Explorando sabores nos distritos de Ouro Preto: análise dos principais festivais culinários

The historic city of Ouro Preto, located in Minas Gerais, plays a prominent role in preserving a fundamental part of Brazil's history. Its colonial architectural heritage attracts national and international tourists in search of an enriching experience. Additionally, in recent years, the various districts that make up the municipality have gained prominence, enchanting tourists with their bucolic landscapes and offering a refuge for those seeking tranquility. Despite the rich cultural and historical heritage, the local gastronomy is still relatively unexplored. However, there is a growing recognition that this aspect can become an essential element in attracting tourists and, at the same time, mitigating the seasonal effects that many tourist destinations face. This study aims to understand how the gastronomic festivals held in the districts of Ouro Preto have driven culinary tourism, contributing to the appreciation of local cultural and culinary identities. The research focused on three specific districts: Santo Antônio do Salto and the "Festival de Cultura e Culinária Típica de Santo Antônio do Salto"; São Bartolomeu with the "Encontro de Tradições Culinárias de São Bartolomeu" and the " Festival Cultural da Goiaba"; and the Chapada district with the "Gastroarte da Chapada". The methodology involved qualitative exploratory research conducted through semi-structured interviews with members of the organizing committees of these events. This approach provided valuable insights into the dynamics of the festivals, the challenges faced in the organization, execution, and promotion of these events, and how they contribute to the visibility of the districts as tourist destinations. The use of ingredients from backyard gardens in the event menus was a common point observed, reinforcing the connection with local roots and sustainability, providing a unique experience for participants.