Italian festivals are a huge hit in São Paulo! A result of European immigration to Brazil, they draw thousands of people to celebrate Italy’s cultural and culinary heritage together in the state capital. If you’ve never attended one of these festivals, don’t wait any longer! Many of them are already taking place right here.
São Vito Festival
To access the cantina, you must purchase tickets in advance
Now in its 108th edition, the festival celebrates Italian culture and cuisine in the heart of Brás with traditional dishes and even reserved-seating dinners. The proceeds go toward social projects run by the São Vito Mártir Charitable Association.
To add a more contemporary touch to your itinerary of Italian festivals in São Paulo, in July you can savor panini, gelato, and wine while enjoying Italian music and culture. The Modern Italy Festival brings together traditional dishes from contemporary Italy, along with concerts and exhibitors.
Feast of Our Lady of Achiropita
To access the cantina, you must purchase tickets in advance
Held since 1926, this festival in São Paulo usually brings together more than 200,000 lovers of Italian culture to celebrate with plenty of food, music, and faith. The festival also features activities for children and private dinners at Cantina Madonna Achiropita.
San Gennaro Festival
To access the cantina, you must purchase tickets in advance
Another deeply traditional Italian festival in São Paulo is the San Gennaro Festival, which takes over the Mooca neighborhood every year. It’s scheduled to be celebrated later this year, but it’s worth marking your calendar now so you don’t miss out!
How about enjoying an Italian festival in the countryside of São Paulo? The 34th edition of the Santa Rita do Passa Quatro Italian Traditions Festival brings together pasta, wine, Italian culture, and a small-town atmosphere, just 245 kilometers from São Paulo.
The program features traditional cuisine, music, and cultural performances that celebrate the city’s Italian heritage, such as choirs and folk groups.
Official parking available for: R$ 15 (motorcycles) and R$ 30 (cars)
To wrap up the itinerary on a high note (and with plenty of flavor), São Paulo’s biggest polenta festival is back in July in the São Paulo countryside. With free admission, the festival celebrates the Trentino-Tyrolean heritage with plenty of polenta, music, folk dances, and attractions for the whole family. All just about 2 hours from the state capital!
