Museu das Cavalhadas
A small privately run museum displaying the ornate costumes, horse gear and coloured masks of the Moorish and Christian riders from the Cavalhadas.
The Cavalhadas are the highlight of Pirenópolis's Holy Spirit festival and have been staged every year since 1826, after Pentecost. The riders split into Christians (in blue) and Moors (in red) and reenact medieval battles from the era of Charlemagne in the arena. On the streets, the 'Mascarados', masked figures wearing bull heads and other animal masks, roam about. The museum is housed in an old family home run by a local family. It displays costumes, helmets, lances and masks from past years, with guided explanations. It is a good way for visitors who missed the festival to learn about the tradition. Admission is low-cost.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00 (confirm on site)
Nearby sights
- Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora do Rosário
- Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo
- Historic Center & Rua do Lazer
- Igreja Nosso Senhor do Bonfim
- Santuário de Vida Silvestre Vagafogo
- Reserva Ecológica Vargem Grande
- Cachoeira do Abade
- Pico dos Pireneus (Parque Estadual dos Pireneus)