The history of the city and these celebrations, the processions, the reenactments and the people who dedicate themselves to the preparation of Holy Week in Ouro Preto , which receives thousands of tourists, for the celebration of Easter.
What separates the historic center and the hills that house the old gold mines? The struggle to change the words on the city's flag, which exposes the social relations that are perpetuated to this day, are the objects of this documentary, directed by Camilo Cavalcante
The event occupies the centuries-old streets of Ouro Preto, and involves a large part of its residents who, for more than three centuries, have artfully remembered the Passion of Christ, an event that every year commanded by a parish in the city, history that comes from the period of gold exploration, when the inhabitants of the city they were divided between the Jacubas and the Mocotós, according to the region in which they lived.
OURO PRETO - MINAS GERAIS:
Its origin dates back to the last decade of the 17th century, with the discovery of gold, a fact that attracted hundreds of pioneers from São Paulo and Portugal, and which made the region rich for almost a century. In appearance they were dark-surfaced stones; hence, the name black gold. After melting, it turned out to be yellow. The motto inscribed on the city flag refers to gold and in 2005 it was changed, due to the black movement, as the previous motto, PROETIOSVM TAMEM NIGRVM, translated from the Latin "Precious, Even if Black" had a racist connotation. Thus, the new motto inscribed on the city's flag became PROETIOSVM AVRVM NIGRVM ("Precious Black Gold").
It is known for its baroque architecture, which includes bridges, fountains and squares, and for its steep, winding cobbled streets. The central square of Tiradentes was named after the martyr of Brazilian independence. There are several churches and chapels throughout the city, including the 18th-century Igreja de São Francisco de Assis. The city became known as an "open-air museum", preserving a large core of essentially intact colonial houses, prestigious throughout Brazil and even abroad.
It was declared a National Monument City in 1933 and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1980, when the organization emphasized the authenticity, integrity and originality of its urban landscape, qualified as a work of human genius, its historical importance as the seat of the Inconfidência and of a flourishing cultural center, and the relief of its main religious monuments, where masters of superior importance such as Aleijadinho and Ataíde worked, who left works that stand as the first signs of a genuine Brazilianness.
HOW TO GET
The city of Ouro Preto is located in Minas Gerais, just 100 km from the capital Belo Horizonte. It is a peaceful destination to be visited, even for those looking for a tour of just one day. From BH, there are several options for transport and excursions. Even taxi and Uber make the way to the historic city. So, be sure to visit Ouro Preto, even if it's for a day trip.
The main gateway for those arriving from other states is the Belo Horizonte International Airport - Confins. It is the closest airport to Ouro Preto and receives flights from all regions of Brazil. There are no airports in Ouro Preto. From Confins, it is necessary to choose the best option to go to Ouro Preto by land.
From Belo Horizonte, the best route to Ouro Preto is via BR-356. The 100 km route is covered, on average, in 1h40. The journey from Confins Airport is longer. It will be 140 km to Ouro Preto.
Information: https://ouropreto.org.br/turismo/Apresentacao/viajar