Far beyond its title of “Brazil’s Orlando,” Olímpia, São Paulo, is also known as the “City of Folklore” for maintaining a museum dedicated to the subject. In addition, it hosts the largest event dedicated to Brazilian popular culture in the country: the Olímpia Folklore Festival (FEFOL).
Originating in 1965 from folklore research conducted by Professor José Sant’anna at the former Colégio Olímpia, the event began with small exhibitions that eventually evolved into a festival of its own in the city.
With each edition, Olímpia celebrates a themed jubilee. In some editions, the themes involve elements of flora and cuisine, such as corn or the chestnut tree; in others, they pay tribute to Brazilian states or prominent figures on the national stage.
All of this reinforces the goal of promoting national culture during the festival, recognized as the largest event of its kind in the country.
The Olímpia Folklore Festival brings together residents and tourists in the city, helping the municipality gain recognition beyond the leisure tourism associated with its famous hot springs.
What to expect from the Olímpia Folklore Festival?
With free admission, the festival usually takes place in August, with editions lasting 8 to 12 consecutive days. In addition to workshops and scavenger hunts for all ages, the program includes truco and malha tournaments.
The performances feature folk and para-folk dance groups on the arena’s main stage. The festival celebrates rhythms from various regions of Brazil, such as carimbó, samba de coco, folia de reis, reisado, and even performances of bumba meu boi.
In other words, you can experience a little bit of every corner of the country in one place!
In recent editions, the event has brought together nearly 2,000 artists—including singers, musicians, and dancers— from more than 10 states. This year, organizers expect to welcome around 100,000 visitors.
However, the cultural celebrations aren’t limited to the main stage. During the event, groups also perform in the downtown streets and at schools throughout Olímpia , SP, bringing the tradition to the entire city!
The Olímpia Folklore Museum
As a permanent extension of the festival, the museum also grew out of the research that gave rise to the event. The museum’s collection includes a room dedicated to telling stories and displaying documents accumulated over more than six decades of celebration.
Since 1973, the venue has hosted exhibitions of folkloric artifacts and ornaments donated by the groups that perform annually at the festival. This makes the collection even more diverse, featuring traditions from all regions of Brazil.
Does this make you want to visit? This year, the festival takes place from August 1 to 9. The museum is open every day, including holidays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free, even during the festival.
