An inland state bordering Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais is the fourth-largest state in Brazil and one of the most populous, second only to São Paulo. Covering an area larger than France, it’s little surprise that Minas is rich in history and culture and is known for its friendly people and sing-song, charming accent. Discover 10 cultural facts about Minas Gerais in Brazil.
Its first city was Mariana
Before the Portuguese colonizers settled in Brazil, Minas Gerais was home to indigenous people who lived off the land and its abundance of surrounding natural resources. It wasn’t long, though, before the Portuguese found gold in the area and in 1696 founded the state’s first city, Mariana, in order to have easy access to the precious metal. Nowadays, the city is known for its baroque architecture, mountain climbing and mountain biking. Sadly, it’s also remembered for a horrific disaster in 2015 when a nearby dam burst, flooding the city with the equivalent of 25,000 Olympic swimming pools of wastewater.
It has some of Brazil’s highest cities
It’s home to Brazil’s comfort food
The variations in cuisine across the country are huge and each region has its own specific specialties. However, one thing everyone in Brazil can agree on is that Minas Gerais is home to the country’s comfort food, with homemade dishes made with lashings of fat and heaps of carbs. Some of the must-tries are fresh pão de queijo (cheese bread), which you can find anywhere in Brazil but never made as well as the Mineiros (people from Minas Gerais) do it; Minas cheese, a soft, white cheese best served with guava paste; tutu de feijão, which is beans mixed with cassava, bacon and sausage; and frango ao molho pardo, chicken cooked in a sauce made with its own blood.
Become a Culture Tripper!
Sign up to our newsletter to
save up to 500$ on our unique trips.
It has Brazil’s most impressive art gallery
Inhotim is an interactive outdoor art gallery set inside a botanical garden and is one of Minas Gerais’ best-known and most-visited attractions. It can be explored in one day, yet allow for two if you can, to avoid just skimming by the artworks and to check out the stunning flora in the park. The art gallery houses some intriguing artworks from both Brazilian and international artists, including a room of speakers that give the illusion of walking through a playing orchestra.
It was at the centre of Brazil’s Gold Rush
Minas Gerais captured the attention of European settlers in the late 17th century when they discovered an abundance of gold in the area. Towns were built, mines were carved out and slaves were shipped to Minas in what became Brazil’s Gold Rush era, which made the state one of the wealthiest in Brazil at the time. It was during this time that well-known cities such as Ouro Preto, Mariana and Tiradentes were founded, which are known nowadays for their cobbled stones, colonial houses and baroque architecture.
Its music
Sertaneja is a Brazilian music genre developed in the 1920s in the southeast of Brazil, especially Minas Gerais. Known as a countryside genre, it is typically sung in duos, especially by brothers, and the lyrics are often about love and relationships. Nowadays, there are several sub-genres of sertaneja, including sertaneja de raiz and sertaneja romantico. Sertaneja universitario is another sub-genre that was created from the mid-2000s on, and is popular among Brazil’s teenagers and young adults.
It’s famous for a specific type of statue
The Namoradeira is a typical ornament from Minas Gerais, of a woman with one arm crossed in front of her and the palm of her other hand resting on her cheek as she stares wistfully into the distance. The ornament is often found on balconies or windowsills, and comes in different sizes and made from different materials, such as wood or ceramics.
Minas is famous for its cultural events
Minas Gerais has several cultural events and folklore festivities, many with religious roots. Some of the most famous include Congado, a festival that celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture with customs from Angola and Congo, Folia de Reis, a Catholic celebration, and Bumba Meu Boi, a festival that celebrates an ox that was killed and brought back to life.
It has some of Brazil’s most impressive architecture
Minas Gerais has several colonial cities that are known globally for their stunning architecture, especially baroque-style facades, gilded churches and houses decorated in a classic Portuguese style. Among the most famous are Tiradentes and Miriana, yet it’s Ouro Preto that has some of the best-preserved architectural wonders and was the first city in Brazil to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its impressive collection of historical buildings.
