it takes place in the cities of petrópolis, teresópolis and nova friburgo, and has become one of the focal parts of the mountain regions cultural agenda - the festival is spread out over a 19 day period, and attracts more than 50,000 people to the cities, offering many free admissions, or at least competitive prices.

adding a rainbow of color to nova friburgo, is the festa da cerejeira, during the bloom of the cherry blossoms, which is actually based on the traditional japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms, known as the 'sakura' - organized by the japanese community in nova friburgo, the flowering often takes place for two weeks in june, during which time the local community take the opportunity to eat, drink, and have fun, in a cloud of sakura petals.