The Festival

The Most Beautiful Festival in Brazil!
 

This is the perfect way to describe the Serra da Capivara Opera Festival.

A vibrant meeting of artistic expressions, creative techniques, rhythms, and colors in the ancestral heart of Brazil, the festival offers an extraordinary experience that takes place each year in São Raimundo Nonato and the Serra da Capivara National Park, in the backlands of the state of Piauí.

The beauty of art is born from the sublime synergy between the generosity of nature and human creativity.

Nature, in its magnificence, provides the essential raw materials, while the human mind and body transform them into artistic expressions that transcend imagination. From vibrant rhythms and movement to the elegance of natural forms, every scene and every musical performance reflect the dialogue between the natural world and the creative spirit, resulting in a remarkable spectacle that inspires, moves, and connects people.

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Sádia Castro
General Director
Founder of the Serra da Capivara Opera Festival

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Cleopatra: The Queen of the Caatinga

Cleopatra: The Queen of the Caatinga is an original creation of the Serra da Capivara Opera Festival that reimagines the myth of one of antiquity's most iconic figures through a poetic journey across cultures, landscapes, and identities. Set amid the ancient scenery of Serra da Capivara, home to some of the oldest evidence of human presence in the Americas, the production weaves together Ancient Egypt, the Atlantic Ocean, and Brazil's northeastern backlands.

Beginning with Cleopatra as a divine queen on the banks of the Nile River, the story follows her fall, disappearance, and rebirth in a new land: the Caatinga. Upon arriving in this territory, shaped by resilient landscapes and ancestral knowledge, Cleopatra is stripped of her power and embarks on a profound spiritual transformation. Through rituals, symbolic encounters, and a passage between life and death, she abandons her status as a goddess to become one with the land.

More than a reinterpretation of a historical figure, Cleopatra: The Queen of the Caatinga creates a dialogue between cultures, eras, and worldviews. Combining music, dance, ritual elements, and the power of open-air theatre, the performance celebrates ancestry, community, and the connection between humanity and nature. It is a symbolic and immersive experience that invites audiences to cross boundaries and recognize a shared origin in the diversity of peoples.

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Felipe Guerra
Artistic Director
Founder of the Serra da Capivara Opera Festival
 

Ancestral Amphitheatre

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In 2025, the Serra da Capivara Opera Festival moved from the Pedra Furada Amphitheatre to the Serra da Capivara Eco Theatre, located just a short distance away, facing a monumental sandstone cliff. This strategic decision reflects the festival's continued growth while reinforcing its commitment to preserving the archaeological, natural, and cultural heritage of the Serra da Capivara National Park, a federally protected conservation area.

The Pedra Furada Amphitheatre, with its extraordinary natural beauty and historical significance, served as the festival's iconic stage for many years. However, as the event expanded and audiences increased, it became clear that the venue could no longer comfortably accommodate everyone. More importantly, protecting the archaeological sites remains a priority, and the festival's growth requires a responsible approach that minimizes environmental and cultural impacts.

The new venue preserves the essential characteristics that define the festival's identity, including the dramatic rock backdrop, the open-air setting, and the close connection with nature. At the same time, it provides the infrastructure needed for the festival to continue growing while safeguarding both the archaeological heritage and the surrounding environment.

This transition also creates new possibilities for artistic production and audience experience, strengthening the festival's unique relationship between art, history, and nature. In this way, the Serra da Capivara Opera Festival continues to evolve while remaining faithful to its commitment to culture and the preservation of World Heritage.

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Sustainability and Community

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Bringing together people, art, and music in the heart of nature should create positive impacts for both communities and the environment. The festival is guided by a regenerative and sustainable vision for the future.

Every aspect of the event is carefully planned to minimize environmental impact.
 

• Shuttle transportation is provided to reduce vehicle traffic.

• Portable restrooms and selective waste collection are available throughout the venue.

• All recyclable waste is donated to the local recycling cooperative.

• The festival complies with all environmental regulations and official guidelines.

• All required environmental permits are obtained for activities at the Ancestral Amphitheatre.

• Non-perishable food donations are collected and distributed to nearby communities in need.

• Forty percent of the tickets for performances in enclosed venues are distributed free of charge to local tour guides, community members, and event staff.

• The festival offers a variety of free workshops aimed at professional development for residents of local communities.
   

The Opera and the Local Economy

The Serra da Capivara Opera Festival plays an important role in strengthening Serra da Capivara National Park as one of the leading cultural tourism destinations in the state of Piauí while contributing to the sustainable development of southeastern Piauí through art and culture.

Since its very first edition, the festival has generated significant economic benefits for the region. Months before the event, hotels, inns, and guesthouses reach full occupancy. Demand for restaurants, cafés, bars, local markets, and souvenir production increases by more than 300%, creating new opportunities for local businesses and strengthening the regional economy.