Two large rocks, a memorial and a long-standing Cavalgada give São José do Belmonte a distinctive cultural identity. Pedra do Reino is located in Serra do Catolé: one of its rocks is 30 metres high, the other 33 metres. Landscape and history meet here in a special way.

Pedra do Reino and its history

Pedra do Reino, formerly called Pedra Bonita, is associated with the Sebastianist tragedy of 1838, in which 80 people were sacrificed. The Memorial da Pedra do Reino displays paintings, books, documents and photographs connected with the movement and the history of the place. It is located at Praça Pires Ribeiro 34 in the centre of São José do Belmonte.

The Cavalgada à Pedra do Reino also draws on this historical tradition. It was founded in 1993 and is inspired by legends of the Sebastianist movement, which formed part of the northeastern Brazilian imagination in the 19th century. An annual tradition, it takes place on the last Sunday in May in São José do Belmonte. Its route is 27 kilometres long and takes an average of six hours—a substantial block of time to factor into your plans.

Equestrian traditions and event programme

Another cultural tradition is the Cavalhada Zeca Miron, an equestrian show inspired by Iberian traditions. Twelve riders represent the twelve Peers of France from the legend of Charlemagne and the twelve paladins. In this way, different narrative traditions coexist in São José do Belmonte: the Sebastianist history associated with Pedra do Reino and the world of characters from the Cavalhada.

The Cavalgada programme also offers examples of different focuses: as part of its 30th edition, there was an arts and crafts and gastronomy fair in 2024. In 2025, the Festival Multicultural was part of the official programme of the XXXI Cavalgada à Pedra do Reino. If the event is the reason for your trip, check the dates and programme for your chosen year, as well as accommodation availability.

More places for culture and orientation

The Castelo Armorial de São José do Belmonte is located at Avenida Primo Lopes 248 in the centre. It is more than 15 metres high and serves as a kind of town museum. As addresses can change, it is worth checking the address before setting off. The Ilumiara Pedra do Reino comprises 16 sculptures of saints, regional figures and characters from a novel by Ariano Suassuna.

The municipality’s tourist attractions also include Casa de Pedra de Lampião and Parque Urbano Pedra do Reino. Cachoeira do Letreiro is another attraction and is marked as a winter-season destination. The municipal tourist map helps visitors find attractions and Cavalgada venues; an interactive online map also shows how to get there. Before making plans, check whether the map is currently available.

Estrada da Pedra do Reino was improved in 2017 to make access to Sítio Histórico da Pedra do Reino easier. The municipality describes this site as its main tourist attraction. Check current road conditions before setting off.

A culinary connection to Pernambuco

In Pernambuco, Bolo de rolo is recognised as cultural and intangible heritage. The cake is made with thin pastry spread with melted guava paste and rolled into layers. This regional speciality complements the cultural perspective on the wider destination of Pernambuco.

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