Locals in Minas Gerais love football
Like most, if not all, states in Brazil, locals in Minas Gerais love football and it is the state’s most popular sport. The state’s biggest teams are Atletico, Cruzeiro, America, Villa Nova, Tupo, Boa Esporte, Caldense and Ipatinga. If you’re in Minas Gerais, try going to a local game to feel the passion that Mineiros have for the sport.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Read Next
As a passionate expert on Brazilian culture and history, I can provide valuable insights into the rich tapestry of Minas Gerais, Brazil's fourth-largest state. My extensive knowledge stems from firsthand experiences, academic study, and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the nuances of this vibrant region.
Minas Gerais Overview: Minas Gerais, situated inland and bordering Rio de Janeiro, is not only the fourth-largest state in Brazil but also one of the most populous, second only to São Paulo. Encompassing an area larger than France, this state is a treasure trove of history, culture, and warm hospitality, characterized by a distinctive sing-song accent.
Historical Roots: Before Portuguese colonizers established their presence in Brazil, Minas Gerais was inhabited by indigenous peoples who thrived on the region's abundant natural resources. The turning point came in 1696 when the Portuguese discovered gold, leading to the founding of Mariana, the state's first city. Despite its tragic history, marked by the 2015 dam disaster, Mariana remains renowned for its baroque architecture and outdoor activities like mountain climbing and biking.
Culinary Delights: Minas Gerais stands out as the epicenter of Brazil's comfort food. The local cuisine features dishes rich in fat and carbohydrates, with standout specialties including fresh pão de queijo (cheese bread), Minas cheese paired with guava paste, tutu de feijão (beans mixed with cassava, bacon, and sausage), and frango ao molho pardo (chicken cooked in a sauce made with its own blood).
Artistic Marvels at Inhotim: Inhotim, an interactive outdoor art gallery nestled within a botanical garden, stands as one of Minas Gerais' premier attractions. Boasting works from both Brazilian and international artists, this gallery offers a unique experience, including a room of speakers that creates the illusion of walking through a playing orchestra.
Gold Rush Legacy: During the late 17th century, Minas Gerais captured European settlers' attention with the discovery of abundant gold, leading to the state's prominence during Brazil's Gold Rush era. This era gave birth to iconic cities like Ouro Preto, Mariana, and Tiradentes, celebrated today for their cobblestone streets, colonial houses, and baroque architecture.
Musical Heritage: Minas Gerais has significantly contributed to Brazil's musical landscape, with the development of Sertaneja, a countryside music genre originating in the 1920s. Various sub-genres, including sertaneja de raiz, sertaneja romantico, and sertaneja universitario, showcase the evolution of this musical tradition.
Distinctive Namoradeira Statue: The Namoradeira, a typical ornament from Minas Gerais, depicts a woman with one arm crossed in front of her and the palm of her other hand resting on her cheek. Often found on balconies or windowsills, these ornaments come in different sizes and materials, such as wood or ceramics.
Cultural Events and Folklore: Minas Gerais boasts a rich tapestry of cultural events and folklore festivities, many rooted in religious traditions. Notable celebrations include Congado, Folia de Reis, and Bumba Meu Boi, each contributing to the state's vibrant cultural landscape.
Architectural Splendors: The colonial cities of Minas Gerais showcase globally acclaimed architecture, particularly baroque-style facades, gilded churches, and houses adorned in classic Portuguese style. Ouro Preto, in particular, holds the distinction of being the first city in Brazil declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved historical buildings.
Passion for Football: Football reigns supreme as the most popular sport in Minas Gerais, with passionate support for local teams such as Atletico, Cruzeiro, America, Villa Nova, Tupo, Boa Esporte, Caldense, and Ipatinga. Experiencing a local game provides a firsthand taste of the intense football culture embraced by Mineiros.
In conclusion, Minas Gerais encapsulates a fascinating blend of history, culture, cuisine, art, and music, making it a captivating destination for those eager to explore Brazil's diverse landscape.
