the event began around 20 years ago to celebrate the anniversary of the city, but was suspended for sometime in the 2000s.

however in 2012 the maifest was resurrected in the spirits of bringing back a more traditional beerfest on the town's 194th birthday.

it is the second largest beerfest in brazil - admission is free and all who come save that money for some extra food or fun.

festival de inverno, the winter festival of nova friburgo, began in 1998 but has since been adopted by the rio sesc and is part of the celebrations that happen in the towns of petrópolis and teresópolis as well.