Since last Thrusday, August 15th thousands of people have travelled to the city of Barretos to be part of a traditional cowboy feast known locally as Festa do Peão de Boiadeiro.
Barretos is located 438 kilometers away from São Paulo city in the northearn region of the State of São Paulo and has about 112.000 inhabitants. Their daily routine changes every August, when the city is proclaimed the cowboy town for receiving people from all over Brazil reaching for fun and entertainment as trying to rescue the traditions of the countryside life.
The city has been the end line for the troops of men guiding the cattle for slaughter for decades. The important British refrigerator company Anglo had their activities established there since 1913.
The cowboys always looked for some fun and competed among them showing their skills with the animals during their free time. In some of the competitions they were challenged by the chief of the delegations for taming the fiercest animals. In the 40´s a group of rich young men of the city, involved with cattle activities, founded a group and decided to organize a feast for promoting the riders habilities. The show was so successful that the event has grew up and gained national and international projection till today.
The profitable structure has been managed since then by the private group named Os Independentes, responsible for the production and organization of the mega event. The rodeo festival has become a golden mine and generated several job opportunities for the locals.
Sports, music, culinary, history and entertainemtn for all tastes and ages can be enjoyed for ten days.
The spread of the "sertanejo" musical style, as the locals named here, can be felt by the long list of solo singers and duos that will bring excitement and interaction with a young and motivated audience. A musical overdose of more than 60 different shows are scheduled for the festival.
Michel Teló, famous by his international hit "Ai se eu te pego" hosted the show last Sunday, for a crowded audience that faced the cold weather to listen to his contagious songs.
The spread of the "sertanejo" musical style, as the locals named here, can be felt by the long list of solo singers and duos that will bring excitement and interaction with a young and motivated audience. A musical overdose of more than 60 different shows are scheduled for the festival.
Michel Teló and the hit that shaked the musical scenario globally
The Brazilian country singer Paula Fernandes in duo with the American celebrity Taylor Swift, in Long Live
Paula Fernandes, one of the new talents in country music will perform her show next Saturday, 24th, at night.
Arena, photo by Os Independentes
Courage and technical experience can be transformed in pure fun in the arena inaugurated in 1985 and projected by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Barrel racing, horse riding, team penning, bareback riding as bull riding bring a joyful experience for an audience that can reach 35.000 seated expectators. The competitions, including the national and international rodeos, will distribute around R$ 500.000,00 in prizes.
Ecological house made with demolition material - entertainment and education for the kids
The families can also enjoy the festival with the kids as there is a huge space specially projected for the children. A ecological city will be one of the attractions of the sector that intends to use ecology and sustainability as relevant themes through educational games and leisure experiences. Pony rides also attract the attention of the tiny ones.
For the ones crazy about boots, hats and tight jeans pants the commercial fair sells a variety of country fashionable accessories and a range of souvenirs in more than 300 stands. Even mid-size and large SVUs are commercialized in the event.
The city of Barretos becomes so packed during the festival that it is difficult to find a good accommodation at the last minute. Generally people book in advance and sometimes when the lights turned off they have already booked for the next year. Local families rent their houses to get some extra cash and the hotels surrounding the region promote leisure acitivities to win customer´s loyalty.
58ª Festa do Peão de Boiadeiro - from August 15 to August 25th
www.osindependentes.com.br
Barretos Country Hotel - www.barretoscountryhotel.com.br
Eliana Souza - SPin Brazil Tours
