Espírito Santo is slightly off the beaten tourist path. Perhaps that’s exactly why this small state on Brazil’s Atlantic coast surprises with such a unique identity — musically, too. For our new cumpa coffee track playlist inspired by Espírito Santo, we drew inspiration from this diversity. The playlist offers you a sonic gateway to the origin of our specialty coffees — whether you’re roasting, brewing, or simply enjoying the moment.

Here’s an overview of Espírito Santo’s musical landscape — one that pulses with rural rhythms while reflecting a fusion of African and Indigenous roots, European influence, and urban reinvention.

Sertanejo – Melodies of Longing

Sertanejo is the popular music of Brazil’s rural heartlands — characterized by the viola caipira (a traditional ten-string guitar) and close two-part harmonies. The songs tell stories of love, everyday life, and longing. While traditional styles remain rooted in folklore, modern Sertanejo universitário introduces pop elements. In Espírito Santo, too, Sertanejo is deeply rooted in rural areas and holds strong cultural significance.

Folia de Reis and Religious Traditions

Folia de Reis is one of the most well-known musical traditions in Espírito Santo — a Catholic celebration with roots in the Iberian Middle Ages that continues here in a uniquely Brazilian way. It takes the form of a procession filled with music, poetry, dance, and costumes, often accompanied by accordion, guitars, and drums. The songs recount the journey of the Three Wise Men while also reflecting everyday life in the community — making it both a spiritual and social event.

Congo music is a true piece of African musical heritage — especially vibrant in the communities around the Bay of Vitória. These rhythms stem directly from Bantu culture, featuring drums, choral singing, and dances that evoke religious rituals. This music isn’t just heard — it’s celebrated: during the traditional Congo Festival, where spirituality, community, and history come alive through movement.

Moda de Viola: The Music of the Rural Heartland

In the highlands of the state, the sound is quite different: this is where Moda de Viola lives — Brazil’s version of country music, influenced by Portuguese ballads, featuring two-part harmonies and the distinctive viola caipira, a ten-string guitar. The themes revolve around longing, love, and hard work — often told through long, narrative songs.

Samba and Pagode: The Urban Soul of Vitória

Although Rio is considered the birthplace of samba, a vibrant samba and pagode scene has flourished in Vitória, the capital of Espírito Santo. In the city’s bars, live music, dance, and improvisation are a regular part of daily life. Many local artists are bringing fresh energy to the genre, blending it with modern beats and pop elements. Vitória is also home to small but spirited Roda de Samba circles that keep the scene alive and thriving.

Music Festivals and Emerging Talent

Espírito Santo places great importance on cultural education. There are numerous festivals, such as the Festival de Inverno de Domingos Martins, which brings together jazz, classical music, choral works, and Bossa Nova — right in the heart of the Atlantic rainforest. The Festival de Congo e Folclore in Serra celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture with dance, music, and vibrant costumes. Many young talents find their voice in these spaces, supported by local music schools and cultural centers.

From Local Sounds to Global Beats

The music of Espírito Santo is a mosaic of inland and coastal influences, shaped by Indigenous, African, and European roots — a sonic landscape that’s often overlooked, yet all the more captivating. Our playlist captures this sound. Let yourself be carried away — and taste the sound of Espírito Santo in your next sip of Conilon!