The Trout and Pine Nut Festival is coming to Santo Antônio do Pinhal to kick off the cold season in the Mantiqueira Mountains. From April 17 to May 3, the picturesque town 162 kilometers from São Paulo transforms into a cultural hub, combining free attractions with traditional cuisine.
This will be the 8th edition of the festival, which has established itself as one of the most popular in the city. The perfect suggestion for a day trip to the countryside, don’t you think? So stay up to date on everything happening at the 2026 Trout and Pine Nut Festival!
Experience the flavors of Mantiqueira at the Trout and Pine Nut Festival
Better known as pinhão, the araucaria seed is a typical ingredient of the Mantiqueira Mountains. The harvest takes place between April and July, which has made it a symbol of the arrival of winter.
Although several mountain towns celebrate the Pinhão Festival, such as Cunha and Campos do Jordão, the event in Santo Antônio do Pinhal is special. After all, it also celebrates trout! Both ingredients are part of the local culinary identity, creating unique recipes found only there. For example:
- Breaded trout with pine nut-based sauces;
- Trout fritters, sandwiches, and croquettes;
- Drinks with pine nut syrup;
- Pine nut risotto with trout strips;
- Boiled or seasoned pine nuts;
- Cakes, sweets, and pine nut pies.
In addition, the festival offers a family-friendly atmosphere with attractions for all ages. Although the full 2026 schedule isn’t available yet, in previous years, visitors were able to enjoy live music, a kids’ area, and a craft fair.
Plan your visit
The 8th Trout and Pine Nut Festival takes place at the Clube Pinhalense Event Center, daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with free admission. But remember to set aside some of your budget to sample the local delicacies!
In addition to the festival, Santo Antônio do Pinhal is also home to Jardim dos Pinhais Ecco Parque —Brazil’s first themed garden park—and Pico Agudo, a 1,600-meter peak with panoramic views of the Mantiqueira Mountains. Make the most of your stay to check out the best the city has to offer!
