Minas Gerais
Located in the Southeast region, it is Brazil’s second-most populated state and the one with the most municipalities: 853.
Its history is strongly linked to mining and mineral extraction. Minas Gerais means General Mines, having had its territory used for mining since the 17th century, being the focus of the Gold Rush. Its economic significance has meant that Minas has played a large part in many of Brazil’s most important moments throughout history, such as the Inconfidência Mineira, which was an episode in the long and arduous process of Brazil’s movement towards independence during the 18th and 19th centuries. Mining still has a role to play in the state’s economy, although nowadays, other vital industries have also started to make their contributions felt.
Approximately 60% of Brazil’s cultural heritage is in a state with a strong cultural and artistic tradition. In the more historic cities dotted around its territory, Mina architecture and museums help to tell the story of Colonial Brazil. Cultural tourism is a booming industry in the state, boasting historic destinations, arts and crafts, architecture, gastronomy and religious features.
Eco, or Adventure Tourism, is another plus of the state. The Mata Atlântica is privileged for its biodiversity, and Minas has one of Brazil’s most extensive protected areas, where endangered species, such as the Guara wolf, giant anteater, puma, ocelot, pampas deer and merganser, are encouraged to thrive. The state parks are perfect places for seeing the regional flora – with orchids, bromeliads, catkins, lichens, ferns and rock fields – and they attract photographers and those looking to get out and about, looking for physical or spiritual well-being.
Minas’ cuisine is another high point. It is perhaps the most typical of all Brazilian gastronomic cultures and full of flavour and history, with recipes passed from generation to generation.
Anyone who samples these dishes is encouraged to take the chance to learn a little about the history of the state: its culinary delights are considered the most traditional of all Brazil thanks to the mix of influences that went into their creation, from Indigenous peoples to Africans and Europeans, making use of locally sourced ingredients, with chicken, pork, cheeses, corn, roots, herbs and regional vegetables.
In addition to Feijão Tropeiro and the famous Pão de Queijo, countless delicacies are cooked on wood-burning stoves: bread, biscuits, and cakes. Excellent traditional products, with famous cheeses (Canastra and Serro), homemade sweets, and the best cachaça in Brazil—most made on a small scale—surprise and delight people trying them for the first time.
The mineiran table, “where there is always room for one more,” is the state’s “most signature cultural trademark. The people’s easy-going attitude makes everyone feel welcome, whatever their taste, interests, or desires: from adventure tourists to those looking for relaxation, from children to pensioners, and from country dwellers to cosmopolitan city folk.
Travelling around Minas, then, means constantly being surprised by its culture, nature, traditions, history, flavours, and hospitality.
