Entertainment is an important part of life in the cosmopolitan city of Belo Horizonte, with many festivals and similar things to do being staged here each year. Popular events in Belo Horizonte are staged at venues such as the Palacio das Artes on the Avenida Afonso Pena and the Cafe Cultura on the Rua da Bahia, the latter of which is known for its regular live music.
Those visiting Belo Horizonte during the middle of April should certainly look out for the Comida di Buteco festival, in which literally dozens of different local neighbourhoods and bars all compete to see who can produce the best food. A panel of international experts assess the food, drink and service, and award prizes accordingly
Belo Horizonte Calendar of Festivals and Events 2012 / 2013
Of course, football plays an important role in Belo Horizonte and the city's epic Mineirao Stadium (Estádio Governador Magalhaes Pinto) stages some world-class matches, being part of the 2014 World Cup and capable of accommodating roughly 75,000 spectators.
Other notable events in the city include the Festival Internacional de Corais - FIC (International Festival of Choirs) in mid-September, which is followed soon after by the annual eight-day Belo Horizonte International Short Film Festival (Festival Internacional de Curtas). Hosted each year in late September / early October by the Fundacao Clóvis Salgado (Clóvis Salgado Foundation), the International Short Film Festival boasts attendance figures exceeding 20,000 people and screens more than 300 short movies and presentations.
The Belo Horizonte Carnival is another event worth looking out for and this exciting festival has become famous in Brazil for its colourful processions and Samba dancing. Held in early February, just before the arrival of lent, this carnival is typically Brazilian in character, being flamboyant and a little raucous at times.
If you are here in September, then consider visiting nearby Congonhas and its annual Jubileu do Senhor Bom Jesus do Matosinhos (Jubilee of the Good Jesus of Matosinhos), while in the second-half of October, the neighbouring municipality of Cachoeira hosts the popular Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary) festivities.
