Caratinga | |
|---|---|
| Municipality of Caratinga | |
      From top to bottom, left to right: partial view of the city; statue ofMenino Maluquinho; facade of the House of Doctor Agenor Ludgero Alves (House of Arts); Cesário Alvim Square with Pedra Itaúna in the background;St. John the Baptist Cathedral; and the city as seen from Pedra Itaúna. | |
 Flag  Seal | |
| Anthem:Anthem of the Municipality of Caratinga | |
  Caratinga  Caratinga | |
| Coordinates:19°47′24″S42°08′20″W / 19.79000°S 42.13889°W /-19.79000; -42.13889 | |
| Country |  Brazil |
| Region | Southeast |
| State |  Minas Gerais |
| Metropolitan area | Vale do Aço |
| Neighboring municipalities | Bom Jesus do Galho,Bugre,Entre Folhas,Iapu,Imbé de Minas,Inhapim,Ipaba,Ipanema,Ipatinga,Piedade de Caratinga,Raul Soares,Santa Bárbara do Leste,Santa Rita de Minas,Santana do Paraíso,Simonésia,Timóteo,Ubaporanga, andVargem Alegre. |
| Founded | 24 June 1848 (1848-06-24) |
| Established (as a municipality) | 6 February 1890 (1890-02-06)[1] |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Giovanni Correa da Silva (PL) |
| Area | |
| 1,258.479 km2 (485.901 sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 17.09 km2 (6.60 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 578 m (1,896 ft) |
| Population (2022)[2] | |
| 87,360 | |
• Estimate (2024)[2] | 90,687 |
| • Rank | MG: 42nd |
| • Density | 69.42/km2 (179.8/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 73,299 |
| • Rural | 14,061 |
| Demonym | Caratinguense[2] |
| HDI | |
| • HDI (2010) | 0.706 (high) |
| Time zone | UTC−3 (BRT) |
| GDP (2021)[5] | R$2,283,288,080 |
| GDP per capita (2021) | R$24,518.79 |
| Climate | Tropical savanna (Aw)[6] |
| Website | caratinga.mg.gov.br |
Caratinga is aBrazilian municipality located in the countryside of thestate ofMinas Gerais in theSoutheast Region ofBrazil. Situated in theVale do Rio Doce, it is part of theVale do Aço metropolitan area, approximately 310 kilometres (190 mi) east of the state capital,Belo Horizonte. The municipality covers an area of 1,258.479 square kilometres (485.901 sq mi), with 17 square kilometres (6.6 sq mi) in theurban area, and its population was estimated at 90,687 inhabitants in 2024.
The exploration of the region began in the 16th century with expeditions along theDoce and Caratinga rivers in search of precious metals. However, the area was first settled in the 19th century when Domingos Fernandes Lana explored it foripecac, a valuable medicinal plant, and reported on the fertile lands and peaceful indigenous population. Subsequently, João Caetano do Nascimento, a friend of Lana, led an expedition to the region, claimed the land, and dedicated it toSaint John, officially founding the settlement on 24 June 1848, in honor of the saint's feast day.
Favorable agricultural conditions and its strategic location as the only urban center on the right bank of the Caratinga River spurred population growth, leading to emancipation fromManhuaçu in 1890. Despite unplanned urban expansion, development accelerated with the arrival of theLeopoldina Railway and theBR-116 (Rio–Bahia Highway) in the 1930s and 1940s. The coffee industry flourished in the 1950s following the establishment of an office of the Brazilian Coffee Institute, positioning Caratinga as a coffee production hub. Coffee cultivation, alongside commerce, remains a primary source of income, though industry has grown since the 1980s. A new urban nucleus also emerged parallel to the original city center due to the expansion of theVale do Aço metropolitan area.
Caratinga is home to significant environmental conservation areas, including theFeliciano Miguel Abdala Private Natural Heritage Reserve, one of Minas Gerais' most importantAtlantic Forest remnants, which shelters thenorthern muriqui, one of the largest primates in theAmericas. The reserve attracts researchers from around the world. Other notable landmarks include the Pedra Itaúna, historic farms, waterfalls, and lagoons in the rural areas, and the scenic Cesário Alvim Square, which includes theSt. John the Baptist Cathedral, built in 1930. Cultural traditions such as the Folia de Reis, artistic festivals, andJune festivals are also prominent.
The area now comprising Caratinga saw little colonization until the mid-19th century, except by the indigenousAimorés (Bugre tribe). Occasionally, theBotocudo people ventured along the Caratinga River from its confluence with theDoce River in search of food or due to weather conditions.[7][8] Exploration began with expeditions such as that of Spinosa in 1553, heading toward theSão Francisco River,[9] and Sebastião Fernandes Tourinho, who explored the Caratinga River in 1573.[10]
In the early 18th century, during thecolonial period, settlers from theCaptaincy of Espírito Santo ventured inland, primarily seekinggold. Notably, Pedro Bueno Cacunda, in 1733, explored the region encompassing much of present-day Caratinga, between the Itapeba River (later named Cuiethé, now Caratinga) and the Mayguassu River (Manhuaçu River), searching for gold in streams and tributaries.[11] By the late 18th century, the Estrada do Degredo was established, crossing the current municipal territory and connecting theEstrada Real inOuro Preto to the Cuité prison (nowConselheiro Pena), serving as an alternative route to the Doce River.[12]
In the 19th century, Domingos Fernandes Lana, fromAraponga, explored the region in search ofipecac, a valuable medicinal plant. Around 1841, accompanied by friends, servants, slaves, and catechized indigenous people, he traversed the Caratinga River. Lana named the area's rock formations "Caratinga" due to the abundance ofyam, an edible tuber also known ascaratinga.[7][8] The term derives from theTupi wordaka'ratin'ga, meaning "white yam".[13][14] The expedition continued toward Cuité, near Conselheiro Pena.[8]
The fertile lands and peaceful indigenous population attracted João Caetano do Nascimento, a friend of Lana, who arrived with his elder sons and companions João da Cunha, João José, and João Antonio de Oliveira, along with their families and servants.[7][8] On 23 June 1848, they celebratedSaint John's Day with a large bonfire, dedicating the land and founding the settlement in honor of the patron saint.[8] João Caetano settled in the area now known as Serra da Jacutinga, claiming large land grants. He began clearing vegetation and preparing the land for cultivating cereals, fruits, and vegetables, as well as raising small animals and poultry, encouraging further settlement.[7][9] In June 1848, a parish was established under thecomarca of Mariana.[7]
The settlement initially developed irregularly.[8] In 1867, construction began on the São João Church, now a listed cultural heritage site,[15] with Father Maximiano João da Cruz as its first priest.[8] By Provincial Law No. 2,027 of 1 December 1873, the settlement was elevated to a district underManhuaçu, named São João do Caratinga.[1] A parish was created to represent the community.[16]
