The São Fernando Farm Institute has supported the Vale do Café Festival since its first edition in 2003. This is a Brazilian instrumental music event that stands out for its originality and that annually – in the second half of July – attracts hundreds of visitors to the region of our first farm, boosting local tourism.
During the festival season, the cities in the region breathe music.
Concerts take place in public squares, churches and historic farms. The charming Cortejo de Tradições (Traditional Procession) takes place through the streets with manifestations of popular culture, such as jongo, capoeira and folia de reis (Three Kings’ Day). In addition, storytellers invite the public
to participate in fun “rodas de causos” (story circles) around a bonfire in the
historic center of Vassouras.
The festival also offers lectures and music courses for visitors and residents, including through scholarships. With the guidance of renowned teachers, participants have the chance to hone their artistic talents on various instruments.
Created by Cristina Braga, first harpist of the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro Symphony Orchestra, and with artistic direction by Turíbio Santos, one of the greatest contemporary Brazilian classical
guitarists. Since then, it has welcomed over 400,000 people. The event involves
around 600 professionals and benefits almost a thousand music students.
Scope
The Festival is a grand celebration of music, history and nature, always combined with respect for the region’s roots and historical heritage. Squares, churches and historic farms – veritable mansions embedded in the Atlantic Forest – are the setting for the Vale do Café Festival. Among the attractions of this event, the following stand out:
Concerts on farms = With a carefully selected selection of concerts, the public has the opportunity to visit the region’s historic farms and attend concerts featuring the best of Brazilian instrumental music;
Shows in public squares = Presentations for the general public of a qualified program that toured the public squares of the various municipalities in the Vale do Café region;
Processions of local popular traditions = In a large popular parade, the Procession of Traditions stands out for the beauty and enchantment of the manifestations of popular culture of the Paraíba Valley, the birthplace of Brazilian popular cultures;
Café Cultural O Globo = Located in the Casa de Cultura de Vassouras, the space, dedicated to lectures that address themes related to the historical culture of the region, coffee cultivation and
Brazilian instrumental music, also serves as a meeting point for those who enjoy enjoying a good coffee in a pleasant environment located in the Historic Center of Vassouras.
Music classes for students from all over the country = Intended for scholarship students, who have the chance to improve their artistic skills with renowned teachers of the most varied musical instruments,
from harp to singing, including saxophone, cello and many others.
One of the most important objectives of the Vale do Café Festival is to stimulate art and creativity among the low-income community, involving the local population in the making of costumes, accessories and banners for the procession of traditions.
Furthermore, as a social contribution, the Festival grants scholarships to the local needy community.
