Chapada dos Guimarães marks 275th anniversary with Winter Festival

The municipality of Chapada dos Guimarães in Brazil celebrated its 275th anniversary over the weekend, drawing large crowds of locals and tourists. Festivities began on Friday, July 31, with a flag‑raising ceremony, a civic‑military parade, a performance by the municipal fanfare and a solemn session. The celebration continued on Saturday, August 1, featuring free concerts on the main avenue as part of the Winter Festival 2026, which runs until Sunday. Performers included the band Panda on Saturday and a closing show by Ferrugem on Sunday, following earlier appearances by artists such as Edson & Hudson, Information Society, Thea Austin, Noel, Humberto & Ronaldo, Akatu, Amado Batista, Gabriel Sater, Nenhum de Nós and Paulo Ricardo.

The event also highlighted the town’s rich history. Founded in the early 18th century after the arrival of the Paulista bandeirante Pascoal Moreira Cabral, Chapada dos Guimarães grew from clandestine agricultural settlements established by figures like Antônio de Almeida Lara, who defied Portuguese restrictions on gold‑mining regions. The settlement later became a key route linking Cuiabá to Goiás Velho and introduced cattle to the area. Today, the city is known for its mild climate, waterfalls and striking sandstone formations, attracting thousands of visitors each year.