Major Events & Festivals in São José do Rio Prêto, São Paulo, Brazil

São José do Rio Prêto, Brazil, São José do Rio Prêto, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in São José do Rio Prêto, São Paulo, Brazil

1. Festa de Santo Antônio

Annual festival honoring São José do Rio Preto's patron saint. Features religious processions, live music, and traditional food.
  • Traditional Activities: Participate in traditional games such as pichadores (stick fights)
  • Religious Significance: Learn about the cultural and religious traditions of São José do Rio Preto
  • Local Delicacies: Try regional dishes like pamonha, a corn cake made with coconut milk

2. Festa Junina

June festival celebrating the beginning of winter in Brazil. Includes games, food stalls, and fireworks.
  • Traditional Games: Play traditional games like pichando-pau (stump hammering)
  • Local Food: Try the sweet corn on the cob covered in caramel, called Rapadura
  • Community Spirit: Experience the close-knit community atmosphere during the festivities

3. Expoagro

Annual agricultural fair showcasing the latest technology and innovations in agriculture.
  • Educational Opportunities: Learn about modern farming techniques, machinery, and sustainable practices
  • Business Networking: Connect with local farmers, businesses, and agricultural organizations
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy carnival games, live music, and food stalls for all ages

4. Festival de Inverno

Winter festival featuring live music, fireworks, and local food.
  • Local Music: Listen to various genres of Brazilian music, including forró and sertanejo
  • Winter Activities: Participate in ice-skating or snowboarding activities (if artificial)
  • Food and Drink: Sample regional delicacies, such as quentão (spicy citrus drink)

5. Feira do Padre Cicero

Weekly fair dedicated to locally grown produce and handmade crafts.
  • Fresh Produce: Purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products
  • Handcrafted Goods: Find unique handmade jewelry, pottery, and textiles from local artisans
  • Cultural Exchange: Engage with local vendors and learn about their traditions and crafts

6. Corrida de São Jorge

Annual horse race held in honor of Saint George on his feast day.
  • Local Tradition: Participate in a centuries-old tradition celebrating São José do Rio Preto's patron saint
  • Spectacular Racing: Watch as horses and jockeys race through the streets of the city
  • Community Gathering: Join the festive atmosphere, including live music, food, and drink

7. Festival do Fumo

Tobacco festival showcasing various products made from tobacco leaves.
  • Cultural Insight: Learn about the history and significance of tobacco farming in São José do Rio Preto
  • Tobacco Products: Purchase unique items made from tobacco, such as snuff bottles or artwork
  • Entertainment: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and traditional games

8. Feira de São Sebastião

Annual fair dedicated to São José do Rio Preto's second patron saint, Saint Sebastian.
  • Traditional Activities: Participate in traditional games and activities inspired by Saint Sebastian
  • Religious Significance: Visit the chapel dedicated to São Sebastião and learn about his story
  • Local Food: Sample traditional dishes, such as feijoada (black bean stew)

9. Feira da Fumagem

Annual tobacco drying fair featuring various products made from tobacco leaves.
  • Cultural Insight: Learn about the history and significance of tobacco farming in São José do Rio Preto
  • Tobacco Products: Purchase unique items made from tobacco, such as snuff bottles or artwork
  • Entertainment: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and traditional games

10. Feira da Lagoa

Weekly fair held at the city's lake featuring various local products and entertainment.
  • Fresh Produce: Purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products
  • Handcrafted Goods: Find unique handmade jewelry, pottery, and textiles from local artisans
  • Entertainment: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and traditional games

11. Feira do Boi

Annual fair dedicated to cattle farming featuring various products and entertainment.
  • Educational Opportunities: Learn about the latest trends in cattle farming and ranching
  • Business Networking: Connect with local farmers, businesses, and agricultural organizations
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy carnival games, live music, and food stalls for all ages

12. Feira da Vaca

Annual fair dedicated to dairy farming featuring various products and entertainment.
  • Educational Opportunities: Learn about the latest trends in dairy farming and cheese-making
  • Business Networking: Connect with local farmers, businesses, and agricultural organizations
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy carnival games, live music, and food stalls for all ages

13. Feira do Pecô

Annual fair dedicated to the city's rural traditions featuring local products and entertainment.
  • Cultural Insight: Learn about São José do Rio Preto's rural traditions and agriculture
  • Local Produce: Purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products
  • Entertainment: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and traditional games

14. Feira do Queijo

Annual fair dedicated to cheese-making featuring various types of Brazilian cheeses.
  • Culinary Experience: Taste a variety of local and regional cheeses
  • Educational Opportunities: Learn about cheese-making techniques and processes
  • Business Networking: Connect with local cheese producers, businesses, and organizations

15. Feira do Pão de Queijo

Annual fair dedicated to the popular Brazilian cheese bread, featuring various flavors and techniques.
  • Culinary Experience: Taste a variety of local and regional cheese breads
  • Educational Opportunities: Learn about the history, ingredients, and techniques for making cheese bread
  • Business Networking: Connect with local cheese bread producers, businesses, and organizations