costumes, dances and plenty of entertainment. The June festival atmosphere took over the town, with traditional food, bonfires and the human warmth that only Serra do Caraça festivals can convey.

These traditions, handed down from generation to generation, reinforce the importance of the Jubilee as a guardian of the cultural expressions of Barão de Cocais, where faith and folklore are intertwined in perfect harmony.

Corrida Rústica and a festive closing

Besides the cultural and musical attractions, the 2023 Jubilee also made room for sport and personal achievement. The 11th Corrida Rústica (cross-country run), held on the morning of Sunday (25th), brought together athletes and enthusiasts of all ages, offering moments of fellowship and sporting spirit.

The event stood out for its positive energy and the active participation of the community, which enthusiastically celebrated every achievement. Throughout the festival days, the town filled with faith, music and joy, closing the Jubilee with a collective feeling of gratitude and renewed hope.

The return of the Jubilee of São João Batista was a milestone for Barão de Cocais and the whole Serra do Caraça, reaffirming the strength of tradition and the value of community unity around faith and culture.