The Cavalhadas of Pirenópolis: Christians, Moors and masked riders

The Cavalhadas are the most famous spectacle of the Festa do Divino in Pirenópolis. Over three days, horsemen re-enact the fight between Christians and Moors on a field surrounded by grandstands and decorated boxes, with music, races, formal exchanges of envoys and big crowds watching.

What is re-enacted

The tradition goes back to the medieval tales of chivalry from the time of Charlemagne. The horsemen are split into two groups:

• Christians, in blue costumes;
• Moors, in red costumes.

Over the days, the two courts exchange envoys, stage mock combat and perform manoeuvres on horseback. The outcome is the Christians’ victory and the conversion of the Moors. Each day has its own moments, so anyone who watches more than one performance sees different parts of the story.

The masked figures

While the Cavalhadas are under way, the mascarados (masked figures) take over the streets and the area around the field. They wear colourful masks — many shaped like an ox head, decorated with flowers and ribbons — and flamboyant clothes, often on horseback. They are one of the most striking images of the festival and play pranks on the crowd.

When they take place

The Cavalhadas begin on Pentecost Sunday. In 2026, the City Hall’s Cultural Calendar recorded the performances on 24, 25 and 26 May. For 2027, Pentecost Sunday falls on 16 May according to the liturgical calendar, but the programme has not yet been announced.

Around Corpus Christi comes the Cavalhadinha, performed by children — in 2026, the official calendar recorded the Cavalhadinha da Vila Matutina from 5 to 7 June.

Tips for watching

• Arrive early. Grandstand seats and the area around the field fill up quickly.
• Protect yourself from the sun. A hat, sunscreen and water are essential.
• Respect the horsemen’s space. Do not enter the field or approach the horses.
• Check the access rules for the edition: entry conditions for the grandstands and boxes are set by the organisers.
• Accommodation: book well in advance — see where to stay.

Museu das Cavalhadas

The town has a private museum devoted to the costumes and masks of the Cavalhadas. On the City Hall fact sheet updated in February 2026 it was listed as temporarily closed. To learn about the history of the festival, the Museu do Divino is an alternative in the historic centre.