10 Curious Brazilian popular parties reveal that our culture goes beyond Carnival

We Brazilians were born in a country whose cultural manifestation is enormous. Proof of this are our various celebrations. Street Carnival, for example, is present both inside and outside Brazil, in which thousands of costumed revelers take to the streets to have fun. But this is just one example of the many popular festivals that exist.

O awesome.club compiled some of the biggest parties and popular and cultural manifestations that you probably didn’t know about and will want to participate someday. They are food-themed parties like Fenamilho or the Strawberry Festival. And even others with medieval or folkloric productions, such as Cavalhadas and Festival de Parintins, respectively. Look how curious:

This typical party takes place in Pirenópolis (GO). It is a Portuguese tradition that originated in medieval tournaments. For three days, masked characters with their decorated horses occupy the city streets making a racket. Click here to learn more about this popular festival. Check out more photos below by clicking the arrow.

The National Corn Festival (Fenamilho) is considered the biggest agricultural festival in Minas Gerais. The celebration has been held since 1959. As a tradition, there is the coronation of the national corn queen, as well as a festival of typical dishes. The Corn Memorial was created to house the festival’s historical collection. Find out more here.

This popular celebration was created to promote the sale of strawberry and its derivatives with shows and exhibitions. Every edition, which takes place in various regions of the country, is considered as an incentive for rural producers, giving the opportunity to sell directly to the consumer. The Taquaras festival, in Santa Catarina, for example, takes place between November 30 and December 1 of this year (2019). Know more.

Created to preserve country culture, this is one of the biggest riding parties in the world. It takes place in August, with lots of music, food and gaudy, in Barretos (SP). Click and find out. Or watch the crowd that attends this event below.

Who loves June parties can’t miss this one. The festival of São João de Campina Grande, in Paraíba, always has a lot of typical food, forró and quadrilha. Every year, the organization remembers singers who were important to Brazilian popular culture. This year (2019), Jackson do Pandeiro was the honoree of the time. Read more about this cultural festival here.

Held in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, this gigantic party preserves the German culture in the south of the country. More than 500,000 people participate annually in this celebration. Many dress in traditional German clothes and enjoy the various typical foods of the European country that are mouth-watering. Click and learn more.

4. Parintins Folkloric Festival

This festival is held at the Centro Cultural e Esportivo Amazonino Mendes — better known as Bumbódromo, in Parintins, Amazonas. The event symbolizes a folkloric dispute between the Boi Garantido and the Boi Caprichoso. The history and celebration in honor of these oxen have conquered the world. Read more about this cultural achievement.

The traditional washing of the Bonfim stairs is considered the second largest cultural event in Bahia, second only to Carnival. The washing represents a symbol of religious syncretism in Salvador and throughout the state of Bahia. Baianas pour scented water on the steps, to the sound of African and religious chants. Below you can see the streets crowded by the celebration. Find out more here.

2. Bumba Meu Boi Festival

The party’s history is linked to the period of Dutch domination in the state of Pernambuco. It is a popular Brazilian folk dance, with costumed people and animals that revolve around a legend about the death and resurrection of an ox. The party is most popular in Maranhão, despite having spread across the country. The Boi Bumbá (also taken to the Parintins party) received the title of Cultural Heritage of Brazil by Iphan. Read more here.

This is an Afro-Brazilian cultural and religious manifestation strongly celebrated in Uberlândia (MG). The feast has been held since 1896, although it was officially registered in 1916. There are three main themes: the Marian apparition of Our Lady who delivered a rosary to São Domingos de Gusmão, the life of São Benedito who was of Moorish origin and the representation of King Charlemagne’s struggle against the Moorish invasions. The performance consists of a dramatic ballet with singing and music (watch below). Learn more about this tradition here.

Our traditions, festivals and cultural manifestations are incredible. Cite below a popular festival in your region that is worth visiting or one on the list that you have already participated in. 🇧🇷