Passos da Agonia Passion Play 2013 in Santa Bárbara, MG

Tradition and emotion in the Serra do Caraça

Holy Week 2013 was a time of renewal and emotion in Santa Bárbara, a historic town in the Serra do Caraça. The traditional Encenação dos Passos da Agonia (Stations of the Agony Passion Play) was once again staged in the Historic Center, in front of the Mother Church of Santo Antônio, reviving an old local tradition that delighted believers and visitors.

Produced by Âncora Cia de Teatro, with the support of the City Hall, the play was performed on March 28, 29 and 30, drawing hundreds of people to follow the last steps of Jesus Christ on Earth. The change of venue was enthusiastically received by the public, who praised the beauty and emotion of a production staged in one of the town's most symbolic settings.

The play, directed by Ênio Reis, reinforced the group's commitment to valuing faith and culture. For 38 years, the event has been a landmark of Santa Bárbara's identity and one of the best-known religious expressions of the Serra do Caraça, combining art, devotion and community participation.

A play that touches the heart

In 2013, the role of Jesus Christ was played by Cléber Ávila, known as Clebinho, a resident of the district of Florália. Choosing a member of the community for the lead role strengthened the play's bond with the people of Santa Bárbara, bringing the faithful even closer to its message.

Under Ênio Reis's direction, the play was divided into three parts: Life, Death and Resurrection, presenting memorable passages such as the Sermon on the Mount, the Garden of Olives, the trial before Pilate and the crucifixion. With every scene, the audience intensely relived the moments that symbolize Christ's sacrifice and love for humanity.

Besides the play, the Holy Week program included Masses, confessions, vigils and traditional processions, such as those of the Encounter, Our Lady of Solitude and the Burial. On Palm Sunday (March 24), the cast performed the scene of Jesus's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, taking theater to the streets and moving those taking part.

With about 110 people involved — actors, technicians and extras —, the production had the support of local sponsors and volunteers. The collective strength of the event showed that faith and culture go hand in hand in Santa Bárbara, strengthening community ties and keeping alive a tradition that spans generations.

Culture, food and shared faith

Alongside the play, the town hosted the 3rd Food Fair – A Alimentação no Tempo de Jesus (Food in the Time of Jesus), conceived by director Ênio Reis. The traveling event visited the districts of Barra Feliz and Florália, bringing together bars, restaurants and cultural institutions around a concept that united faith, food and history.

Participants could taste dishes inspired by the diet of Jesus's time while enjoying performances by the Corporação Musical Santo Antônio (town band), plays and art and ceramics exhibitions. The closing, on Sunday (March 31), featured an Easter lunch and biblical scenes performed by local groups such as Florart, Florir Florália, Consciência Jovem and Gacrux de Teatro, with the support of organizations and companies such as AngloGold Ashanti, ADESB and AART.

The initiative reinforced Santa Bárbara's role as a reference for religious theater and folk culture in the Serra do Caraça region, combining faith, art and food in a unique celebration.

A script renewed every year

With a script of unknown authorship, "Os Passos da Agonia" was brought to Santa Bárbara in 1976 by the group's founder, Raimundo Natalino Pires, and adapted in the 1990s by Fernando Limoeiro. Since 2003, the script has received new versions every year, in line with the theme of the Campanha da Fraternidade (the Brazilian Catholic Church's annual Lenten campaign), with contributions from Jorge Carneiro and director Ênio Reis.

These constant adaptations keep the play relevant without losing its spiritual essence. The 2013 Passos da Agonia thus reaffirmed its prominent place in Santa Bárbara's cultural and religious heritage, moving audiences and establishing the town as one of the most significant centers of the Serra do Caraça during Holy Week.