11/09/2026
Today, 11 September, we celebrate Cerrado Day — and the beginning of the Golden Grass Harvest Festival, taking place from 11–13 September in the Jalapão region of Tocantins, Brazil. These two celebrations go hand in hand, recognising the importance of the Cerrado and the traditional craftsmanship and culture of the communities connected to it. 🌿✨
Spanning over 2 million square kilometres, the Cerrado is one of the world’s most biodiverse savannas and is often called Brazil’s “cradle of waters”. It is the source of major river basins and plays a vital role in the country’s water resources.
It is home to thousands of plant species, many found nowhere else on Earth, including our amazing Golden Grass Plant, as well as endangered species such as the giant anteater, jaguar and maned wolf.
Despite its importance, the Cerrado faces threats from deforestation, agricultural expansion and unsustainable land use. Protecting it is essential for biodiversity, water resources and climate.
In Jalapão, golden grass has been harvested and transformed by local communities for generations, becoming an important part of local culture, craftsmanship and livelihoods. The Golden Grass Harvest Festival, held in Quilombo Mumbuca, celebrates this tradition and the communities that keep it alive.
Since 2004, Naturatins, the Tocantins State Environmental Agency, has established regulations for sustainable harvesting. Under current regulations, harvesting is permitted from 20 September to 30 November, once the stalks are completely dry and mature. Only authorised artisans with a licence can harvest golden grass and they must follow practices that protect the plant and support seed dispersal.
The law also restricts the transport and sale of golden grass in its raw form outside Tocantins, helping ensure it is transformed into handcrafted pieces and that its cultural and economic value remains connected to the region.
Together, these celebrations highlight the connection between the Cerrado, golden grass and the communities whose knowledge and craftsmanship have been passed down through generations. 🌿💚
