Although Minas Gerais leads national production, the state of São Paulo, the second largest producer of strawberries in the country, is proudly home to the Strawberry Capital: the charming town of Atibaia. Located approximately 70 km from the capital, Atibaia has earned this remarkable title for an excellent reason.
Strawberries are taken very seriously in the region, so much so that the city celebrates a municipal festival entirely dedicated to the fruit. In addition, several tourist attractions in Atibaia revolve around this delicious fruit, turning the city into a true paradise for its admirers.
Immersion in strawberry cultivation and production in Atibaia
In fact, strawberries are fundamental to Atibaia’s identity. Production flourished around 70 years ago, in the 1950s, when many Japanese immigrants arrived in the region and started growing the fruit as a means of subsistence. In addition, Italian immigrants also played a crucial role in the establishment and growth of local production.
Currently, the Atibaia Strawberry Producers Association brings together 180 family producers, establishing the city as one of the main suppliers in the state. To illustrate the local dedication, a local farmer has even developed a variation of the white strawberry. Naturally, as the Strawberry Capital, the city hosts the acclaimed Atibaia and Jarinu Strawberry Festival every year.
The festival takes place in partnership with neighboring Jarinu and offers a special program. The event showcases fruit, handicrafts and various cultural attractions, including the election of the strawberry court, which crowns the Strawberry Queen and Princesses.
Other must-see attractions in Atibaia: festivals and tours
Atibaia also celebrates spring with the traditional Flower and Strawberry Festival. This culturally rich event features dance, theater, music and arts in general. The festival highlights Japanese culture, after all, Japanese immigrants were instrumental in starting strawberry production in the city. Keep an eye on social media to find out the dates of the next event, which have yet to be announced.
Also, be sure to visit Edmundo Zanoni Park, which offers a beautiful Japanese garden for contemplation, a bird nursery and a lake where you can go pedal boating. There is also a children’s playground, the Natural History Museum and the Artisan’s Hall, which exhibits works by local artists.
You certainly can’t visit the Strawberry Capital without tasting the freshest fruit. For this reason, one of the most popular excursions is to visit the strawberry plantations. The Takebayashi Nursery, for example, allows tourists to pick the strawberries they want to take home. September marks the best time for harvesting, so this is the ideal month to schedule your visit.
