The event is a tribute to Saint Benedict, patron of Congo, and Saint Catherine, uniting tradition and faith of the community.
Tradition and popular religion come together in the town of Regencia Augusta, in Linhares (ES), with the “Fincada do Mastro do Congo”. The event, organized by the Congo of Regencia Cultural Association and the Catholic Church of Regencia, in partnership with the Renova Foundation and supported by the Regencia Cultural Association, the Tamar Project and the Cultural Association Cia de Artes Regencia Augusta, has been held for over 100 years in the village.
The procession passes through the village accompanied by fireworks and chants until arriving in front of the Catholic Church, where the flagpole is placed and will remain until January 2020The celebration begins with a parade of Congo bands in the streets and a visit to the houses that are hanging out flags of Saint Benedict, patron of the Congo, and of Saint Catherine. During these festivities, invited bands join the group to search for the flagpole – in the streets and at the sandbank.
When the flagpole is found, the procession continues through the village accompanied by fireworks and chants until arriving in front of the Catholic Church, where it is placed and will remain until January 2020. A festive dinner at the House of Congo and shows with invited bands and artists end the program.
Rafaela Cavalcanti, analyst at the Renova Foundation’s Program Supporting Tourism, Culture, Sport and Recreation, says that “the partnership is fundamental for fostering culture and resuming tourism in the region of the Doce River Mouth. By strengthening local tradition, it also contributes to the generation of income and opportunities for the community.”