Minas Santa expands its reach in 2026 and reinforces Minas Gerais as Brazil’s leading religious tourism destination

The Minas Santa program reaches its fourth edition in 2026 with expanded presence across the entire state of Minas Gerais, consolidating itself as one of the most important initiatives promoting religious tourism in Brazil. This year, 473 municipalities are participating, with 648 registered events, highlighting the program’s wide reach and strong presence throughout the state.

The program’s growth is also reflected in tourism activity. According to BH Airport, an estimated 213,926 passengers are expected to pass through the terminal between April 1 and 6 during the Easter period, representing a 12% increase compared to 2025. The busiest day is expected to be April 2, with more than 40,000 passengers. To meet demand, 177 extra flights are scheduled, nearly 97% more than the previous year.

The data confirms the strength of religious tourism in Minas Gerais, which in 2025 attracted more than 550,000 visitors and generated an economic impact exceeding BRL 1.9 billion. In 2026, further growth is expected, driven by a program that combines faith, culture, heritage, gastronomy, and local experiences throughout the state.

“Easter in Minas is a time of deep reflection and connection with what defines us as a people. It is when faith is expressed in the streets, churches, gestures, and gatherings, revealing the strength of our identity. Minas Santa enhances this experience by valuing our traditions, heritage, and cultural expressions, while reaffirming Minas Gerais as one of Brazil’s top religious tourism destinations,” said Leônidas Oliveira, Secretary of State for Culture and Tourism of Minas Gerais.

Catholic and evangelical Christians are part of this initiative, reflecting the state’s broad Christian diversity. “Since 2022, the Government of Minas has been consolidating, through the State Cultural Incentive Law, the recognition of sacred and gospel art as legitimate fields of public cultural policy, reaching diverse audiences and expanding the understanding of culture in its most plural dimension,” Oliveira added.

Belo Horizonte and Metropolitan Region

In the capital and its metropolitan area, the program features major cultural and religious expressions. At the Palácio da Liberdade, the musical Cante Comigo Lázaros will be performed on Holy Saturday (April 4) at 7:00 p.m., combining music, theater, dance, and audiovisual elements in a reinterpretation of the biblical story of Lazarus’ resurrection.

The Palácio das Artes will host the Prophetic Celebrations event, featuring moments of worship and reflection led by religious leaders, as well as the Cine Humberto Mauro Easter Special, with screenings on April 3 and 4. At Praça da Liberdade, Iepha-MG presents the exhibition Minas Santa at Iepha – Minas Passion in the 21st Century, highlighting traditional expressions such as the Madalenas de Oliveira. The 2026 Easter Journey also expands religious experiences with celebrations across different communities.

In Sabará, Santa Luzia, and Caeté, Easter mobilizes entire communities through processions, liturgical celebrations, reenactments, and devotional practices preserved over time. In Ouro Preto, Mariana, Diamantina, and São João del-Rei, religious tradition remains central to the cultural experience, featuring decorated streets, concerts, devotional carpets, and rituals passed down through generations. The Ouro Preto Art Foundation also joins the program with the traditional creation of carpets on Holy Saturday.

Minas Santa goes beyond historic cities, showcasing the breadth of religious tourism across all regions of the state. In the Triângulo Mineiro, Uberlândia offers an intense religious and cultural program. In northern Minas, Montes Claros keeps alive the celebrations of the Santos Reis Parish. In southern Minas, Poços de Caldas stands out with the performance Paths of Golgotha, while Baependi gains national prominence with celebrations at the Nhá Chica Sanctuary, an important pilgrimage site.

In the northwest, Paracatu blends religiosity with local culture in its program. In the Mucuri Valley, Teófilo Otoni engages artists and communities in the reenactment of the Passion of Christ. In the Campo das Vertentes region, São João del-Rei hosts one of Brazil’s oldest celebrations, marked by unique rituals such as the Office of Darkness, the Burial Procession, and the Clash of Bells.

Source: Government of Minas