Manhuaçu: Churches, Pilgrimage Traditions and Handicrafts

Manhuaçu offers several ways to explore religion and local everyday culture: churches, an annual pilgrimage event, and handicrafts and products of the local agroindustry each offer a different perspective. If you are looking for a vacation rental, first consider whether you mainly want to discover churches and religious traditions, or whether you would also like to include local products. This way, you can begin planning around the themes you want to shape your stay.

Churches and Religious History

The Igreja Matriz de São Lourenço is Manhuaçu’s most important Catholic church and a symbol of the community’s religious faith. In the broader destination of Manhuaçu, the Igreja Matriz São Lourenço was built between 1917 and 1928 in the Neo-Gothic style. The Igreja Imaculada Conceição has great historical and contemporary significance for the people of Bairro Coqueiros and for devotees of the Immaculate Conception. The Retábulo de Madeira is located at the main altar of this church in Manhuaçu; the church stands at the corner of Avenida Getúlio Vargas, No. 700/730, in Bairro Coqueiro. Thus, the importance of a major Catholic church and the distinctive history of the Imaculada Conceição in its community stand side by side. The Retábulo also brings a specific feature of the church’s interior into focus.

Pilgrimage Event and Cultural Tradition

The Caminhada da Santa Cruz is a religious pilgrimage event held annually in Manhuaçu on May 3. If you want to plan your trip around this occasion, confirm the event date in advance. In the broader destination of Manhuaçu, the Folia de Reis was registered in 2017 for its cultural significance to the state of Minas Gerais. The two traditions offer different points of connection: the Caminhada is associated with a specific annual date, while the Folia de Reis has its own focus as a registered cultural tradition.

Handicrafts and Local Products

The Casa do Artesão de Manhuaçu is located at Praça Cordovil Pinto Coelho in the heart of the city and showcases and sells local handicrafts and products of the local agroindustry. A 2009 account lists 16 local producers and names cachaça, honey, liqueurs, bread and homemade sweets. Before visiting, check which of these products are currently available. Handicrafts and food bring together two aspects of local products here. Its location on a central square also gives this cultural point of interest a specific connection to the place.

Coffee in the Broader Destination of Manhuaçu

In the broader destination of Manhuaçu, Castelo do Café is located in Coqueiro Rural, five kilometers from the city center. This themed business focuses on specialty coffee. Its themed café serves espresso and filter coffee prepared using various brewing methods. While Casa do Artesão is located at Praça Cordovil Pinto Coelho in the heart of the city, Castelo do Café is situated five kilometers from the city center.

Discover More Destinations

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Back to the broader travel guide: Minas Gerais.