Fronteiras Culturais no Sul de Minas entre Poços de Caldas e Andradas

Identidade, Memória e Rivalidade no Clássico entre Caldense e Rio Branco (1987-2007)

Abstract

The theme of this study examines an example of how sports are embedded within cultural boundaries. From a geographical perspective, we investigate the dynamics between the cities of Poços de Caldas and Andradas, in Southern Minas Gerais, located a few milles from the border with the state of São Paulo. Poços de Caldas is the primary municipality of its microregion and is nationally renowned for tourism, thermal springs, and volcanic mining. Conversely, Andradas is a smaller and less widely known city, despite its growing recognition as one of the most traditional and prominent wine producers in Brazil. The distinct realities of these two municipalities materialized through a football rivalry between Caldense and Rio Branco in the top tier of the Minas Gerais State Championship for twenty years (1987-2007). This confrontation involved symbolism, representation, and identity, which often generated a climate of tension and violence off the pitch. The research methodology involves the analysis of written and audiovisual sources. We observe that the end of this Southern Minas "derby" left a sense of nostalgia rooted in belonging and passion.