São Paulo residents already know that August is the month of the traditional Achiropita Festival in the Bixiga neighborhood. This year, the 98th edition of the event takes place every weekend of the month, starting on the 3rd and running until September 1st.
The free party takes place on Saturdays from 6pm to midnight and on Sundays from 5.30pm to 10.30pm. So make a note in your diary that the time to indulge in cannolis and other Italian culinary delights is approaching.
Discover the Achiropita Festival
The traditional festival is a tribute to the patron saint of the Bixiga neighborhood and aims to revive the city’s Italian culture.
During the month of August, several stalls are spread out along the streets of 13 de Maio, São Vicente and Doutor Luís Barreto. There, visitors can enjoy typical Italian food. The dishes range from traditional spaghetti to antipasti, for example:
- Fogazza;
- Ficazza;
- Polenta;
- Eggplant in the oven;
- Pizza;
- Cannoli;
- And many other traditional sweets
It also has attractions for children, such as a bouncy castle, fishing, target shooting and much more.
At the church, on weekends, the faithful can take part in the blessing, which takes place every hour. On the 20th, there will also be a procession of Our Lady Achiropita through the streets of the neighborhood.
Cantina Madonna Achiropita
For those who prefer comfort, the party also takes place at Cantina Madonna Achiropita on Saturdays from 8pm and Sundays from 7pm.
The indoor venue even offers live shows with the band Felice Italia and the Three Brazilian Tenors. The canteen also offers a selection of delicious dishes prepared by the ‘mammas’. For example, the famous Achiropita-style spaghetti.
However, remember that tickets for table reservations are sold in advance via the app, available for Android e iOS. So make sure you get yours before you go on a binge.
Finally, did you know that by taking part in the Achiropita Festival you are helping to ensure the continuity of the projects run by the community? More than 1,000 people are assisted every day in the following projects:
- Espaço Social d’Achiropita – NCA – Núcleo Dom Orione: caring for homeless men and women;
- Casa São José – NCI – Núcleo de Convivência do Idoso: caters for the over-60s;
- Casa de Acolhida Rainha da Paz: recovery for former drug addicts;
- Mãe Achiropita nursery school: caters for children from nursery school up to the age of 5;
- CCA – CEDO – Dom Orione Educational Center: serves children, adolescents and young people up to the age of 14;
- MOVA – Youth and Adult Literacy Movement;
- Casa Dom Orione: legal assistance center.