The governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema (Partido Novo), signed into law this Wednesday, the 7th, the bill that officially includes Minas Gerais Heavy Metal Day in the state calendar. The date will be celebrated annually on November 1st and recognized as a cultural landmark of the state.
The regulation, resulting from Bill No. 3,388/2025, authored by state representative Professor Cleiton (Green Party), was approved by the Legislative Assembly and has already been published in the Official Gazette.
"Belo Horizonte is widely recognized as the birthplace of Brazilian heavy metal. It was the stage for the emergence of pioneering and influential bands such as Sepultura , along with other great bands, in the 1980s. And others that emerged later," Professor Cleiton explained in a statement published on the website of the Legislative Assembly of Minas Gerais.
The law does not create a holiday or optional day off, but it opens up space for cultural and educational activities, such as concerts, exhibitions, and debates, to be held throughout the month of November.
Why November 1st?
The choice of November 1st is full of symbolism for fans. The date marks the release of Sepultura's album Morbid Visions (1986). The album, produced in Belo Horizonte at the famous Cogumelo Records label, is considered a landmark in world metal, especially in the death and black metal genres.
Professor Cleiton explained: “The launch took place at the legendary Cogumelo Discos e Fitas record store in Belo Horizonte, a historical landmark that consolidated the city as one of the main centers of extreme metal on the global scene. This album not only put Sepultura on the world metal map, but also helped define the sound and identity of Brazilian metal, influencing bands and fans around the planet.”.
Belo Horizonte is historically considered one of the main centers of Brazilian and Latin American heavy metal, thanks to the influence of bands like Sepultura, Overdose , and Sarcófago . "The proposal seeks to value and promote heavy metal culture in the state. In addition to recognizing the historical, cultural, and social importance of this musical genre for Minas Gerais, especially for Belo Horizonte, a city that has established itself as one of the main centers of heavy metal in Latin America and the world," emphasized Professor Cleiton.
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