on some years july is dedicated to the festival de música e ecologia arraial, the festival de música e ecology arraial, bringing together popular music and dancing with the conservation efforts of ilha grande amongst the island's beautiful flora and fauna.  

people gather in vila do abraão with the goal to hearten interest in various arts as sources of brazilian culture all while celebrating the natural beauty of ilha grande.

professional and amateur musicians travel from all over to perform - a song competition is held based on a theme chosen for the year, for instance in 2012 the theme was 'ecology' in accordance with the message of the festival.

competitors must be from brazil and winners receive cash prizes, which helps boost musical production in the region.