The fertile lands and its position as the only urban center on the right bank of the Caratinga River sustained population growth, attracting settlers from southern regions aiming to reach the Doce River. This established Caratinga as a significant regional hub,[9] leading to its emancipation by State Decree No. 16 on 6 February 1890, under the name Caratinga, signed by GovernorJosé Cesário de Faria Alvim.[1][8][17] In 1890, the population was approximately 25,000 across an area of 10,572 square kilometres (4,082 sq mi).[8]
Upon emancipation, Caratinga included the districts of Bom Jesus do Galho, Cuieté, Entre Folhas, Floresta, Santo Antônio do Manhuaçu, and São Francisco Vermelho, alongside the municipal seat. The municipality was officially established on 12 May 1890, confirmed by State Law No. 2 of 14 September 1891.[1][8] The firstmunicipal chamber was sworn in on 7 March 1892, with Symphrônio Fernandes as president and municipal governor.[8] The Caratingacomarca was created by Law No. 11 of 13 November 1891, enacted by Cesário Alvim, and established on 7 May 1892. It was briefly abolished in 1912 but restored on 1 December 1917.[9]
Over time, the municipality underwent several administrative changes. In 1911, it comprised Bom Jesus do Galho (emancipated in 1943), Cuieté (incorporated intoItanhomi in 1923, nowConselheiro Pena),Entre Folhas (emancipated in 1992), Floresta (incorporated intoItanhomi in 1923, nowAlvarenga), Imbé (emancipated in 1995 asImbé de Minas),Inhapim (emancipated in 1938),Resplendor (incorporated intoAimorés in 1915), Santo Antônio do Manhuaçu, São Francisco do Vermelho (abolished before 1920, restored in 1924 as a district ofRaul Soares),Tarumirim (incorporated intoItanhomi in 1923), andVermelho Novo (incorporated intoMatipó in 1923), alongside the municipal seat. With Inhapim’s emancipation in 1938, the districts of Santo Estevão and Veadinho (created in 1923) were also detached.[1]
Until the end of theFirst Brazilian Republic, in the 1930s,coronelism dominated, with two political factions, "caranguejo" and "bacurau", alternating power.[8] From 1919 to 1930, the Empresa Industrial de Caratinga began producing and distributing electricity. In 1927, Agenor Ludgero Alves, a prominent political figure, signed a contract integrating Caratinga into theLeopoldina Railway, inaugurated in 1930.[8] The railway spurred urban development by making it easier to open roads and access other regions.[7] Initially, it provided passenger transport toRio de Janeiro.[18] Between the 1930s and 1940s, Mayor Omar Coutinho cleared public debts, and theBR-116 (Rio–Bahia Highway) enhanced commerce and development.[9] The railway ceased passenger and cargo transport in the 1970s.[18]
The coffee industry surged in the 1950s with the establishment of a Brazilian Coffee Institute office, making Caratinga a coffee production hub.[7] However, in the 1950s and 1960s, many residents migrated to theVale do Aço for opportunities driven by the industrial complexes ofAcesita inTimóteo andUsiminas inIpatinga.[10] Urban expansion occurred in the 1970s under Mayor Moacyr de Mattos toward the Limoeiro neighborhood and in the 1990s under Dário da Anunciação Grossi toward the second unit of the Caratinga University Center.[8] However, growth was unplanned, extending toward surrounding hills, leading to irregular land occupations and slums.[19][20]
Parallel to the original city center, a new development zone emerged near the border with Ipatinga. As urban expansion space diminished in theVale do Aço metropolitan area, theBR-458 facilitated access, prompting investors to develop subdivisions in Caratinga. In the 1980s and 1990s, Caratinga integrated into the Vale do Aço urban agglomeration, alongsideBelo Oriente andSantana do Paraíso.[21][22] In January 2012, Caratinga was officially included in the Vale do Aço metropolitan area by Complementary Law 122.[23]
State Law No. 10,704 of 27 April 1992 led to the emancipation of the districts of Entre Folhas (created in 1890),Ubaporanga (1938),Santa Bárbara do Leste (1948),Santa Rita de Minas (1948),Vargem Alegre (1953), andIpaba (1982). State Law No. 12,030 of 21 December 1995 emancipated Imbé de Minas (1890) andPiedade de Caratinga (1991). Since then, the municipality comprises the districts of Santo Antônio do Manhuaçu (1890), Dom Lara (1948), Santa Efigênia de Caratinga (1948), Sapucaia (1948), São Cândido (1952), São João do Jacutinga (1952), Cordeiro de Minas (1991), Patrocínio de Caratinga (1991), Santa Luzia de Caratinga (1991), and Dom Modesto (1992), alongside the municipal seat.[1] Despite these changes, Caratinga remains a regional hub for cities west of theSerra do Caparaó.[10]
Unplanned occupation along the Caratinga River and smaller waterways, as well as on hills, has increased vulnerability to natural disasters. In January 2003, flooding of urban waterways, particularly the Caratinga River, inundated the city center, displacing 6,800 people, destroying 433 homes, endangering 80 properties, closing 120 public roads, damaging 38 bridges and rural roads, and affecting 446 commercial establishments.[24] Three deaths occurred, the city was isolated,[25] and Mayor Ernani Campos Porto declared a state of emergency, halting commerce, industry, and public services for a week.[26] In January 2004, floods again struck, flooding the city center, declaring a state of emergency, causing deaths, damaging at least 77 homes, and destroying 24 others.[24][27]
Efforts to channel urban streams and mitigate flood damage have been implemented, including river level monitoring and flood alert systems to reduce the impact of potential overflows.[28] After sewage fees were charged since 1999,[29] a wastewater treatment plant began operations in 2017.[30] Overall, access to basic infrastructure (piped water, sewage, waste collection, and electricity) expanded significantly between the 1990s and 2010s, though slums and a significanthousing shortage persist, among the highest in the Vale do Aço metropolitan area.[31]
According to theBrazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), Caratinga’s area is 1,258.479 square kilometres (485.901 sq mi), with 17.09 square kilometres (6.60 sq mi) in theurban area.[2] Located at19°47′24″S42°08′20″W / 19.79000°S 42.13889°W /-19.79000; -42.13889, it is 311 kilometres (193 mi) east ofBelo Horizonte, within theVale do Aço metropolitan area alongside 23 other cities since January 2012.[23] Its neighboring municipalities areInhapim to the northeast and north;Imbé de Minas,Piedade de Caratinga,Ubaporanga,Iapu, andIpaba to the north;Santana do Paraíso to the northwest;Ipatinga andTimóteo to the west;Bom Jesus do Galho,Vargem Alegre, andEntre Folhas to the southwest;Raul Soares,Santa Rita de Minas, andSanta Bárbara do Leste to the south;Simonésia to the southeast; andIpanema to the east.[3]
