Held in the capital of Minas Gerais since 2002, the Festejo do Tambor Mineiro will celebrate the Reign of Minas Gerais for the first time in Ouro Preto. Bringing together congado guards, artistic presentations and an art and gastronomy fair, the special edition will take place on May 19th, Sunday, from 9 am, in Vila da Chapada, near Lavras Novas. Entry is free. This edition is sponsored by the Vale Cultural Institute, via the Federal Culture Incentive Law, Ministry of Culture – Federal Government, Union and Reconstruction.
The activities begin in the morning, with the arrival of the Irmandades do Rosário in a moment of celebration of the reigning culture. There will be 13 guards, including Mozambiques, Congos, Caboclos and Sailors coming from Ouro Preto, Congonhas, Belo Vale and Belo Horizonte. The black reinados/congados, with their guards, re-present in the streets the story of the removal of Nossa Senhora do Rosário from the sea by enslaved black people. Hundreds of guards maintain the richness of this Afro-Minas Gerais tradition in the state.
In the afternoon, the public is invited to watch circus performances, processions of percussive groups and shows with reference artists from Afro culture.
Check out the full schedule of the Festejo in Ouro Preto here
The highlight of the edition is the participation of São Paulo singer Fabiana Cozza (SP), who performs alongside Mauricio Tizumba and Bloco Tambor Mineiro. Fabiana is one of the main samba performers in the country, with strong roots in Afro-Brazilian music, having recorded and participated alongside stars such as Maria Bethânia, Péricles, Ivan Lins, Paulinho da Viola, Hermeto Pascoal and Chico César.
Raised in Cachoeira do Campo, district of Ouro Preto, singer and actress Silvia Gomes performs with Sérgio Pererê and Bloco Oficina Tambolelê. Another highlight of this edition of Festejo is the singer, guitarist and composer Pereira da Viola, from the Quilombola Community of São Julião, in Vale do Mucuri.
In addition to them, the Ingoma Group, from Juiz de Fora, is participating, which researches the Minas Gerais congado and traditional toadas; the Radiante Jazz Band, from Ouro Preto, dedicated to the performance of jazz with dixieland influences; Bloco Saúde, led by musician, percussionist and singer Bruno Messias, from Belo Horizonte, dedicated to promoting black culture in Brazil and abroad; Cici Floresta and Bloco Encantado, also from the capital of Minas Gerais, with a repertoire of maracatu do baque virado, Bumba Meu Boi do Maranhão and ciranda; and circus artist Roseane Corrêa, another talent from BH, with a circus performance.
Completing the artistic program are Anabella Porta, percussionist and singer, and Ignacio Benítez, guitarist and composer. The Argentine duo explores the Buenos Aires voice and guitar tradition, embracing Latin rhythms such as chacarera, zamba and huayno.
“The relationship between these great artists who will come to celebrate Tambor Mineiro is one of sharing culture, experiences and art, based on the appreciation of Afro culture throughout Brazil and other countries. And it is a great benefit for Ouro Preto, which carries the memory of Chico Rei, one of the precursors of congado, that this edition of the celebration takes place in our city”, assesses Kedison Guimarães, director of Racial Equality at the Municipal Department of Culture and Tourism of Black gold.
Mineiro Drum Festival
Created by Mauricio Tizumba and held since 2002, the Festejo do Tambor Mineiro is one of the main cultural festivals in the capital of Minas Gerais. With the aim of spreading and valuing Afro-Brazilian culture, it annually brings together congado guards from Minas Gerais, percussive groups, big names in Afro-Brazilian music and a craft and food fair, attracting an audience of around 5 thousand people each edition. The festival is part of Belo Horizonte’s official calendar. Every year, the Festejo do Tambor Mineiro also collects food to add to the guards’ festivities and strengthen the festivities of Irmandades do Rosário.
“Our music, the music of Minas Gerais, has the influence of congados and reigns, of our batuques, even though most people are unaware of this. Every year, the Irmandades do Rosário hold their celebrations, praise Our Lady of the Rosário, thank São Benedito enjoys abundant food, in a cycle of mutual visits that move their communities. The Festejo do Tambor Mineiro brings this wealth to the center of the debate and, for the first time, holds this celebration in Ouro Preto, a land of strong Congadeira culture, such as an invitation to celebrate our roots together”, adds Mauricio Tizumba.
About the Vale Cultural Institute
The Vale Cultural Institute believes that culture transforms lives. Therefore, it sponsors and promotes projects in partnerships that promote connections between people, initiatives and territories. Its commitment is to contribute to an increasingly accessible and plural culture, while at the same time working to strengthen the creative economy.
Since its creation, in 2020, the Instituto Cultural Vale has been involved in more than 800 projects in 24 states and the Federal District, covering the five regions of the country. Among them, a network of its own cultural spaces, sponsored via the Federal Culture Incentive Law, with free visitation, unique identity and vocation: Memorial Minas Gerais Vale (MG), Museu Vale (ES), Centro Cultural Vale Maranhão (MA) and House of Culture of Canaã dos Carajás (PA). Where there is Culture, Vale is there.
Visit the Vale Cultural Institute website: Institutoculturalvale.org
SERVICE | Mineiro Drum Festival in Ouro Preto
When. Sunday, May 19th, from 9am
Where. Vila da Chapada, close to Lavras Novas
How much. Free entry, no need to collect tickets
More information. festejo.art.br
