The Parintins Folklore Festival 2025: Amazonian Folklore and the legend of Bumba Meu Boi
- Rachel
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
The Parintins Folklore Festival (Festival Folclórico de Parintins), also known as the Boi-Bumbá Festival, is one of Brazil’s most unique celebrations, held annually in the Amazonian city of Parintins. Parintins is a municipality located on Tupinambarana Island in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, situated along the Amazon River - approximately 369 kilometers (229 miles) east of Manaus. It is accessible primarily by boat or plane due to its remote location in the Amazon Rainforest.
The Festival is one of the largest festivals in Brazil, second only to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. The festival is fusion of indigenous Amazonian folklore and Afro-Brazilian cultural influences. It brings to life elaborate theatrical performances, and intense community rivalry, all centered around the legendary tale of Bumba Meu Boi, the story of a resurrected ox that symbolizes themes of life, death, and cultural identity.
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When is the Parintins Folklore Festival in 2025?
The Parintins Folklore Festival is usually held on the last weekend of June. In 2025, the Parintins Folklore Festival will be held on 27-29 June 2025.
Amazonian Folklore: The legend of Bumba Meu Boi
The folklore central to the Parintins Folklore Festival is based on the Amazonian interpretation of the Bumba Meu Boi legend, a traditional Brazilian tale with origins in the 18th century. The story revolves around a mystical ox (boi), and the narrative tells of a pregnant woman named Catirina who craves ox tongue. Her husband, a laborer named Pai Francisco, kills the prized ox of his wealthy employer to satisfy her craving. When the crime is discovered, he is captured, but the ox is eventually brought back to life by a healer, a priest, or a shaman—depending on the version of the tale. This resurrection symbolizes renewal and reconciliation.
In Parintins, this story is transformed into an elaborate theatrical performance with allegorical elements, involving characters like the Folklore Queen, the ox master, shamans, indigenous warriors, and other folkloric creatures. All elements of the story are open to interpretation, including who the ox is or represents, how he does, and how he comes back to life.
Each of the two competing groups (bumbas) interprets the legend in their own way through extravagant performances that incorporate elements of other local myths and folklore, such as:
Curupira: A supernatural forest guardian with fiery red hair and backward feet, known for protecting the rainforest by confusing hunters and punishing those who harm wildlife.
Iara: A beautiful mermaid-like river spirit with long dark hair and an enchanting voice, said to lure men into the Amazon River and drown them, symbolising the allure and danger of nature.
Boto-cor-de-rosa: A pink Amazon river dolphin that transforms into a handsome, well-dressed man during local festivals to seduce women, often associated with mystery, romance, and the unknown depths of the river.
Mapinguari: A mythical, one-eyed, foul-smelling giant covered in shaggy fur, resembling a prehistoric sloth, who guards the forest and represents the untamed, dangerous aspects of the Amazon.
Caipora: A mischievous and protective forest spirit, often depicted as a child riding a wild pig, who defends animals from hunters and ensures the natural balance of the jungle is maintained.
Boitatá: A massive, glowing fire serpent that inhabits rivers and protects the forest by punishing those who set fires or destroy natural resources.
Tupã: In Tupi-Guarani mythology, the supreme god of thunder, lightning, and creation, often invoked in performances that reference the origins of life and the power of nature.
Jaci: The moon goddess in indigenous lore, associated with fertility, femininity, ancestral wisdom, and the cycles of life.
What happens at the Parintins Folklore Festival?
The Parintins Folklore Festival is held in the Bumbódromo, a purpose-built open-air arena with a capacity for approximately 35,000 people. The festival features six performances by the two competing teams called bumbás: Boi Garantido (red and white) and Boi Caprichoso (blue and white). The arena is divided symmetrically to seat the fans of Caprichoso and Garantido on opposite sides. The performance order for each night is determined by a draw prior to the festival, and each team must complete its show within a strict 2.5 hour time limit.
Though both teams perform variations of the Bumba Meu Boi legend, they each develop distinct storylines and interpretations each year. These narratives incorporate themes such as indigenous identity, environmental protection, Amazonian mythology, and other social issues.
Caprichoso, symbolized by a blue star and accompanied by its percussion group Marujada de Guerra, is known for prioritising modern, innovative interpretations. In contrast, Garantido, whose emblem is a red heart and whose rhythm section is called Batucada, traditionally emphasises emotional storytelling and Amazonian cultural authenticity. Each night, the bumbás present original toadas: music that is specifically composed for the festival. The toadas are integral to the performance and heavily influence their score.
The Cunhã-Poranga, the festival "Queen", plays a central role for each team. Though she does not speak or sing, she is featured prominently in the choreographed dances and represents the ideal of feminine strength, beauty, and bravery. The Cunhã-Poranga is typically surrounded by warriors or tribal dancers and appears during some of the most intense and dramatic portions of each bumbá's presentation.
A jury of nine judges, selected from various Brazilian states to ensure neutrality, evaluates each bumbá every night according to 21 official judging criteria, which include items like Allegory, Evolution, Ritual, Indigenous Figure, Costume, Music (Toadas), the Queen (Cunhã-Poranga), and Overall Theme Presentation. After three nights of competition, the jury adds up the scores across all categories, and the bumbá with the highest total is declared the annual champion of the Festival de Parintins.
