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Music · Petrópolis
Itaipava’s music and arts festival, held in the mountains of Petrópolis, featuring multiple stages, Brazilian and international artists, and outdoor programming.
In the photo: Petrópolis
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Click a photo to enlarge it.
Rock the Mountain — Petrópolis
Once a year, across two consecutive weekends between late October and early November.
October/November
Dates change every year: check this year's date before you travel.
The festival
Rock the Mountain is a music and arts festival founded in 2013 and held every year in Itaipava, a district of Petrópolis in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. In recent editions it has taken place at Parque Municipal Prefeito Paulo Rattes over two consecutive weekends, with the same lineup on both weekends.
Despite the name, the festival spans genres: rock, samba, MPB, funk, rap and pop share the stages alongside international artists. The concept combines music, nature and gastronomy, with outdoor social areas and attractions during both day and night.
Choose one of the two weekends: since the lineup repeats, you can plan your trip according to accommodation availability. Use the official transportation announced by the organizers between downtown Petrópolis, Itaipava and the park. Bring warm clothing: nights in the mountains are usually cold, even in spring.
During the festival weekends, accommodation in Itaipava and downtown Petrópolis fills up quickly. Book well in advance and buy tickets through official channels.
In the city
October/November
September/OctoberOnce a year, usually in September, sometimes in October.
The Italian culture festival of Petrópolis at the Palácio de Cristal, with Italian food stalls, music, workshops and a masked ball.
OctoberOn Sundays in October, the month of the sanctuary’s patron saint.
The Feast of Our Lady of Penha, at the sanctuary atop the rock in the North Zone of Rio, with masses, processions and the 382-step staircase.
OctoberUsually in the first half of October, for about ten days.
The Rio de Janeiro international film festival, featuring hundreds of Brazilian and foreign films in theaters across several neighborhoods.
Your questions
In Itaipava, a district of Petrópolis in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. In recent editions it has been held at Parque Municipal Prefeito Paulo Rattes.
The festival runs across two consecutive weekends with the same lineup on both. That way, each visitor can choose the weekend they prefer.
Festivals and events in Brazil
November/December/JanuaryFrom late November to early January, throughout the Christmas season.
Petrópolis’ Christmas season, with the Crystal Palace lit up, concerts, choirs and children’s attractions in the historic center of the Imperial City.
JanuaryOn January 20, the day of the city’s patron saint, which is a municipal holiday in Rio de Janeiro.
The patron saint’s day in Rio de Janeiro, with masses and a procession that carries the saint’s image from Tijuca to the Metropolitan Cathedral in the city center.
February/MarchIn February or March, depending on the Carnival calendar, which changes each year with the date of Easter.
The samba school parades at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome and the street blocos scattered around the city during Carnival days.
May/JuneIn the days leading up to Pentecost Sunday, 50 days after Easter; therefore it falls in May or June.
Paraty’s most traditional religious festival, with a novena, processions through the historic center, and a solemn Mass followed by a procession on Pentecost Sunday.
June/JulyBetween late June and early July, always including June 29, German Settler Day, a municipal holiday in Petrópolis.
Petrópolis’s German Settler festival, featuring traditional German food and beer, folk dance groups, and events around the Crystal Palace.
June/SeptemberEvery two years, in odd-numbered years; generally in September, sometimes in June. · Every two years
The major book fair of Rio de Janeiro held every two years, with publisher booths, author events, and programming for children and young people.