Carnival & Papangu
The towns carnival is one of the largest and most important in the interior, beginning ten days before the main festivities with the Bloco Acorda Bezerros (carnival group called the "Waking up of the Calves"), dressed in pyjamas and carrying dolls. Revellers join an improvised dance through the streets in the early hours of the morning. They congregate in the city Centre on Rua 15 de Novembro (15th November Street).
A unique feature of Carnival in Bezzeros is the use of masks made by individuals and over 30 workshops. Older generations suggest that the tradition of wearing masks began when men wanted to be able to enjoy carnival by using disguise to avoid their wives. But, the real name for the party Papangu relates to the cornmeal porridge "Angu" eaten during carnival. "Papa" means to eat. The meal is offered by friends and neighbours, and it is said that the mask allowed people to eat greedily without embarrassment. Success of this trick requires the wearer to keep secret the design of their mask in the days before carnival.