2019 Folia de Reis Convention
The 19th Folia de Reis Convention in the Federal District helped promote artistic events associated with the annual Folia de reis (Three Kings Festival).
Volmi Batista (2019-02-13) by Luiz FernandesComplexo Cultural Planaltina
The 19th Folia de Reis Convention in the Federal District helped promote artistic events associated with the annual Folia de reis (Three Kings Festival) event, where musicians go from house to house in a symbolic reenactment of the journey of the Magi. The convention was held on
The man behind the Folia de Reis Convention and its curator is Volmi Batista. A researcher, historian, musician, and composer, he has been at the forefront of the event throughout its 19-year history.
The convention seeks to bring together groups that reflect the diversity running through the world of folia de reis celebrations. On their arrival at the convention, the folia groups make straight for the nativity crib to sing their prayers. That simple act of worship is known as the Dawn of the Folia, Performers, Instruments, Banners, and Standards and it marks the actual start of their participation in the event.
Presépio (2019-02-13) by Luiz FernandesComplexo Cultural Planaltina
The crib's figures depict Jesus' birth and the baby being placed in the manger. The folia groups and the convention visitors are able to pray, sing, and dance at the foot of the crib as they ask for blessings.
Encontro de Bandeiras (2019-02-13) by Luiz FernandesComplexo Cultural Planaltina
During the opening ceremony, a leader from each folia group carries their standard onto the stage as part of the act to formally open the convention.
Exposição de Estandartes (2019-02-13) by Luiz FernandesComplexo Cultural Planaltina
Traditionally, the Folia de Reis Convention includes an exhibition featuring items from rural culture and people who have been part of the convention's history. In 2019, the convention hosted an exhibition of folia de reis banners and standards. Different folia groups embroider and paint banners with religious images based on biblical passages, verses, and characters.
The actor and musician Jackson Antunes is devoted to all things rural. Having taken part in the Folia de Reis Convention in previous years, he was keen to perform again this year and he also insisted on mingling with the audience during the performances, singing, and workshops.
Jackson Antunes (2019-02-13) by Luiz FernandesComplexo Cultural Planaltina
Jackson Antunes performed with backing from Marimbondo Chapéu (country guitar and rabeca fiddle) and Decão (guitar and vocals).
Zé Mulato e Cassiano (2019-02-13) by Luiz FernandesComplexo Cultural Planaltina
The duo Zé Mulato and Cassiano, renowned nationally yet genuine countrymen, have taken part in the Folia de Reis Convention every year. They are prominent supporters of popular culture and always welcome the audience with open arms. Their songs tell of everyday traditions and culture, the tales and stories of humble country folk.
Unidos na Fé (2019-02-13) by Luiz FernandesComplexo Cultural Planaltina
Planaltina's own group Folia de Reis Unidos na Fé took part in the convention with a lovely performance of traditional songs from the region. The public performances at the convention saw the folia groups perform various folk dances, including the lively catira, the Afro-Brazilian lundu dance, and the men-only curraleira dance.
Caravana Caipira (2019-02-13) by Luiz FernandesComplexo Cultural Planaltina
The Caravana Caipira group was an initiative by the producer Elizeu Dourado (the Mariano from the duet Macedo and Mariano). It was set up for father's day in 2019 as a way of honoring the fathers of the Brasilia Country Guitar Club's members and friends. The idea took off and the group continued rehearsing and performing. In December, the Caravana Caipira group pitched up at the Folia de Reis Convention and, with just their voices, violas, and guitars, they played various pieces for the audience.
Northeastern mass
The Folia de Reis Convention held a traditional Northeastern mass for the folia performers and attendees. As part of the mass, the folia performers sang and participants could place their prayers, promises, and intentions at the foot of the altar in a simple act of faith and devotion.
Três Reis (2019-02-13) by Luiz FernandesComplexo Cultural Planaltina
Actors played the three Magi, Baltasar, Belchior, and Gaspar, who followed the star, bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, to the manger where the baby Jesus lay.
Grupo de Folia de Reis João Timóteo (2019-02-13) by Luiz FernandesComplexo Cultural Planaltina
Planaltina Cultural Complex
Federal District's Department of Culture
and Creative Economy
Folia de Reis Convention in the Federal District
Association of Folia de Reis Performers from the Federal District and Surroundings (Associação dos Foliões de Reis do DF e Entorno (AFOREIS))
Country Guitar Club (Clube do Violeiro Caipira)
Lalin Produções
VBS Produções
