The Quilombo Povoado do Moinho, located just 12 km from Alto Paraíso (GO), is a community of Afro-Brazilian quilombo descendants officially recognised by the Palmares Foundation in 2015. Its roots are intertwined with Kalunga ancestry and historical connections to former landowners in the region. Although not listed by IPHAN, Moinho holds a living memory that challenges traditional concepts of heritage, as what is most strongly preserved here is not old buildings but the people themselves, their presence and relationship with the land. The community, with around 200 residents, maintains sustainable practices and a simple way of life, in contrast with the growing urban influence of nearby Alto Paraíso. Despite increasing modernisation in some homes and a rise in tourism, Moinho remains a symbol of cultural resistance and historical adaptation. It is a space where the quilombola essence survives, even as it continuously evolves.
Culture in Povoado do Moinho is shaped by the harmonious coexistence of Afro-Brazilian ancestry with contemporary religious, social and environmental changes. Residents live peacefully in deep connection with the Cerrado’s nature, taking care of rivers, forests and waste disposal. Over time, African-rooted spiritual practices have been replaced by Catholic rituals and more recently by Protestant beliefs, reflecting significant shifts in the community’s cultural expressions. Nevertheless, the sense of belonging and appreciation of quilombola roots remains strong, especially among elders and community leaders. Events like the Moinho Day Festival, promoted by the Quilombola Association of Povoado do Moinho (AQPM), founded by children of residents, represent a recent effort to revive and celebrate collective identity. Local culture is not presented as a performance but as an organic way of life where spirituality, memory and daily life are deeply connected.
Traditions in Moinho do not follow a fixed model of preservation. Over time, many ancestral practices have been replaced or adapted. Stone constructions such as the possibly 19th-century Catholic church have undergone changes using cement and paint, symbolising both continuity and transformation in quilombola material culture. Traditional knowledge, including land stewardship and the wisdom of midwives and healers, still permeates everyday life, though often discreetly. Oral tradition is a primary means of cultural transmission, with stories and skills passed from generation to generation. The community values its relationship with nature more than the literal repetition of ancient customs. This perspective challenges traditional heritage logic by proposing that the most valuable legacy is not only the past but the way the people of Moinho build their present with dignity, autonomy and respect for their ancestry.
Povoado do Moinho is organised around the Quilombola Association of Povoado do Moinho (AQPM), which coordinates events and social initiatives. Important decisions are made collectively during community meetings, usually held in the central public space, which is also used for celebrations and religious gatherings.
Moinho’s economy is based on subsistence farming and small livestock. Sustainable tourism is beginning to emerge as an alternative source of income, attracting visitors who are interested in nature and tranquillity. Some residents rent out spaces or offer authentic experiences to those seeking a genuine connection with the Cerrado.
Religious expression in Moinho has undergone transformations, from Afro-descendant traditions to Catholicism and more recently to predominantly Evangelical Protestantism. This diversity coexists in the daily life of the community, influencing rituals, festivities and even architecture, as seen in the local church.
Although traditional medicine has deep roots in Moinho, as reflected in the memory of local midwives and herbalists, residents today face challenges in accessing healthcare. Adequate medical services are a key demand of the community, which often needs to travel to Alto Paraíso for treatment.
Official recognition as a quilombola community, achieved in 2015 through the Palmares Foundation, was a milestone in Moinho’s struggle for visibility and access to public policies. Yet the community remains mobilised in pursuit of better healthcare, education and basic infrastructure.
For visitors coming from Europe, the journey to Quilombo Povoado do Moinho begins with arrival in Brazil via Brasília, the federal capital, which offers direct flights from Europe. From there, it is about 220 km to the town of Alto Paraíso de Goiás, gateway to the Chapada dos Veadeiros. A road of approximately 12 km leads from Alto Paraíso to Moinho. It is recommended to hire a local guide or a travel agency specialised in sustainable tourism to ease access and enrich the cultural and environmental experience.
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