The city of São Joaquim in Santa Catarina, officially recognized as Brazil's National Apple Capital, is set to host its annual National Apple Festival starting this Thursday, May 7th. The event, which runs through Sunday, May 10th, offers a packed schedule of free activities celebrating local culture, cuisine, and agriculture, alongside major national music performances.
The festival's location is significant. São Joaquim's unique climate, characterized by rigorous winters and mild summers with cool nights, provides the essential conditions for apple cultivation. The region's apple trees are exposed to approximately 900 hours of cold temperatures below 7°C each year, a critical requirement for the flowering and development of high-quality fruit, according to Santa Catarina's supply centers (Ceasa/SC).
The four-day program features two main stages. The Fuji Stage will host a variety of performances, including traditional music, cultural contests, and shows by artists like Tarcísio e Banda, Rafael Puerta & Trio, and Madeira de Lei. The National Apple and Wine Pavilion will serve as the hub for exhibitions and a wine bar, operating daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
Major national headliners are scheduled for evening performances. Hugo & Tiago take the stage on Thursday night, followed by Baitaca on Friday. Saturday's lineup includes LS Jack, and the festival will close on Sunday with a highly anticipated show by Luan Pereira. Other notable acts include Quarteto Coração de Potro, Dakele Jeito, and Alcione & Alcionei.
Beyond the music, the festival emphasizes cultural heritage. Sunday's schedule includes the 4th Cultural Contest featuring the 'Chula' modality, presentations of traditional dances, and a family-oriented theater performance by Cia de Teatro Revirado. The opening ceremony and the Apple Quality Contest awards are also key events on the first day.
The apple industry is the backbone of São Joaquim's economy. Production began in the 1970s, and the fruit adapted perfectly to the local climate. According to Epagri, the state's agricultural research agency, São Joaquim dominates production, accounting for 58.58% of the area under cultivation. Other major producing municipalities include Fraiburgo, Bom Jardim da Serra, Urubici, Urupema, Monte Carlo, and Painel, which together with São Joaquim represent over 95% of the state's apple production area.
The Festa Nacional da Maçã stands as a major celebration of this agricultural heritage, drawing visitors to experience the unique climate, local products, and vibrant cultural traditions of Santa Catarina's highlands. Based on reporting from g1.