Foz do Iguaçu celebrates 400 years of Santa María del Iguazú in November

The Jesuit Mission Santa María del Iguazú, established in 1626 in the tri-national region, marks four centuries of existence in 2026. According to Jackson Lima, researcher and creator of the celebration, the date goes beyond a historical reminder: it acknowledges a heritage that permeates the culture, music, spirituality, gastronomy and identity of the peoples of the Three Borders.

The event is structured around three pillars. The Missioneira Cultural and Gastronomic Fair showcases traditional indigenous crafts, products of the 30 peoples and dishes from the cuisine of the four participating countries. The International Seminar on the Jesuit Missions brings together researchers, historians, archaeologists, public managers, indigenous leaders, universities and cultural institutions for panel discussions. The Baroque-Jesuit Orchestra, the third axis, gathers invited classical musicians, local artists, indigenous musicians and a mission choir, with performances in tourist sites and attractions linked to regional history and culture.

The Mission is among the earliest settlements of the Iguaçu River basin and maintains connections with other historic South American reductions, such as San Nicolau do Piratini and São Francisco Xavier in Rio Grande do Sul. Silvana Canal, president of the Brazilian Association of Tourism Journalists of Paraná (Abrajet-PR) and festival organizer, points out that the mission heritage can expand the experiences offered to visitors, given that the remnants of the Jesuit Missions are significant in the tri-national region.

The event is sponsored by the Fundo Iguassu and supported by Itaipu Parquetec, Circuito Cultural, Mercado Público Barrageiro and Itaipu Binacional. The organization projects impacts on hospitality, gastronomy, commerce, transportation, crafts, culture and services, aiming to leave a legacy of heritage education, research and cultural production linked to mission history.

Source: 100 Fronteiras Link: https://100fronteiras.com/cultura/noticia/foz-do-iguacu-sedia-em-novembro-o-festival-missioneiro-dos-400-anos-de-santa-maria-del-iguazu