Passos da Agonia Passion Play 2025 in Santa Bárbara, MG

Tradition and faith in the Serra do Caraça

Holy Week in Santa Bárbara, in the heart of the Serra do Caraça, is marked by one of the most moving cultural and religious events in Minas Gerais: the Encenação dos Passos da Agonia (Stations of the Agony Passion Play). Since 1975, the play, created by COENBI — now known as Âncora Cia de Teatro —, has kept alive a tradition that combines art, faith and history. Every year, the audience relives the last moments of Jesus Christ through a performance that goes beyond the stage and turns the town's streets and spaces into a true biblical setting.

Officially recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Santa Bárbara, the play is a symbol of local identity and a meeting point between generations. The event draws not only residents but also visitors from all over the Serra do Caraça, who gather to share a moment of intense spirituality and reflection during Holy Week.

More than a simple theatrical performance, "Os Passos da Agonia" is an experience that moves and inspires. Every detail — from costumes to acting — is designed to take the audience on a sensory journey that awakens faith, solidarity and empathy. In this way, Santa Bárbara reaffirms its role as one of the most significant cultural and religious centers of the region.

Celebrating 50 years of history

In 2025, Âncora Cia de Teatro celebrated 50 years of history, reaffirming its importance as a reference in art, culture and social transformation. This year's performance was especially symbolic, marking half a century of dedication to theater and the Christian faith. The play was staged on Good Friday (April 18) at the Emília Mendes da Fonseca Gymnasium, downtown, and moved the audience with a compelling narrative of the last moments of Jesus Christ on Earth.

Supported by the Santa Bárbara City Hall through the Municipal Fund for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, the play drew a large number of spectators. Believers and admirers of theater came together in an atmosphere of devotion and respect, celebrating the life, passion and resurrection of Christ.

The event was also part of the Minas Santa program, an initiative of the Minas Gerais State Government that promotes Holy Week celebrations throughout the state. This reinforces the play's relevance in the cultural context of Minas Gerais, highlighting Santa Bárbara as one of the most sought-after destinations in the Serra do Caraça during the religious season.

A legacy of faith and culture for Santa Bárbara

Five decades after its first performance, "Os Passos da Agonia" remains a source of pride for the people of Santa Bárbara. The Santa Bárbara City Hall honored the group on its 50th anniversary, highlighting its contribution to preserving the artistic and religious expressions that shape the town's identity.

Over the years, Âncora Cia de Teatro has become an example of dedication and commitment to local culture. Each edition of the play is the result of the collective effort of artists, volunteers and supporters who believe in the transformative power of theater. Its recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage reinforces the importance of this ongoing work in maintaining the town's traditions and promoting religious tourism in the Serra do Caraça region.

The play thus keeps renewing its mission: uniting faith and art to strengthen community ties, move audiences and keep Santa Bárbara's history alive. With 50 years of history, "Os Passos da Agonia" remains one of the most striking expressions of religious culture in Minas Gerais and an invitation to everyone who wants to experience the emotion of Holy Week in one of the most charming settings in the state.