Passos da Agonia Passion Play 2015 in Santa Bárbara, MG

Four decades of faith in the Serra do Caraça

In 2015, the town of Santa Bárbara, in the heart of the Serra do Caraça, celebrated a historic milestone: 40 years of the Encenação dos Passos da Agonia (Stations of the Agony Passion Play), one of the most moving and traditional performances of Holy Week in Minas Gerais. Staged by Âncora Cia de Teatro, with the support of the City Hall, the play reaffirmed its role as an artistic and spiritual expression deeply rooted in local identity.

Since its creation in 1975, the event has delighted residents and visitors by portraying, with sensitivity and realism, the last moments of the life of Jesus Christ. The town's Historic Center, with its steep streets and colonial churches, becomes a living stage every year, where faith and culture meet in perfect harmony.

Completing four decades of history, "Os Passos da Agonia" is established as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Santa Bárbara, representing not just a religious play but a testimony to the community's devotion and commitment to preserving its most authentic traditions.

The 2015 edition: 40 years of emotion and tradition

From March 29 to April 4, 2015, the town relived, with intensity and emotion, the journey of Christ through the three parts of the play — Life, Death and Resurrection.

The program began on Palm Sunday (March 29), with the traditional Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, staged during the procession. On Maundy Thursday (April 2), after the 7 p.m. Mass, the audience watched the first part of the play, which portrayed the teachings and last hours of Jesus with his disciples.

Good Friday (April 3) moved the audience with the scenes of the arrest, trial and crucifixion, performed at 8 p.m. The play closed on Holy Saturday (April 4), after the Easter Vigil, with the scene of the Resurrection, a symbol of hope and renewal of the Christian faith.

Under the direction of Ênio Reis, and with Marcelo Jerônimo da Cruz as president of Âncora Cia de Teatro, the group presented a special edition celebrating four decades of dedication to religious theater. The production highlighted the talent of local artists and the involvement of the community, reinforcing the collective, participatory character of the event.

A milestone for culture and faith in Santa Bárbara

The celebration of 40 years of "Os Passos da Agonia" was much more than a play: it was a reunion with the town's history and roots. Each scene performed in the Historic Center represented not only a biblical moment but also a tribute to everyone who, over the decades, has helped keep this tradition alive.

With the motto "A cada cena, uma história. Em Santa Bárbara, tradição se valoriza assim." (Every scene, a story. In Santa Bárbara, this is how tradition is valued.), the 2015 edition reaffirmed the event's importance as a symbol of faith, culture and regional identity. The town once again established itself as one of the main centers of religious theater in the Serra do Caraça, attracting believers, artists and tourists who share the same devotion and admiration for the art.

At the close of the program, the feeling among participants was one of gratitude — for four decades of art, spirituality and commitment to tradition. A legacy that continues to inspire new generations and strengthen the bond between faith and culture in Santa Bárbara.