Masks, accessories, costumes, rehearsed dances, and decorated streets. These are the elements of the Caretagem festival. Also called Caretada, it is a sacred tradition passed down from generation to generation in the remaining quilombo communities in Paracatu. The festival is held once a year and lasts all night.
According to Paracatu City Hall, the largest and oldest Caretagem in the city takes place in the community of São Domingos. This traditional event is practiced exclusively by black men. Currently, 24 members take part in the choreography of the ritual, divided into 12 ‘damas’ (men in costume) and 12 riders. This year they made an exception for children under 12 to take part in the tradition and ensure its continuity.
The women don’t take part directly, as they are responsible for preparing the food and drinks to welcome the caretas into their homes, where people enjoy them at their leisure, free of charge.
The costume is made up of colorful ribbons, adorned with bronze rattles at the ends. The caretas also wear masks, made by members of the community. Among them is Dona Cristina, an 84-year-old matriarch, who teaches the technique to visitors to the quilombo.
Raízes experiences the Caretagem of Quilombo São Domingos
Since 2023, Raízes has been implementing the Tourism Development Plan for the São Domingos Quilombo in Paracatu – MG, an initiative of SEBRAE Minas Gerais. And this year, we had the pleasure of experiencing the festival up close.
The main objective is to develop a sustainable source of income that values the local quilombola culture. The project also aims to be a pilot for possible later implementation in other communities in the municipality, and to add value to Paracatu as a tourist destination.
As part of the Quilombo São Domingos Development Plan, Jussara Rocha, partner, and project director, and Lucila Egydio, also project director here at Raízes, were in the field and had the privilege of watching Caretagem up close.
“It was fundamental for us to continue with the project and follow the design of the experiences because it became clear how genuine this manifestation is and how it strengthens the bonds between the community. Witnessing all the cohesion and belonging of the community members was crucial in concluding that we are not dealing with a tourist product and that this manifestation should be treated with care. Preserving the sacred and the cohesion of the community is much more important than looking at it commercially. Raízes values preservation above all else!”, explains Lucila.
This great festival is a testimony to Brazil’s cultural richness. It is a celebration that connects the past to the present, keeping the collective memory and cultural identity of entire communities alive. By participating in or attending these festivities, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our traditions and celebrating the cultural diversity that defines us.
Quilombo São Domingos has a beautiful festival. The project is still at the stage of preparing the territory to receive tourists responsibly and, above all, in a way that benefits the local residents. The event will develop into handicraft products, local visits and more.
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