Brazil’s valley of beauties appeals for single men

Women of Noiva do Cordeiro, deep in the countryside of south-east Brazil, where men are scarce or work far away in the city, are left to shoulder the town’s burdens alone 

It sounds like a tale from Greek mythology: a small rural town hidden in the rolling hills, populated by beautiful women who are looking for love.

But this is the reality for the ladies of Noiva do Cordeiro, deep in the countryside of south-east Brazil.

In the picturesque 600-strong community, where men are scarce, or work far away in the city, the women are left to shoulder the town’s burdens alone. The situation has led some of the women, who are known throughout Brazil for their beauty, to put out an appeal for single men. “Here, the only men we single girls meet are either married or related to us; everyone is a cousin,” said Nelma Fernandes, 23. 

“I haven’t kissed a man for a long time. We all dream of falling in love and getting married. But we like living here and don’t want to have to leave the town to find a husband. We’d like to get to know men who would leave their own lives and come to be a part of ours. But first they need to agree to do what we say and live according to our rules.” 

Noiva do Cordeiro, which translates as Bride of the Lamb, has a reputation for its strong female community after its founder, Maria Senhorinha de Lima, settled in the town when she was branded an adulteress and exiled from her own church and home in 1891. 

 
One of her granddaughters, Delina Fernandes Pereira, still lives in the valley, which lies 60 miles from the state capital of Belo Horizonte. Mrs Pereira, who herself courted controversy by marrying a pastor when aged just 16, said that the town still suffered prejudice relating to its perceived shameful past. 

The women shoulder most of the responsibility in the community, including for planning and religious matters. 

Elida Dayse, who organises visits to the area, said: “It looks as if the majority of the population are women, but it’s partly because the men leave during the week to work in the city.” However, some of the town’s women fear that an influx of men could destroy their distinctive way of life. 

Rosalee Fernandes, 49, said: “We have God in our hearts. But we don’t think we need to go to church, get married in front of a priest or baptise our children. These are rules made up by men.”
Ms Fernandes added: “There are lots of things that women do better than men. Our town is prettier, more organised, and far more harmonious than if men were in charge. When problems or disputes arise, we resolve them in a woman’s way, trying to find consensus rather than conflict. 

“We share everything, even the land we work on. Nobody competes with anyone here. It’s all for one, and one for all. 

“The whole town came together recently to help buy a huge widescreen TV for our community centre so we can all watch soap operas together. 

“And there’s always time to stop and gossip, try on each other’s clothes and do each other’s hair and nails.”