According to theregional division established by the IBGE in 2017,[32] Caratinga belongs to the Ipatinga Intermediate Geographic Region and the Caratinga Immediate Geographic Region.[33] Previously, under themesoregion andmicroregion divisions, it was part of the Caratinga microregion within the Vale do Rio Doce mesoregion.[34]
The predominant terrain in Caratinga is characterized by a "sea of hills," with undulating landscapes, isolated rock formations, and susceptibility to erosion and landslides.[35] The highest elevation is 1,516 metres (4,974 ft) at Serra do Rio Preto, while the lowest is at the mouth of the Boachá stream, at 330 metres (1,080 ft). The city center is at an elevation of 578.1 metres (1,897 ft).[3] The original urban area developed amidst undulating terrain and expanded toward surrounding hills without a proper urban plan, leading to irregular occupations and land cuts prone to landslides.[19] The local soil featuresgranite andgneiss complexes interspersed withmafic minerals, supportinglatosols (red-yellow soils with iron oxides), ideal for coffee cultivation.[35]
The municipality lies within the Caratinga River basin, part of theDoce River Basin.[36] TheDoce River borders the municipality at its boundaries withIpatinga andSantana do Paraíso,[37] while the Caratinga River runs through the municipal territory and urban area, joined by smaller streams such as Salim, Sales, Santa Cruz, São João, and Seco. Urban waterways are subject to considerable levels ofwater contamination, causing flooding, unpleasant odors, and the proliferation of insects.[38][39] The rural area features numerous springs and streams, including the Providência, Chaves, Calixto, Macaquinho, Silvestre, Marcinos, Leite, Pastor, and São Cândido springs, as well as the Ribeirão do Boi, Macaco, Lagoa Nova, and Laje streams. The Laje stream supplies the city with water.[38][40][41] Lagoons are common in the western part of the municipality.[38][42]
Caratinga’s climate ranges from mild mesothermaltropicalsemi-humid to hot semi-humid (Aw),[6][43] with a hot semi-humid climate near the Doce River.[6] The average annual temperature is 22 °C (72 °F), with an average rainfall of 1,200 millimetres (47 in) per year, concentrated between October and April.[44] Thewet season coincides with warmer months, while thedry season spans milder months, withautumn andspring as transitional seasons.[43][45] The transition between dry and wet seasons often bringsthunderstorms, especially from latewinter to spring.[46]
Precipitation primarily falls asrain, with occasionalhail, causing damage in both urban and rural areas.[47][48][49] Storms may includelightning and strongwind gusts.[50] According to theNational Institute for Space Research’s Atmospheric Electricity Group (ELAT/INPE) in 2018, Caratinga had a lightning density of 1.395 strikes per km²/year, ranking 642nd in Minas Gerais and 4,241st nationally.[51] With over 2,300 hours ofinsolation annually, the averagerelative humidity is 77%,[44] though low humidity levels occur during the dry season or prolongedIndian summers.[52][53] Dry air and pollution increase the concentration of atmospheric pollutants, which degrades air quality.[54]
| Month | Accumulation | Date | Month | Accumulation | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 120.7 millimetres (4.75 in) | 25 January 2020 | July | 41.3 millimetres (1.63 in) | 11 July 1965 |
| February | 103.4 millimetres (4.07 in) | 8 February 2021 | August | 55.5 millimetres (2.19 in) | 26 August 1986 |
| March | 150 millimetres (5.9 in) | 26 March 1973 | September | 73.3 millimetres (2.89 in) | 29 September 2022 |
| April | 131.5 millimetres (5.18 in) | 22 April 1977 | October | 123.2 millimetres (4.85 in) | 31 October 2020 |
| May | 46.8 millimetres (1.84 in) | 25 May 2014 | November | 119.5 millimetres (4.70 in) | 7 November 1999 |
| June | 47.8 millimetres (1.88 in) | 12 June 1993 | December | 164.9 millimetres (6.49 in) | 2 December 2017 |
| Period: 1 January 1961 to 10 July 1968, 1 November 1971 to 31 December 1983, 1 January 1986 to 31 December 1987, and 1 January 1991 to 30 June 2024 | |||||
Fog occurs on cold mornings due to high humidity and low temperatures,[57] whilefrost may occur in rural areas during intense polarair mass events, such as in Santa Luzia de Caratinga in July 2019, with unofficial sub-zero temperatures.[58] Theprevailing wind comes from the east, with an average speed of 11.1 kilometres per hour (6.9 mph) during the windiest period (5 August to 11 January), peaking slightly in September and October. During the calmer period (April to June), speeds range from 8 to 9 kilometres per hour (5.0 to 5.6 mph).[45]
According to theNational Institute of Meteorology's (INMET) conventional measurements for the periods from 1961 to 1968, 1971 to 1983, 1986 to 1987, and from January 1991 to June 2024, the lowest temperature recorded was 4.2 °C (39.6 °F) on 1 June 1979 and 16 June 2006,[55] though the absolute minimum since 1924 was 1.4 °C (34.5 °F) on 18 July 1926.[56] The highest was 39 °C (102 °F) on 7 October 2020.[55] The lowest relative humidity was 22% on 12 July 1996 and 5 September 2008.[55] The highest 24-hour precipitation was 164.9 millimetres (6.49 in) on 2 December 2017, followed by 150 millimetres (5.9 in) on 26 March 1973, 131.5 millimetres (5.18 in) on 22 April 1977, 123.2 millimetres (4.85 in) on 31 October 2020, and 120.7 millimetres (4.75 in) on 25 January 2020.[55][56]
Data from INMET’sautomatic weather station, installed on 23 May 2007, recorded a low of 6.4 °C (43.5 °F) on 31 July 2007 and a high of 39.4 °C (102.9 °F) on 31 October 2012, 17 October 2015, and 25 September 2023. The lowest relative humidity was 14% on multiple dates. The highest 24-hour precipitation was 126 millimetres (5.0 in) on 25 January 2020, with the highest hourly precipitation of 72.4 millimetres (2.85 in) between 19:00 and 20:00 on 27 February 2013. The strongestwind gust was 88.56 kilometres per hour (55.03 mph) during a storm on 9 December 2010.[52][53]
| Climate data for Caratinga (1981–2010 normals, extremes 1961–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 37.2 (99.0) | 36.9 (98.4) | 35.8 (96.4) | 34.1 (93.4) | 32.8 (91.0) | 33.3 (91.9) | 33.4 (92.1) | 35.2 (95.4) | 38.0 (100.4) | 39.0 (102.2) | 38.0 (100.4) | 35.7 (96.3) | 39.0 (102.2) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 28.9 (84.0) | 30.0 (86.0) | 29.4 (84.9) | 27.9 (82.2) | 26.1 (79.0) | 25.2 (77.4) | 25.5 (77.9) | 26.4 (79.5) | 27.2 (81.0) | 28.1 (82.6) | 28.0 (82.4) | 28.5 (83.3) | 27.6 (81.7) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 23.6 (74.5) | 24.1 (75.4) | 23.5 (74.3) | 22.0 (71.6) | 19.7 (67.5) | 18.2 (64.8) | 18.2 (64.8) | 19.4 (66.9) | 20.9 (69.6) | 22.5 (72.5) | 22.9 (73.2) | 23.3 (73.9) | 21.5 (70.7) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 19.4 (66.9) | 19.4 (66.9) | 19.0 (66.2) | 17.3 (63.1) | 14.7 (58.5) | 12.9 (55.2) | 12.6 (54.7) | 13.7 (56.7) | 15.7 (60.3) | 17.8 (64.0) | 18.6 (65.5) | 19.1 (66.4) | 16.7 (62.1) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 11.4 (52.5) | 14 (57) | 9.7 (49.5) | 8.8 (47.8) | 4.5 (40.1) | 4.2 (39.6) | 4.4 (39.9) | 5.8 (42.4) | 5.4 (41.7) | 10.9 (51.6) | 12 (54) | 9.6 (49.3) | 4.2 (39.6) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 220.8 (8.69) | 96.7 (3.81) | 143.8 (5.66) | 70.6 (2.78) | 25.6 (1.01) | 12.5 (0.49) | 6.5 (0.26) | 15.5 (0.61) | 41.6 (1.64) | 80.4 (3.17) | 209.1 (8.23) | 278.6 (10.97) | 1,201.7 (47.31) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ ≥ 1 mm) | 13 | 7 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 86 |
