Explore Frutal through its landscapes, city history and religious traditions. Three natural lakes in a protected park are among its defining features, along with a museum housed in the former Paço Municipal, church and art history, and recurring festivals. This gives you a clear choice when planning your trip: would you like to focus on outdoor recreation, local history, or a pilgrimage and folk culture? The date of October 12 is especially important, as the Romaria à Água Santa takes place every year on that day.
Lakes and green spaces at Parque dos Lagos
The protected landscape complex Parque Municipal Leda Campos Borges – Parque dos Lagos comprises three natural lakes surrounded by green spaces. It was listed for protection under Municipal Decree No. 7633 on April 6, 2009. The park has facilities for walking, sports and relaxation. The lakes are therefore only one part of the protected landscape: the surrounding green spaces and range of recreational activities are equally defining features.
City history at the Museu de Frutal
The historic Museu de Frutal was established on August 16, 2005, and is housed in three rooms of the former Paço Municipal, which now accommodates the Casa da Cultura. In the first room, panels depict the founding of the city; objects recall the manor house and the slave quarters. The third room, the Espaço da Comunicação, uses panels to present the municipality’s subsequent history and displays communication-related objects such as televisions, radios and cameras. The two rooms have different focuses: one looks at the city’s founding and historical memorabilia, while the other explores its subsequent development and communication technology. The objects on display may change.
Church, belvedere and protected art
The Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo at Praça da Matriz is considered a major attraction and a landmark of the city. The Belvedere Otogamis de Paula is located in the center, opposite the Igreja Matriz, and forms part of Frutal’s historical and cultural heritage along with Praça da Matriz and the church. An image of Nossa Senhora do Carmo from the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Carmo at Praça da Matriz is kept in the reception area of the Casa Paroquial. It is protected as cultural heritage under Decrees No. 6.600/2005 and No. 21/2006; the display may change.
The art panels painted by Bassano Vaccarini are also protected as historical and cultural heritage. They adorned the Cine Canaã, which opened in 1958 at the initiative of Otogamiz de Paula. At the time, the cinema was known for its 750 leather seats and modern facilities. The panels connect visual art with the history of the Cine Canaã.
Religious folk culture and recurring events
The de Marujo group “José Albino da Silva” was recognized as intangible cultural heritage of Frutal on March 8, 2019, and is an expression of religious folk culture. Its annual activities in May celebrate the abolition of slavery; in November, the group takes part in events for Black Consciousness Day. The Companhia de Santos Reis “Estrela da Guia” has also been recognized as intangible cultural heritage, since November 28, 2016. It has existed for more than 50 years and preserves the traditions of the Folias de Reis. Capoeira is a cultural, historical and social tradition in Frutal. The Raça Negra and Quanza groups, as well as the Associação Cultural UniAfro Brasil, represent this tradition and preserve the municipality’s memory and identity.
The Romaria à Água Santa honors Nossa Senhora Aparecida and dates back to 1961. It takes place every year on October 12. Pilgrims from Minas Gerais, Goiás and São Paulo travel the 24 kilometers between Frutal and Água Santa as an expression of their faith. The pilgrimage is spontaneous and independent of government authorities or religious institutions. If you plan to schedule your trip around this date, check the specific arrangements for that year in advance.
Discover more destinations: Pocinhos Do Rio Verde, Montalvânia, Barranco Alto, Reduto, Rio Preto, Pedra Azul, Santa Rita Do Sapucaí, Santos Dumont.
For the broader travel overview: Minas Gerais.
