Festa do Morro: the pilgrimage to the Pico dos Pireneus

The Festa do Morro (“Festival of the Hill”) is a pilgrimage in honour of the Holy Trinity held at the top of the Serra dos Pireneus, next to the small chapel on the Pico dos Pireneus, the highest point of the range. It traditionally takes place at the July full moon and brings together devotees, locals and visitors in a celebration that blends faith, music and cerrado (Brazilian savanna) scenery.

A hundred-year tradition

The pilgrimage has taken place since 1927. The 100th pilgrimage was held in 2026, recorded in the City Hall’s Cultural Calendar from 30 July to 2 August. In March 2024, State Law No. 22,569 recognised the Festa do Morro as intangible cultural heritage of the State of Goiás.

Where it takes place

The festival climbs the mountains up to the Pico dos Pireneus, inside the Pireneus State Park, a state conservation area that protects the springs of the Rio das Almas and the Rio Corumbá. The way up is on a dirt road. Learn more about the area at Pireneus State Park.

How to plan

• Check the programme for the edition in the official calendar: the dates change with the July full moon.
• Be ready for mountain cold. July is the height of the dry season (May to September in central Brazil); nights and early mornings up top can be cold and very windy.
• Water, a torch and sturdy shoes help on the way up and back.
• Take your rubbish back with you. The festival takes place inside a conservation area.
• Don’t improvise transport. On festival days the road is busy; find out about access guidance.

Combine it with your trip

July is the Brazilian school holiday period and a time of settled weather, good for trails and viewpoints. If you go to the festival, take the chance to see the historic centre and the waterfalls — bearing in mind that in the dry season some falls have less water. See also when to go.