Festival Missioneiro in Foz celebrates 400 years of history and brings together four countries

The Missionary Festival in Foz do Iguaçu will be held on November 7 and 8, at Mercado Público Barrageiro, in a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Jesuit Mission Santa María del Iguazú. The program will bring together representatives of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay in activities of history, music, culture, gastronomy, tourism and preservation of the missionary heritage.

The initiative aims to rescue the cultural legacy related to the so-called 30 Missionary Peoples and expand the integration between territories that share chapters of the history of the Jesuit Missions in South America.

Researchers, artists, musicians, religious representatives, indigenous leaders, universities, public managers and communities linked to the missionary heritage must participate in the activities.

According to the organizers, the proposal is to make the celebration of the four centuries go beyond the historical memory and contribute to the appreciation of the cultural identity of the Three Borders region.

Mission dates back to the 17th century

The Jesuit Mission Santa María del Iguazú dates back to 1626 and integrates the historical trajectory of the missions deployed in the region during the colonial period.

The researcher, writer and journalist Jackson Lima, the creator of the proposal, says that the celebration seeks to present this heritage to the new generations. “Celebrating the 400th anniversary of Santa María del Iguazú is much more than remembering a date. It’s recognizing a history that belongs to the entire region,” he says.

According to Lima, elements of this heritage remain present in the music, gastronomy, spirituality and cultural identity of the peoples of the region.

Gastronomy, handicrafts and cultural events

During the two days of programming, the public will be able to attend the Missionary Cultural and Gastronomic Fair.

The space should bring together indigenous crafts, products related to missionary territories, typical gastronomy of the four countries and artistic manifestations inspired by the history of missions.

Also planned are exhibitions of baroque instruments, artistic pieces and interactive spaces dedicated to historical heritage.

The cultural program will also have traditional dance groups, choirs, musical performances and performances related to the Jesuit-Guarani universe.

Missionary Festival gathers experts

Another highlight will be an International Seminar on Jesuit Missions.

The program includes the participation of researchers, historians, archaeologists, representatives of universities, indigenous leaders, managers and cultural institutions.

Among the topics that should enter into discussion are historical heritage, cultural and religious tourism, preservation of memory, spirituality, missionary identity and regional development.

The proposal is to discuss how this heritage can be used also in initiatives of education, tourism and sustainable development.

Orchestra will bring baroque music to Foz

One of the announced attractions is the Baroque-Jesuit Orchestra, a project that aims to bring together scholarly musicians, local artists, indigenous musicians and missionary choir.

In addition to the main stage, the intention is to make presentations in tourist sites and spaces related to the history and culture of the region.

The president of Abrajet-PR, Silvana Canal, highlights that cultural experiences can complement the traditional attractions of Foz do Iguaçu.

According to her, visitors often combine culture, gastronomy, nature and leisure during the trips.

Integration between four countries

The event also aims to strengthen connections between Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay through the history shared by the Jesuit Missions.

The proposal of the organizers is to stimulate the creation of tours, experiences and tourist products related to the missionary heritage.

The expectation is also to generate movement for sectors such as hospitality, gastronomy, commerce, transport, crafts and services.

Project wants to leave legacy after festival

The organization says the celebration should not end with the November schedule.

Among the objectives are to encourage actions of heritage education, research, cultural production and creation of new tourism products linked to the history of the missions.

The project is carried out by the Brazilian Association of Tourism Journalists of Paraná (Abrajet-PR), with sponsorship from the Iguassu Fund.

The initiative also has the support of Itaipu Parquetec, Circuito Cultural, Mercado Público Barrageiro and Itaipu Binacional.

Service

Festival for the 400th anniversary of the Jesuit Mission Santa María del Iguazú

Date: 7 and 8 November 2026

Location: Mercado Público Barrageiro, in Foz do Iguaçu

Social networks: Santa Maria Iguaçu

 

 

Man charged with double attempted murder of his brothers in Inácio Martins