Who are the past champions of the Parintins Folklore Festival?
In recent years, the Parintins Folklore Festival has seen a series of victories by Boi Caprichoso, which secured the championship titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In 2022, Caprichoso won with the theme “Amazônia: Nossa Luta em Poesia”; in 2023, with “O Brado do Povo Guerreiro”; and in 2024, with “Cultura – O Triunfo do Povo”, marking a rare three consecutive wins in the festival's history.
Prior to this streak, Boi Garantido claimed the title in 2019 with the theme “Nós, o Povo!”. As of 2024, Caprichoso has accumulated 26 titles, while Garantido leads with 32 titles overall.
Who were the past Queens of the Parintins Folklore Festival?
In 2024, the role of Cunhã-Poranga (Queen) was held by Isabelle Nogueira for Boi Garantido and Marciele Albuquerque for Boi Caprichoso. Isabelle, from Manaus has held her role at the festival since 2018. Marciele, from Juruti, has been Caprichoso's Cunhã-Poranga since 2017, delivering memorable performances such as her emergence from the 24-meter-high "Dama da Noite" float in 2024.
Both performers received perfect scores (10/10) from judges in their respective categories, demonstrating why they have been such long-running Cunhã-Porangas.
How to Get to the Parintins Folklore Festival
How to get to Parintins by Air
Parintins is served by Júlio Belém Airport, which primarily operates charter flights during the festival period. In 2024, the airport handled 980 operations over just twelve days.
For the 2025 festival, Azul Airlines plans to operate 150 extra flights to Parintins from various cities, including Manaus, Tefé, Tabatinga, Belém, Santarém, Macapá, and Belo Horizonte. If you plan to fly, book your flight ticket ASAP as many flights are already sold out.
How to get to Parintins by boat
Traveling by boat offers a traditional and scenic route to Parintins. The journey from Manaus can take over 12 hours, providing an immersive experience through the Amazon jungle and past riverside communities. Boats typically offer cabin and hammock options, catering to different comfort levels. There are several companies offering this service.
Speedboats, known locally as “voadeiras,” are also available, with trips lasting 8 to 11 hours depending on the direction of travel. These boats may be equipped with air conditioning, bathrooms, onboard service, and sometimes even Wi-Fi. Prices start at around R$400.
Accommodation in Parintins
Due to the festival's popularity, accommodations in Parintins are in high demand. As of December 2024, most hotels and guesthouses have already sold out their rooms for the 2025 festival. Alternative options include renting private homes, staying on boat-hotels, or camping.
Tour packages are available, offering transportation, accommodation, and event access. For instance, the Amazon Cruiser provides a unique experience aboard a ferry boat hotel, with prices ranging from R$400 for a hammock spot to R$6,000 for a suite with full board.
Book the last available accommodation for the 2025 Parintins Folklore Festival ASAP
Where to buy tickets for the Parintins Folklore Festival
For the 2025 Parintins Folklore Festival, ticket sales began on December 21, 2024 through the official partner platform Bilheteria Digital. There are two ticket types: Passaporte (a three-night package) and ingressos avulsos (single-night tickets). Only buy tickets on the official website.
There are four seating categories available. You can see the seating map and prices online:
Arquibancada Central - This is the most premium seating option, located directly in front of the Bumbódromo arena, giving spectators the best frontal view of the performances from both Boi Caprichoso and Boi Garantido.
Passaporte: R$ 4,800 / Single Night: R$ 1,920
Arquibancada Especial - Located adjacent to the central stands, these offer an excellent but slightly off-center view.
Passaporte: R$ 3,600 / Single Night: R$ 1,440
Cadeira Tipo 01 - These are individual chair seats typically located closer to the ground level but along the sides of the arena.
Passaporte: R$ 3,960 / Single Night: R$ 1,580
Cadeira Tipo 02 - These are the most affordable full-price seats, positioned further to the sides and back of the arena.
Passaporte: R$ 2,880 / Single Night: R$ 1,100
Side Event: Arena Planeta Boi 2025
The Arena Planeta Boi 2025, scheduled for May 10, 2025, at the Arena da Amazônia in Manaus, marks the fourth edition of this major warm-up event for the Parintins Folklore Festival. Organized by Amazon Best, this year’s edition features an expanded stage with a 25-meter-wide opening, offering better visibility and interaction between performers and the audience. The 2025 edition introduces never-before-seen scenography, combining traditional Amazonian aesthetics with modern design elements, particularly in the VIP and cabin areas. Headliners include bumbá stars Edilson Santana and Sebastião Junior, with a closing performance by Zaynara.
Tickets are priced at R$35 for Pista Dabacuri, R$125 for Área VIP Cunhã Poranga, and R$605 for Camarote Amazon Best, which includes a premium open bar and welcome food until midnight (buy tickets).
Economic and Cultural Impact
The Parintins Folklore Festival significantly boosts the local economy, generating around R$100 million per edition. This influx comes from various sectors, including accommodation, food, transportation, and ticket sales. Moreover, the festival creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs, supporting artisans, performers, and service providers. Artists and craftsmen gain a platform to showcase their work, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Amazonian culture. By attending, you're supporting the local economy and community!
More resources for planning your trip
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. For more information on traveling by bus, read my full guide to taking long-distance busses in Brazil.
Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone
Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil
Finally, read this post to find out 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil!
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