| Averagerelative humidity (%) | 79.5 | 75.6 | 79.0 | 80.6 | 80.4 | 79.7 | 75.2 | 71.2 | 70.0 | 69.7 | 76.7 | 80.3 | 76.5 |
| Mean monthlysunshine hours | 187.9 | 209.2 | 208.0 | 198.5 | 200.0 | 192.0 | 210.1 | 219.7 | 174.0 | 172.0 | 153.0 | 166.1 | 2,290.5 |
| Source:National Institute of Meteorology (INMET)[44] temperature records: 01 January 1961 to 10 July 1968, 01 November 1971 to 31 December 1983, 01 January 1986 to 31 December 1987, and 01 January 1991 to 30 June 2024[55] | |||||||||||||
| Climate data for Caratinga (automatic station) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 37.8 (100.0) | 36.6 (97.9) | 36.8 (98.2) | 35 (95) | 34.3 (93.7) | 34.2 (93.6) | 33.2 (91.8) | 36.4 (97.5) | 39.4 (102.9) | 39.4 (102.9) | 39.1 (102.4) | 36.8 (98.2) | 39.4 (102.9) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 15.3 (59.5) | 15.7 (60.3) | 16.3 (61.3) | 11.9 (53.4) | 7.7 (45.9) | 6.6 (43.9) | 6.4 (43.5) | 7.5 (45.5) | 9.6 (49.3) | 13.5 (56.3) | 13.8 (56.8) | 16.3 (61.3) | 6.4 (43.5) |
| Source:National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) — temperature records: 23 May 2007–31 December 2024[55][52][53] | |||||||||||||
The nativevegetation belongs to theAtlantic Forest domain,[59] with remnants covering 11,156 hectares (27,570 acres) in 2011, or 8.9% of the municipal area.[60] Much of the original vegetation has been cleared for pastures[61] and agriculture, which continues to pressure conservation areas.[62] Some areas of the municipality practice monoculture reforestation witheucalyptus to produce raw material for the Cenibra pulp mill inBelo Oriente.[63] Caratinga has twoenvironmental protection areas (APAs): the Lagoas de Caratinga APA and the Pedra Itaúna APA.[64] The Lagoas de Caratinga APA is largely used for eucalyptus cultivation,[63] while the Pedra Itaúna APA, near the urban area, suffers from occasional fires.[65] The Caratinga Municipal Park, spanning 402 hectares, also faces degradation.[66][67]
Caratinga is home to twoprivate natural heritage reserves (RPPNs): the Lagoa Silvana State Natural Heritage Reserve and the Feliciano Miguel Abdala Federal Private Natural Heritage Reserve.[68] The Lagoa Silvana State Natural Heritage Reserve, near theRio Doce State Park, owned byUsiminas, was established in 2000 and formalized in 2012.[69] TheFeliciano Miguel Abdala Private Natural Heritage Reserve, purchased by Feliciano Miguel Abdala in 1942 for conservation, particularly of thenorthern muriqui,[70] one of the largest primates in theAmericas,[42] spans 957 hectares, 80% of which is preserved forest. Recognized as a private natural heritage reserve in 2001, it supports global scientific research at the Caratinga Biological Station (EBC).[71][72][73] In 2015, approximately 1,000 northern muriquis remained in Brazil, with 361 in Caratinga.[74]
Conserved areas boast notablebiodiversity, including theGeoffroy's cat,jaguarundi,coati,agouti,tayra,pale-throated sloth,crab-eating raccoon,greater grison,Brazilian squirrel,capybara, andred brocket. Bird species include thedusky-legged guan andsolitary tinamou, as well as several species ofhawks.[75] In 2014, a 66,424.5607 hectares (164,138.664 acres) area across Caratinga, Simonésia, Manhuaçu, Ipanema, Santa Bárbara do Leste, Santa Rita de Minas, and Piedade de Caratinga was designated as Minas Gerais’ firstwildlife corridor, linking the Feliciano Miguel Abdala Private Natural Heritage Reserve and theSossego Forest Biological Station in Simonésia and Manhuaçu.[76] This corridor, encompassing 21 springs, has lost 70% of its original vegetation and remains threatened by human activity, where approximately 100 families live.[77] Century-oldroyal palms in the urban center, particularly downtown, earned Caratinga the nickname "City of Palms."[10]
Some of the main environmental problems affecting the city arefloods, which during the rainy season cause significant damage in the lower and more densely populated areas along the banks of watercourses, as well as landslides on hills and slopes. The causes of these issues are often the construction of residences in irregular zones,[19] in addition to the disposal of garbage and sewage into streams and rivers.[78][79] Organizations such as the Doce River Basin Committee maintain rainfall stations and monitoring points for the water level of the Caratinga River in Caratinga and other municipalities within the river basin, alerting the population in case of potential risks.[80] There is also a mapping of risk areas in the municipality, which serves as a foundation for other preventive measures.[81]
On the other hand, during thedry season and prolongedIndian summers in the midst of the rainy season,wildfires are commonly reported in hills and brushlands, including within conservation units. Forest fires contribute to the destruction of native vegetation, degrade soil quality, and impair air quality,[65][82] which is already compromised by a high concentration of pollutants from vehicle emissions.[83] In the first 15 days of October 2015, Caratinga ranked seventh in Minas Gerais for the number of wildfire hotspots according to INPE, during which a three-day arson fire consumed 155 hectares of the Itaúna Environmental Protection Area. The rugged terrain hinders the Fire Department's response to such incidents.[65]Visual pollution, meanwhile, is significant in various parts of the urban area, with a considerable presence of uncontrolled posters and advertisements affixed to walls, poles, and other open spaces.[84]
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 109,772 | — |
| 1980 | 110,038 | +0.2% |
| 1991 | 125,686 | +14.2% |
| 2000 | 77,789 | −38.1% |
| 2010 | 85,239 | +9.6% |
| 2022 | 87,360 | +2.5% |
| Source:Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE)[85] Note: In the 1990s, the former districts of Entre Folhas,Imbé de Minas,Ipaba, Piedade de Caratinga,Santa Bárbara do Leste, Santa Rita de Minas,Ubaporanga, andVargem Alegre were emancipated. | ||
In 2022, the population was estimated at 87,360 inhabitants according to the census conducted that year by theBrazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Of the total, 42,471 were men (48.62%) and 44,889 were women (51.38%).[86] According to the same census, 73,299 inhabitants lived in theurban area (83.9%) and 14,061 in therural area (16.1%).[87]
