Much is said about the Italian festivals in São Paulo, but did you know that the countryside hosts one of the country’s largest celebrations? The Italian Agricultural Colony Festival of Quiririm takes place annually in Taubaté, just 130 kilometers from São Paulo. The event transforms the district into a European village, combining traditional cuisine, folk dances, and an immersion in the heritage of the immigrants.
In 2026, the festival will take place from April 29 to May 3 with free admission. Therefore, it is an excellent option to enjoy over the weekend, offering a family-friendly atmosphere and picturesque decorations throughout the district’s streets.
Quiririm Italian Festival: the story behind the tradition
The Quiririm Festival began in 1989 to celebrate the centennial of Italian immigration to the region. The initiative came from resident João Aristodemo Canavezi Filho, known as “Deminho,” who organized a fair to honor the legacy of his ancestors. It was such a success that it ended up transforming the small town of Quiririm into a culinary district.
To give you an idea, the first edition featured three small stalls and welcomed 200 people. Today, the celebration brings together dozens of booths and attracts nearly 400,000 visitors every year!
Cuisine and traditional attractions
The highlight of the Quiririm Italian Colony Festival is , without a doubt, the cuisine. Residents preserve family recipes passed down from the settlers, serving dishes such as lasagna, cannelloni, gnocchi, and polenta. In addition to pasta, visitors can enjoy a variety of antipasti and traditional desserts.
But the fun goes far beyond the palate. The cultural program includes tarantella performances and musical shows that blend classic and contemporary Italian rhythms. Additionally, historical parades and the Queen and Princesses of Quiririm contest liven up the district’s streets, keeping the local identity alive.
