Dom Joaquim

The region of Dom Joaquim used to form part of the merchants’ trail that passed through the big cities of Ouro Preto, Mariana, Sabará, Rio de Janeiro, Conceição do Mato Dentro, Serro, and Diamantina. The name of the municipality pays homage to the first archbishop of the Archdiocese of Diamantina, Dom Joaquim Silvério de Souza. Local residents, having come from the hills of Conceição do Mato Dentro, were attracted to the area’s riches and the abundance of fish in the river that cuts through the region - the Rio do Peixe (River of the Fish). The main attractions in the city are the Recanto da Represa ou Barragem and the Preto do Meio River.
Travel Tips: The official calendar of the city promotes a variety of festivals, such as the Turma da Cavalgada in February, the Festa Junina in June and the Santana Festa and São Domingos Festivals in July. In September both the Peão de Boiadeiro Festival and the city’s Political Emancipation Festival take place.