Capela: Traditions, History and Mata do Junco
Accommodation in Capela
Capela reveals two distinctive sides through its vibrant traditions and the Refúgio da Vida Silvestre Mata do Junco. Its festivals offer insight into different ways of celebrating; the protected area represents the region’s nature and the protection of the Guigó monkey. The Trilha Interpretativa Pau-Brasil is also among the things that make Capela interesting to travellers drawn to culture and nature. If you are looking for a holiday home in Capela, these different interests can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.
Festivals and traditions in Capela
The Festa do Mastro in Capela is recognised by law as intangible cultural heritage of the state of Sergipe. This places a local tradition at the centre, one whose significance is recognised beyond the festivities themselves. During the Festa de São Pedro, hundreds of celebrants search the woods near the town for a tree. They then erect it as a mastro (festival mast) in one of Capela’s squares. This account of the events makes clear the role the mastro plays in the festival: it is not simply provided, but found by the celebrants and brought to the square.
Another distinct tradition is the Sarandaia, which takes place on 1 June. A resident dressed as a “baiana” goes from door to door with a pífano band and celebrants, collecting prizes. Its fixed date and procession from house to house give the Sarandaia a different form from the search for a tree for the Festa de São Pedro. Anyone interested in Capela’s traditions will therefore encounter several different customs, rather than just a single festival theme.
Natural area and hiking trail
The Refúgio da Vida Silvestre Mata do Junco was established in 2007 and covers 894.76 hectares. It protects the habitat and continued survival of the Guigó monkey (Callibebus coimbai). For travellers who want to include nature alongside festivals in their exploration of Capela, the Refúgio offers a distinct point of interest.
The Trilha Interpretativa Pau-Brasil was unveiled in the Refúgio da Vida Silvestre Mata do Junco in Capela. It was described as Sergipe’s first hiking trail to be mapped and adapted to safety standards. For the mapping and development of hiking trails, the Trilha follows ABNT technical standards; its signage follows ICMBio recommendations. These features distinguish the Trilha as an interest for visitors keen on trail design and navigation, separate from the Refúgio’s broader conservation mission.
A historical landmark
An older chapel is also among the region’s historical points of interest. In 1735, a total of 100,000 réis was donated at Tabuleiro da Cruz to build a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Purificação. The chapel was built two years later. The precise amount, dedication and interval between the donation and construction make this a specific historical landmark, distinct from present-day traditions and the natural environment.
Capela can therefore be explored through a range of interests: festivals such as the Festa de São Pedro and Sarandaia, Mata do Junco and the Pau-Brasil trail, and the history of the chapel at Tabuleiro da Cruz. Those primarily interested in traditions and history will focus on different things from visitors keen to learn about protected areas and trail design. Capela brings these themes together in a varied travel destination.
For an overview of the wider destination: Sergipe.
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