The São João festivities

Party, Party, Party is definitely the definition of the Festa Junina. As the name already kind of gives away (to the Portuguese speaking people among us), a whole month, June, full of festivities. There are various holidays taking place to celebrate the saints, mainly São João (John the Baptist) on June 24th (responsible for Jesus Christ’s baptism), but also Santo Antonio (Anthony the Great) and São Pedro (Saint Pedro) which gives the Brazilians a great reason to throw massive parties the whole month to honour those.

But what is the origin?

Celebrated by Catholics since the Middle Ages, it has been brought to Brazil during the colonization process. In these times, where people believing in other religions, like Candomblé (afro-Brazilian religion widely practiced in Brazil), where forced to pray for catholic saints, syncretism emerges as a solution to the problem. The Orixás (Gods in Candomblé): Ogum, Xangô and Oxóssi are equated to the Santo Antonio, São Pedro and São João, which allows the Festa Junina to honour both religions and their gods.

Every neighbourhood has a separate party (usually on different days), which enables you to enjoy pretty much every single one of them. A thing that cannot be lacking at any of them though, are the colourful festoons and the typical music, Forró.

All factors of this festivity make the month June super special, like the super sweet alcoholic drinks: Cachaça with banana, all sorts of sugary Liquors and of course Nevada (slushy with vodka, condensed milk, and syrups); bonfires on the streets on every corner and not to forget all the typical Bahian/Brazilian food options. And in the focus: Corn. Milho assado (grilled corn), Bolo de milho (Corncake), pipoca (Popcorn) and my personal favourite, Munguzá: A sweet dish made out of cooked corn with coconut milk and grated coconut. Just delicious!

Due to this amazing combination of tradition, dance, music and typical food, this festivity has for sure been one of my favourites here in Brazil!

by Emilie Merta