Torneio Leiteiro 2022 in Santa Bárbara, MG

44th Torneio Leiteiro and 28th Cavalgada of Santa Bárbara bring together tradition, music and culture in the Serra do Caraça

From July 7 to 10, 2022, Santa Bárbara once again celebrated in great style the biggest event in the Médio Piracicaba region: the 44th Torneio Leiteiro (Dairy Fair) and 28th Cavalgada (horseback ride). After a two-year break, the festival returned to the Adilson de Melo Exhibition Park, bringing together more than 45,000 people, according to figures from Fest Eventos.
It was organized by the Municipal Department of Environment and Agriculture, with the support of the City Hall of Santa Bárbara, and reaffirmed the town's commitment to valuing rural producers and regional culture.

The event, already a tradition in the Serra do Caraça, combined music, food, exhibitions, competitions and leisure in four days of celebration that delighted people of all ages.

Tradition, culture and reunion

The Santa Bárbara Torneio Leiteiro and Cavalgada is a celebration of rural identity, a space where countryside and town meet to honor the work and dedication of those who live off the land.
The festival's return in 2022 marked a moment of reunion for the Santa Bárbara community, which for decades has seen the event as a symbol of pride and belonging.

Over the four days, the public enjoyed music, dairy competitions, livestock exhibitions, rodeos, an amusement park and the traditional Queijo Minas Artesanal Entre Serras da Piedade ao Caraça (artisanal Minas cheese) contest, one of the jewels of local cuisine.
The combination of tradition and innovation made the fair a true reflection of the strength and resilience of the people of Santa Bárbara.

Big shows and musical diversity

The 2022 edition featured a top-level artistic program, with performances by big names in Brazilian music and local talent.
With free admission on two nights, the event offered fun for every audience.

• July 7 (Thursday): Thiaguinho and Mistura do Samba – Free Admission

• July 8 (Friday): Zé Neto & Cristiano and Denner Ferreira

• July 9 (Saturday): João Gomes and Washington & Waldomiro

• July 10 (Sunday): Luan Santa, Ingrid Leonara and the children's show Yasmim Melo e Sua Turma – Free Admission

The Exhibition Park stage hosted everything from vibrant pagode to romantic sertanejo and piseiro, ending each night in a festive mood. Sunday was especially dedicated to families, with attractions for children, reinforcing the inclusive, community character of the event.

Agricultural competitions and local highlights

Besides the music, the event kept its rural essence alive with traditional contests in the Dairy Barn, which awarded the best producers and animals in the region.
In the Adult Cow category, the highlight was José Xavier dos Santos and Ulysses Xavier, with the cow Famosa, champion of the edition. Second place went to José Lúcio and Lúcio Flávio, with the cow Fachada, and third place was won by Fernando Rodrigues and Henrique Rodrigues, with the cow Rebeca.
In the Young Cow category, the winners were Fernando and Henrique, with the cow Filó, followed by José Lúcio Anastácio and Lúcio Flávio, with the cow Estela, and again Fernando and Henrique, with the cow Dama, which took third place.

These achievements reflect the producers' dedication and the town's commitment to excellence in milk production, strengthening Santa Bárbara's name as a regional reference in the sector.

4th Queijo Minas Artesanal Entre Serras da Piedade ao Caraça Contest

Over the weekend, the public also followed the 4th Queijo Minas Artesanal Contest of the Entre Serras da Piedade ao Caraça micro-region, with seven participating producers.
In the cured cheese category, the winners were:

• 🥇 Renilda, from Queijos D’Águalimpa

• 🥈 Sidiley, from Sítio São Manoel

• 🥉 José Célio, from Queijaria Zé Célio

Visitors could taste the cheeses with a delicious coffee, in an atmosphere celebrating local cuisine and artisanal production, which is recognized throughout the Serra do Caraça region.

28th Cavalgada and closing

On the last day, the traditional Santa Bárbara Cavalgada brought together horsemen and horsewomen from many parts of the country, turning the Exhibition Park into a show of culture and tradition.
The parade and get-together strengthened ties between country lovers and urban visitors, symbolizing pride in country roots and love for the land.

The event was part of Gestão 5.0, within the Environment and Agriculture pillars, integrating the Santa Bárbara 2030 Strategic Plan and aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
This approach reinforces the town's commitment to combining tradition, sustainability and innovation to build a more prosperous future.

Legacy and regional impact

With record attendance and a diverse program, the 44th Torneio Leiteiro and 28th Cavalgada of Santa Bárbara marked a new phase for the town's events.
The return after a two-year break was more than a festival — it was a symbol of rebuilding, partnership and hope.
The event's success strengthened tourism, boosted the local economy and reaffirmed Santa Bárbara's role as one of the great cultural and agricultural centers of the Serra do Caraça.