Tourism – Local Attractions
This is an enchanting region offering varied leisure options in contact with nature. For those who like to walk, this is the right place, as there are countless trails to observe and experience rural life.
For those who like adrenaline, there are radical sports such as rafting, canoeing, rapel, mountaineering and mountain biking. There is also horse riding and Jeep tours available. The principal natural attractions are the marvellous natural pools and waterfalls, the forests and many gardens, vegetable gardens, orchards and plantations.
The Encontro dos Rios (Meeting of the Rivers) one of the leading tourist spots in Nova Friburgo, where the waters of the Macaé River confluence with those of the Bonito River, perfect for recharging your energies with their strength, with various places for bathing in the two rivers. It is in Lumiar, on the RJ 142 Serramar Highway in the direction of Casimiro de Abreu. Further on from the Encontro dos Rios, 4 km on from its wooden bridge, you arrive at the Toca da Onça (Leopard’s Lair), a green valley snaking alongside the waters of the Bonito River, with a beach along the bank and a pool for bathing.
The unique beauty of the Indiana Jones waterfall is in Boa Esperança, hidden in a narrow canyon with a large rock above, with the long walk to get to the waterfall inspiring its name. In Boa Esperança there are also the unmissable Poço Belo pool and São José waterfall.
The Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall) waterfall in the village of Cascata, with about 30 metres in height, is known by this name because its waters form a constant mist at the fall, as if it were smoke. In summer, this spectacle can be better appreciated with the full waters of the river. In the village of Cascata there are also good spots for diving in the Macaé River.
Events
Many events and cultural happenings take place during the year, with the main festival dates in the region being:
CARNIVAL
Carnival (varying dates) – The festivities of the region’s Carnival are representations of the popular culture, with the parades of many “blocos”, such as Bloco da Bocaina and Bloco da Vila Mozer, which have become local attractions. In the smaller places, Carnival has historic and cultural traces, with costumes made from plants, recycled and other materials.
JANUARY
20th January –São Sebastião, patron saint of Lumiar
APRIL
2nd April – Commemoration of Independence of São Pedro da Serra, 7th District of Nova Friburgo.
MAY
In May – Autumn Instrumental Festival, in São Pedro da Serra.
13th May – Our Lady of Fatima, patron saint of Benfica.
JUNE
13th June – Saint Anthony, commemorated in the village of Santo Antonio.
24th June – Festas Juninas de São João.
29th June – Saint Peter’s Day, patron saint of São Pedro da Serra.
JULY
Last weekend in July – Vila Mozer Festa Julina, in Lumiar.
AUGUST
In August – LumiArte Festival, with workshops, exhibitions, conversation circles and many music and poetry salons.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
In September/October – Spring Festival of São Pedro da Serra.
DECEMBER
31st December – New Year, Always very lively with many attractions in both villages.
There is also the Festival of Family Farming promoted by the Association of Family Farming of São Pedro da Serra; the Jazz and Blues Festival in both villages; The Yam Festival in Rio Bonito and Santo Antonio; and the Trout Festival on dates that vary during the year. There is an intense musical and cultural programme every weekend, especially on holiday weekends in the various squares, bars and restaurants; cultural and artistic events, good gastronomy and excellent agroecological and craft food products, every Sunday morning at the ALUMIAR Association Fair in Lumiar; storytelling and activities for children in the cultural institutions, as well as the extremely varied schedule at the Cine Clubs in Lumiar and São Pedro da Serra.