Of the total population in 2022, 16,188 inhabitants (18.53%) were under 15 years old, 12,681 (14.52%) were aged 15 to 24, 19,042 (21.79%) were aged 25 to 39, 28,389 (32.49%) were aged 40 to 64, and 11,060 (12.67%) were over 65.[88] In 2010, thelife expectancy at birth was 75.2 years, and the totalfertility rate per woman was 1.9.[89]
The IBGE classifies Caratinga as azone center B, meaning the city exerts significant influence over nearby municipalities, includingAlvarenga,Bom Jesus do Galho,Córrego Novo,Dom Cavati,Entre Folhas,Imbé de Minas,Inhapim,Piedade de Caratinga,Santa Bárbara do Leste,Santa Rita de Minas,São Domingos das Dores,São Sebastião do Anta,Ubaporanga,Vargem Alegre, andVermelho Novo.[90]
The MunicipalHuman Development Index (HDI-M) of Caratinga is considered high by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with a value of 0.706 (the 1,720th highest in Brazil and the 195th highest in Minas Gerais). The city has most indicators close to the national average according to the UNDP. Considering only the education index, the value is 0.603, the longevity index is 0.836, and the income index is 0.697.[4] In the same year, there was a deficit of 2,296 households, the largest among the municipalities in the Vale do Aço metropolitan area in absolute numbers, while 22.7% of residences exhibited housing inadequacy.[31]
From 2000 to 2010, the proportion of people with a per capita household income of up to half the minimum wage decreased by 44.2%. In 2010, 84.6% of the population lived above thepoverty line, 9.3% were at the poverty line, and 6.1% were below it.[91] TheGini coefficient, which measuressocial inequality, was 0.547, where 1.00 is the worst and 0.00 is the best.[92] The share of the city's total income held by the wealthiest 20% of the population was 58.4%, or 16.8 times higher than that of the poorest 20%, which was 3.5%.[91]
In 2010, Caratinga had the third-highest percentage of residences inslums among Minas Gerais municipalities, with 17.5% of its households located in areas classified as such, encompassing 15,709 inhabitants. That year, seven locations were identified as slums by the IBGE.[20][93] Despite expanded access to basic infrastructure between the 1990s and 2010, the lack of public policies focused on urban growth contributes to the persistence of these issues, facilitating the emergence of irregular occupations.[94]
In 2022, the population was composed of 42,517 mixed-race (48.97%), 35,289 white (40.40%), 9,363 black (10.72%), 145 Asian (0.17%), and 42 Indigenous (0.05%) individuals.[86] In 2010, considering theregion of birth, 83,551 were born in theSoutheast (98.02%), 889 in theNortheast (1.04%), 193 in theCentral-West (0.23%), 163 in theSouth (0.19%), and 61 in theNorth (0.07%). 81,205 inhabitants were natives of Minas Gerais (95.27%), and of that total, 60,448 were born in Caratinga (70.92%).[95] Among the 4,034 individuals born in other states,São Paulo had the highest presence with 1,023 people (1.20%), followed byRio de Janeiro with 1,000 residents (1.17%), andBahia with 478 residents (0.56%).[96]
According to data from the 2010 census conducted by the IBGE, the municipal population consists of: 57,648Catholics (67.63%), 21,461Evangelicals (25.18%), 4,349people without religion (5.10%), 637Spiritists (0.75%), 472Jehovah's Witnesses (0.55%), 42Umbandists (0.05%), 29Jews (0.03%), and the remaining 0.71% are distributed among other religions.[97] According to the division established by theCatholic Church, the municipality is home to theepiscopal see of theDiocese of Caratinga, which is theSt. John the Baptist Cathedral. The diocese was established in December 1915[98] and, in 2021, comprised sixdeaneries covering municipalities in the region.[99]
Municipal administration in Caratinga is carried out by theExecutive andLegislative branches. The Executive branch is led by the mayor, who is supported by a cabinet of secretaries.[100] Following the1930 Revolution, which separated the Executive and Legislative powers, the first mayor of the municipality was Jorge Coura Filho, who served from 1931 to 1932.[101] In the 2024 municipal elections, Giovanni Correa da Silva (Dr. Giovanni) was elected mayor, representing theLiberal Party (PL) with 33.27% of the valid votes, alongside Ronaldo Gomes de Carvalho (Ronaldo da Milla,NOVO) asdeputy mayor.[102][103] The Legislative branch is represented by themunicipal chamber,[100] composed of 17 councilors.[104] The chamber is responsible for drafting and voting on laws essential to municipal administration and the Executive branch, particularly the participatory budget (budget guidelines law).[105]
In support of the legislative process and the work of the secretariats, several active municipal councils exist, including those for the rights of children and adolescents (established in 1991), guardianship (1991), elderly rights (2002), rights of persons with disabilities (2009), and policies for women (2003).[106] Caratinga is governed by itsorganic law, enacted on 21 April 1990,[100] and hosts a judicial district of the state judiciary, classified as a special jurisdiction, which includes the municipalities of Bom Jesus do Galho, Córrego Novo, Entre Folhas, Imbé de Minas, Piedade de Caratinga, Pingo-d'Água, Santa Bárbara do Leste, Santa Rita de Minas, Ubaporanga, and Vargem Alegre.[107] As of September 2024, the municipality had 61,103 registered voters, according to theSuperior Electoral Court (TSE).[108]
The municipality of Caratinga is divided into ten districts, in addition to the municipal seat. These districts are: Cordeiro de Minas, Dom Lara, Dom Modesto, Patrocínio de Caratinga, Santa Efigênia de Caratinga, Santa Luzia de Caratinga, Santo Antônio do Manhuaçu, Sapucaia, São Cândido, and São João do Jacutinga.[109] The current division results from a series of changes to Caratinga's territorial configuration throughout the 20th century, which involved the separation of several districts to create new municipalities. The most recent separation occurred on 21 December 1995, whenPiedade de Caratinga andImbé de Minas were emancipated.[1]
Urban development in areas distant from the municipal seat intensified from the 1980s onward, particularly in regions near theVale do Aço Metropolitan Region, due to real estate saturation in the metropolitan area and easy access via theBR-458 highway.[21][22] This led to the emergence of relatively recent subdivisions and settlements, such as the neighborhoods of Ilha do Rio Doce, Parques do Vale, and Porto Seguro.[110] This region also began to attract industrial developments and leisure investments, such as clubs andresorts, primarily aimed at serving the metropolitan population.[111][112] These factors contributed to Caratinga's integration into the urban expansion of the Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region, alongside the original city seat.[113][114]
