Jubilee of São João Batista 2025 in Barão de Cocais, MG
19th Jubilee of São João Batista
The 2025 Jubilee of São João Batista (Saint John the Baptist), in Barão de Cocais, is one of the most remarkable religious celebrations of the Serra do Caraça, bringing together faith, devotion and culture around the town's patron saint. Organized by the São João Batista Sanctuary Parish, this year's event was special because it coincided with the 2025 Holy Year, a time of spiritual renewal called by Pope Francis.
The festival, now in its 19th edition, reaffirms the town's centuries-old tradition; its parish was created in 1756. The jubilee also commemorates important dates, such as 56 years since the dedication of the Mother Church of São João Batista and 19 years since its elevation to the status of Archdiocesan Sanctuary. More than a religious event, the Jubilee is a meeting of generations, where faith and culture go hand in hand.
With Masses, processions, novenas and expressions of popular religiosity, the festival reaffirms the role of Barão de Cocais as one of the main centers of faith and tradition in the Caraça region.
Opening and start of the celebrations
The official opening took place on June 14 (Saturday), with the traditional pealing of the bells at noon, marking the start of the festivities. At 6 p.m., a Festive Mass was celebrated at the São João Batista Sanctuary, followed by a motorcade procession through the town's main streets. The moment included a special blessing for vehicles and drivers, symbolizing the patron saint's protection over all the people of Barão de Cocais.
An atmosphere of faith and joy took over the town, which was decorated with flags and religious ornaments. Residents and visitors followed the celebrations in front of the Sanctuary, reinforcing the tradition that has united Barão de Cocais around Saint John the Baptist for centuries.
Preparatory novena and special blessings
From June 15 to 23, the Preparatory Novena took place, one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the Jubilee. Each day, different communities took part in the celebrations, with themed blessings for workers, families, schools, seniors, children and various pastoral groups.
During the novena, Masses were held at 7 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., along with rosaries, confessions and visits from schools. Each gathering was enriched by the presence of neighboring parishes, such as Santa Bárbara, Catas Altas, Santa Rita Durão, Antônio Pereira and other localities in the Serra do Caraça region, showing the strength of the faith that unites the whole territory.
Each day, the Sanctuary filled with believers, reaffirming the central message of the 2025 Jubilee: "Hope does not disappoint" (Romans 5:5).
Solemnity of Saint John the Baptist
The high point of the program came on June 24 (Tuesday), a municipal holiday and Holy Day of Obligation. The Solemnity of Saint John the Baptist began with a Festive Dawn Celebration at 5 a.m., accompanied by the Banda Santa Cecília. Festive Masses followed, bringing together parishes of the Santa Bárbara Deanery and various local pastoral groups.
At 11:15 a.m., the image of Saint John the Baptist was lowered from its throne, one of the most moving moments of the event. In the afternoon, the program continued with an auction of cattle, pigs and poultry and, at 5 p.m., the Closing Solemnity and Procession, which went through the streets of Barão de Cocais with the image of the patron saint.
The closing included Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and the singing of the Te Deum, ending the celebrations with gratitude and emotion. The mast was lowered and the image carried back inside the Sanctuary, faithfully closing another unforgettable edition of the Jubilee.
Culture and religious life in the Serra do Caraça
The Jubilee of São João Batista is also a time to celebrate local culture. The ringing of the bells, the candlelit processions, the artistic expressions and the presence of the town bands give the town a festive tone.
Besides the religious celebrations, the faithful could enjoy traditional June festival food, local handicrafts and a program focused on togetherness among families and communities. Even without shows with fireworks or the sale of alcoholic drinks — in keeping with the guidance of the Archdiocese of Mariana —, the event remained vibrant and welcoming, reaffirming the essence of the Jubilee: faith lived in community.
For visitors to the Serra do Caraça, the Jubilee is a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Minas Gerais traditions and experience up close the hospitality and devotion of the people of Barão de Cocais.
