Ubatuba has dozens of cultural events during the year and various musical shows during the summer holidays (December to February). On the Pousada Pataxó facebook page we are always keeping you informed of what is happening in Ubatuba.

But in between these events, there are those that form part of the city’s annual cultural programme.

In 1920 the “Dance of the Bull” arrived in Ubatuba, a very popular variation of the “Bumbá Bull” from Northeast Brazil. The Caiçarada soon took roots in the sounds and attire of this extremely traditional folkloric movement and enchanted the Carnivals of old with violins and “rabecas”.

Travelling along the vast Brazilian coastline, many noteworthy characters from Brazilian folklore also made their way to Ubatuba – in particular the giant puppets which reach almost 3 metres in height. Ubatuba boasts two extremely imoprtant personalities in Brazilian folklore, the couple of João Paulino and Maria Angu.

Today the Traditional Carnival, which always occurs in between the months of February and March, also includes the Marchinhas Festival, whose objective is to demonstrate the importance of popular arts in the context of Ubatuba culture – an element of identity and memory of the Caiçara.

The Festival of São Pedro Pescador (St Peter the Fisherman) in Ubatuba was first held on 29th June 1923. It was a sunny Friday when the Caiçara priest Francisco dos Passos held a mass on an improvised altar on a decorated boat, made by tying six canoes together. In that era, there was no statue of St Peter, which was only donated by the German priest Hans Beil after 19 years of celebration in 1942.

Today, the festival in tribute to St Peter is Ubatuba’s largest annual event, whose principal attractions are the Maritime Procession, the Queen of the Fishermen beauty pageant, the stalls of local food (among them the famous char-grilled “tainha”), dance presentations and musical shows.

Brought to Brazil by Queen Isabel of Portugal in the 17th century, the Festival of the Divine Spirit Saint is of the most ancient religious traditions in Brazil. In Ubatuba, this procession has been occurring for more than two centuries, according to the oldest living caiçaras.

In the last 50 years, the Folia do Divino of Ubatuba has suffered many setbacks due to various adverse factors, but has never lost the essence of faith and collectivity of their culture.

Currently the “Folia” is composed of people from various extremities of the municipality, like Almada, Ubatumirim, Promirim, Praia Vermelha and Itaguá. Sons and cousins of older participants, these people continue to carry the art and culture of the people who resist constant change – the Caiçara.

The pilgrimage, which has the support of the Arts & Culture Foundation of Ubatuba, starts in March and runs until June. In Ubatuba, the Festival of the Folia do Divino always happens in July.

The Caiçarada was born from the necessity to revitalize the cultural demonstrations and not let them die. The objective of the event is to encourage reflection on the cultural and socio-environmental situation of the caiçara communities, as well as displaying the beauty and richness of regional cultures.

The festival is a great cultural gathering. The event boasts various attractions, amongst them the “João Alegre” Guitar Festival, and you will also find stalls of local food, presentations from folkloric groups and tellers of traditional stories.

The Caiçarada, which generally takes place in August, is the perfect environment for the elders to present the traditional culture to the population, reaching mainly to the youths and whilst passing on this knowledge, ensuring the connection with their origins is not lost.

Source: FundArt