The original urban area of Caratinga is divided into twelve official neighborhoods, as recorded by theBrazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in 2022. These are: Anápolis, Dario Grossi, Esperança, Esplanada, Limoeiro, Nossa Senhora Aparecida, Nossa Senhora das Graças, Salatiel, Santa Cruz, Santa Zita, Santo Antônio, and Zacarias Cimini. Among these, Santa Cruz was the most populous, with 6,815 inhabitants in 2022.[115] It is noteworthy that the original municipal seat is the area with the highest concentration of irregular settlements, such as slums.[116]
In theGross Domestic Product (GDP) of Caratinga, the industrial and service sectors stand out, thoughagribusiness also plays a significant role, particularlycoffee production. According to 2021 data from the IBGE, the municipality's GDP at current prices was R$ 2,283,288.08.[5] 274,854.24 came from taxes on products net of subsidies at current prices, and the per capita GDP was R$ 24,518.79.[5] However, a considerable portion of the population commutes to other municipalities for work, given the easy access to industries in theVale do Aço Metropolitan Region. Among Caratinga's workforce employed in other municipalities, 28.6% work inIpatinga, 0.6% inSantana do Paraíso, 0.6% inTimóteo, 0.5% inCoronel Fabriciano, and 9.7% in other cities in the metropolitan region.[117]
In 2022,salaries and other forms of remuneration totaled 603,017reais, with the average monthly salary in the municipality being 1.9minimum wages. There were 4,467 local units and 4,288 active companies.[118] According to the IBGE, in 2010, 65.58% of households survived on less than one minimum wage per month per resident (17,483 households), 24.19% had between one and three minimum wages per person (6,449 households), 3.46% earned between three and five minimum wages (923 households), 2.28% had monthly incomes above five minimum wages (609 households), and 4.48% had no income (1,194 households).[119]
| Production of beans, corn, and sugarcane (2023)[120] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Product | Harvested area (hectares) | Production (tons) |
| Beans | 900 | 670 |
| Corn | 500 | 1,560 |
| Sugarcane | 220 | 8,800 |
In 2021, livestock and agriculture contributed 104,000.53 reais to Caratinga's economy,[5] while in 2010, 17.73% of the municipality's economically active population was employed in this sector.[89] According to the IBGE, in 2023, the municipality had 40,858cattle, 35,640poultry, 2,226pigs, 1,896sheep, 1,249horses, 398goats, and 34buffaloes.[121] In the same year, the city produced 24,984 liters of milk from 9,598cows, 117,000 dozens of chicken eggs from 9,875 hens, and 17,500 kilograms ofhoney frombees. Inaquaculture, the main productions weretilapia (900),tambaqui (540), and tambacu (150).[121]
In 2023, the largest cultivated areas for temporary crops were forbeans (900 hectares),corn (500 hectares), andsugarcane (220 hectares), in addition tocassava,tomatoes,peanuts,sweet potatoes,watermelons,rice,garlic,pineapple, andonions.[120] In terms of permanent crops, the highlights werecoffee (10,000 hectares),bananas (350 hectares), andoranges (29 hectares), along withtangerines,lemons,avocados,mangoes,passion fruit,heart of palm,coconuts, andguavas.[122]
Caratinga is a significant producer of mountain coffee, despite the activity experiencing a decline due to rising costs.[123] During the harvest season, which runs from April to September, local commerce experiences increased activity. The importance of horticultural production should also be noted, with an average output of 3,000 tons per month.[17] The city has a Central Supply Market (CEASA), where local horticultural production is sold, serving approximately 50 municipalities in the region,[10] with 51% of the products sold at Caratinga's CEASA being produced within the municipality itself.[124]
In 2021, industry was the second most significant sector for the municipal economy. The gross value added by the secondary sector contributed 296,594.76 reais to the municipal GDP.[5] Caratinga is home to various industries, including textiles, non-metallic mineral processing, chemical product manufacturing, rubber and plastic goods manufacturing, furniture manufacturing, food and beverage production, and metalworking.[3] The municipality hosts an industrial district established in 1996, initially comprising 78 lots and spanning an area of 120,144.[125]
Areas near the Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region saw investments in industrial establishments starting in the 1980s, driven by the region's real estate saturation and easy access via theBR-458 highway.[110][126] The extraction ofeucalyptus to supply the Cenibrapulp mill inBelo Oriente is also significant.[127] In 2023, according to IBGE data, 39,976 cubic meters of eucalyptus logs were extracted, with 49.97% allocated to paper and cellulose production.[128] In 2010, statistics indicated that 0.34% of workers were employed in the extractive industry and 6.22% in manufacturing.[89]
In 2010, 7.08% of the employed population worked in construction, 0.66% in public utilities, 20.70% in commerce, and 42.48% in services.[89] In 2021, the service sector contributed 1,186,184.04 reais to the municipal GDP, with public administration adding 421,654.51 reais.[5] Downtown Caratinga is a key commercial hub,[129][130] with a notable presence of micro and small enterprises headquartered locally, supported by robust physical infrastructure.[131] As of April 2016, the Caratinga Chamber of Retailers (CDL) had 458 members.[129]
Caratinga's healthcare network, as of 2018, includes 28 primary healthcare units, twohealth centers, three general hospitals, and three psychosocial care centers (CAPS).[132] The Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora Hospital, built between the 1910s and 1920s, is the city's oldest hospital.[133] This philanthropically managed facility serves both Caratinga and surrounding municipalities.[134] It has 119 beds, though financial constraints limited active beds to 90 as of July 2019.[135]
The municipality has 12cemeteries, located in the municipal seat and its districts.[136] In 2022, 732 deaths were recorded due to diseases, with circulatory system disorders being the leading cause (29.78%), followed by tumors (16.12%).[137] In the same year, 1,119 live births were recorded, with aninfant mortality rate of 20.55 deaths per thousand live births for children under one year.[138] Notably, in 2010, 1.96% of girls aged 10 to 17 had children.[89]
In education, the average Basic Education Development Index (IDEB) for students in the early years ofprimary education in Caratinga's public schools was 6.4 in 2023, on a scale from 1 to 10, while the score for students in the later years was 4.9.[2] In 2022, 30.6% of children aged 0 to 3, 84.08% of those aged 4 to 5, and 98.8% of those aged 6 to 14 were enrolled in schools, along with 80.08% of adolescents aged 15 to 17. Additionally, 24.73% of residents aged 18 to 24 and 6.04% of those 25 and older attended educational institutions.[139]
Among residents aged 18 and older in 2022, 42.88% had not completed primary education, 13.2% had only completed primary education, 29.38% had completedsecondary education, and 14.54% had completedhigher education.[140] The population aged 11 and older had an average of 8.5 years of schooling.[141] The literacy rate for residents aged 15 and older was 93.51%, with 6.49% of this group being illiterate.[142] In 2023, there were 16,433 enrollments inearly childhood education, primary, and secondary schools in the city.[143] Private higher education institutions, such as the Caratinga University Center (UNEC) and the Doctum Colleges in Caratinga, attract students from neighboring cities.[10][144]
| Level | Enrollments | Teachers | Schools (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early childhood education | 3,765 | 262 | 46 |
| Primary education | 9,785 | 671 | 55 |
| Secondary education | 2,883 | 375 | 21 |
In 2022, Caratinga had 32,668 occupied permanent private households. Of these, 22,767 were houses (69.69%), 9,567 were apartments (29.29%), 317 were houses in gated communities or condominiums (0.67%), eleven weretenements (0.03%), and six were degraded or unfinished structures (0.02%).[86] Of the total occupied households, 20,924 were owned (64.06%), with 19,546 fully paid and 1,379 under acquisition; 9,593 wererented (29.37%); 1,935 were loaned or provided (5.92%); and 209 were occupied through other means (0.64%).[145]
Water supply and sewage collection services are managed by the Minas Gerais Sanitation Company (Copasa).[146] In 2022, according to IBGE, 79.37% of households had access to the general water network as their primary supply, and 99.92% had exclusive-use bathrooms. Regardingsanitation, 77.66% of households were served by the general or stormwater sewage network.[86] Much of the city's water supply comes from the Lage stream and is treated at a conventional treatment plant.[146][147] However, asewage treatment plant under construction remains incomplete, and collected sewage is still discharged directly into urban watercourses.[148]
Electricity is supplied by theMinas Gerais Energy Company (Cemig), which serves much of the state. In 2003, there were 26,554 consumers, with 60,408,648kWh of energy consumed.[3] In 2010, 99.7% of households had access to the electrical network, according to IBGE.[149] Regarding waste management, 88.91% of households were served bywaste collection services in 2022,[86] with waste directed to alandfill located approximately 7.5 km from downtown Caratinga, producing an average of 38 tons of waste daily in 2012.[150] The municipality of Ipatinga disposed of its waste in an open-air dump in Caratinga's Cordeiro de Minas district until 1996, when it was covered. The site was closed in 2003 and designated for preservation.[151]
In 2010, 46.84% of the population had onlymobile phones, 7.99% had onlylandline phones, 24.95% had both, and 20.22% had neither.[152] The area code (DDD) is 033,[153] and thepostal code (CEP) ranges from 35300-001 to 35322-999.[154] On 10 November 2008, Caratinga gained access tonumber portability, along with other municipalities sharing the same DDD, allowing users to switch operators without changing their phone numbers.[155] Postal services are provided byCorreios agencies in the urban area and districts.[156] Notable local radio stations include Rádio Sociedade Caratinga, the city's first major broadcaster, founded on 21 September 1948,[157] and Rádio Cidade.[158] The primary local news outlet is theDiário de Caratinga newspaper.[159]
Public security in Caratinga is managed by various agencies.[160] TheMinas Gerais Military Police is a state force that handles most policing duties, including bank, environmental, prison, school, and event patrols, as well as community engagement initiatives.[161] It operates a battalion in the municipality, established in June 2015.[162] The Minas Gerais Civil Police focuses on investigating crimes and infractions[163] and is represented by the Caratinga Regional Police Station.[164] The city is also served by a platoon of the Fire Department[165] and acivil defense unit under municipal authority.[166]
In 2013, the Military Police recorded 154 violent crimes, including 121 robberies, 15 attemptedhomicides, eleven homicides, fiverapes, and two kidnappings with false imprisonment,[167] resulting in a violent crime rate of 171.92 per 100,000 inhabitants.[168] In 2022, 17 homicides were recorded, a decrease from 18 in 2021, with 2009 being the worst year between 2000 and 2022, with 21 homicides.[169] Most homicides are linked todrug trafficking, which also contributes to other crimes.[170] Many offenders are sent to the local prison, which has experienced vandalism and riots.[171]
Caratinga was once served by the now-defunctLeopoldina Railway, which provided passenger transport to the city and some rural areas until the mid-1970s. Initially operational in 1931 with regular trips between Caratinga andRio de Janeiro, the railway fragmented over time, with passenger services limited toUbá in its final years. The rail line through the municipality was dismantled in the 1980s.[18][172] In Minas Gerais, the decline of railways was largely due to their replacement by highways, driven by the growing vehicle fleet and the privatization of many rail lines for freight transport.[173][174]
Although rail transport is no longer available, the nearest passenger terminal for those coming fromthe state capital is the Intendente Câmara Railway Station on theVitória-Minas Railway (EFVM), located inIpatinga.[175] The municipality is served byBR-116 (Rio–Bahia Highway), which runs through the urban area;BR-458, connecting BR-116 to the Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region via the northern municipal boundary; BR-474, linking Caratinga toIpanema,Aimorés, and the state of Espírito Santo;MG-329, providing access toBom Jesus do Galho andPonte Nova; and MG-425, connecting toEntre Folhas; along with secondary and connecting roads.[3][176] The Carlos Alberto de Mattos Bus Terminal (New Bus Station) provides intermunicipal public transportation.[177]
In 2023, the municipal vehicle fleet totaled 50,541, including 23,183 cars, 15,051 motorcycles, 4,511 pickup trucks, 2,923 mopeds, 1,632 trucks, 1,233 vans, 525 trailers, 504 buses, 362 utility vehicles, 159 semi-trailers, 140 minibuses, 138 tractor-trucks, 135 scooters, 32 tricycles, eight sidecars, four wheeled tractors, and one classified as another type of vehicle.[178] The urban area occasionally experiences traffic congestion due to increased vehicle flow, and parking availability near commercial hubs is often limited. Proposals to adjust and create parking spaces are being considered and implemented.[179] Public transportation is operated by Viação Riodoce, which runs urban and inter-district lines.[180][181] TheUbaporanga Airport, located in the neighboring municipality ofUbaporanga, serves Caratinga with a 1,080-meter-long and 23-meter-wide paved and marked runway,[3] but operations are restricted to daytime and small aircraft.[182]
Caratinga has a municipal culture council, which serves advisory, deliberative, regulatory, and supervisory roles, and a heritage preservation council, which is advisory and deliberative, both with equal representation. Municipal legislation protects both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, managed by a dedicated municipal culture secretariat.[183] For 2024, the municipality scored 1.80 out of 4 for cultural policies in the CulturalICMS calculation, with a total score of 11.55, factoring in conservation, expenditure, and the number of registered or protected assets.[184]
As of January 2018, the following tangible assets were designated as municipalcultural heritage: the former Caratinga Railway Station; the Agenor Ludgero Alves Mansion, known as the Casarão das Artes; the São João Church, the first parish church; Cesário Alvim Square; theSt. John the Baptist Cathedral; the Episcopal Palace; Cine Brasil; Princesa Isabel State School; the Ronaldinho Calazans Bandstand in Cesário Alvim Square; Pedra Itaúna; the Desembargador Faria e Sousa Courthouse, the former Caratinga County Courthouse; Bom Será Waterfall; and the Carmelites’ Stained Glass at the Hélio Amaral Institute. Intangible heritage included the Santa Cecília Musical Band and the São João Batista Choir.[185]
The city hosts artistic groups for popular cultural expressions, dance,capoeira, acineclub, musical bands, a choir, and a literary association, as reported by IBGE in 2012.[183] The Caratinga Academy of Letters, founded on 18 November 1983, brings together notable figures in the municipality’s cultural and literary spheres.[186] The Cineclub project involves screening alternative films in schools or public spaces for the community, both in the city and its districts, through a mobile cinema initiative supported by the municipal government.[187][188] Occasionally, the municipality organizes and funds musical, theatrical, or dance performances as part of cultural or artistic festivals and events.[189]
The Folia de Reis Festival,June festivals, and the city’s anniversary celebrations in June, featuring civic ceremonies, sports competitions, and musical performances,[190] are prominent cultural events in the municipality. The Caratinga carnival, which once included parades ofcarnival blocks andsamba schools, ended in the 1980s.[191]Handicrafts are one of the most vibrant forms of cultural expression in Caratinga. The IBGE reports that the primary handicraft activities areembroidery and the preservation of traditional cuisine.[183]
Among the cultural spaces dedicated to preserving popular traditions, the municipality maintains public libraries, museums, stadiums, sports facilities, recreational clubs, associations, and a municipal public archive, as reported by IBGE in 2012.[183] The Ziraldo Culture House, inaugurated in November 2009, houses a collection by the cartoonistZiraldo, a Caratinga native, and hosts exhibitions, artistic performances, and other cultural activities.[192] The Hélio Amaral Institute, a non-profit founded in 2004 and declared a public utility in 2007,[193] manages a museum that organizes community exhibitions and occasionally partners with the municipality to facilitate school visits.[194] The House of Arts, built in 1893, hosts exhibitions, artistic, cultural, and academic activities, lectures, and musical and theatrical performances, and houses a collection by journalist, playwright, illustrator, and writerMillôr Fernandes.[195]
Caratinga is the birthplace of several artists who have achieved regional or national recognition, including poet Marilene Godinho,[196] singerAgnaldo Timóteo,[197] writer and publicist Maxs Portes,[198] the former Banda Mil (the region’s most successful band in the 1990s),[199] journalistMiriam Leitão,[200] writer and journalistRuy Castro,[201] and cartoonist Ziraldo, who created the popular children’s book seriesO Menino Maluquinho, among other notable works.[202]
Caratinga is part of the Muriqui Tourist Route, established in 2009 by the Minas Gerais State Tourism Secretariat to promote tourism in participating cities.[203] Key natural attractions include theFeliciano Miguel Abdala Private Natural Heritage Reserve, one of Minas Gerais’ main remnants of theAtlantic Forest, home to thenorthern muriqui, the largest primate in theAmericas. The reserve supports scientific research from various countries and is open forecotourism.[42] Centuries-old farms and rural properties facilitate rural tourism. The municipality features several waterfalls suitable for bathing, as well as lakes, notably Lagoa Silvana and Lagoa do Piau.[42] Lagoa Silvana, near Ipatinga, offers a recreational area with trails, beaches, restaurants, andcamping facilities.[204]
Located close to the urban area, Pedra Itaúna offers scenic views and is popular for extreme sports.[42] Other notable urban landmarks include the 19th-century Cesário Alvim Square and the São João Batista Cathedral, which was built around 1930, and its bandstand designed byOscar Niemeyer in 1980;[205] the Perpetual Adoration Sanctuary, used for Catholic prayers and worship;[206] the Episcopal Palace, the residence of theDiocese of Caratinga’s bishop, inaugurated on 28 April 1944;[207] and the Princesa Isabel State School, founded on 24 August 1909, with its building retaining its original features.[208]
Caratinga offers various facilities and equipment for sports activities. The municipality supports professional athletes by providing subsidies for participation in regional tournaments across multiple sports, includingtrack and field,cycling,jiu-jitsu,taekwondo, andsport shooting, with athletes achieving notable results in national and international competitions. The municipality's schools host student games, fostering sports competitions among participating institutions. There are also physical activity programs for the elderly and individuals with hypertension and diabetes.[209][210] The Pedra Itaúna offers ideal conditions forfree flying.[211]
Among football clubs, the Esporte Clube Caratinga, founded in 1917 by former mayor Euclides Etiene Arreguy, is one of the city’s most traditional teams.[212] The América Futebol Clube, established in 1959, achieved success in local amateur championships during the 1980s.[213] The Doutor Euclides Etienne Arreguy Stadium, also known as Doutor Maninho, is the home of Esporte Clube Caratinga and has a capacity of approximately 7,000 people.[214]
Caratinga observes three municipalholidays and eight national holidays, in addition to optional holidays. The municipal holidays are theFeast of Corpus Christi, celebrated on June 19 in 2025; the city's anniversary, celebrated on June 24; and theFeast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8.[215]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
