Discover the Colorful June Festivals of the Brazilian Northeast

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Although the June Festivals are celebrated in all four corners of Brazil, in the Northeast the festivities take on great expression.

The June Festivals in the Northeast of Brazil are one of the country’s most traditional and eagerly awaited celebrations, deeply rooted in the region’s popular culture. These festivities, held in honour of saints such as São João, Santo Antônio and São Pedro, take place during the month of June and stand out for their rich mix of religious, cultural and folkloric elements.

Festas Juninas no Nordeste — June festivities in the Brazilian Northeast

Characterised by quadrilhas, bonfires, typical dances and corn-based foods, the Northeastern Festas Juninas reflect the joyful and communal spirit of the sertão, transforming towns into veritable arraiais decorated with colourful flags.

In addition, music, especially forró, xote and baião, packs the party nights, reviving the legacy of icons such as Luiz Gonzaga, who immortalised this tradition.

Videos showing the June Festivals in the Northeast

Festas Juninas no Nordeste

Festa Junina em Caruaru em Pernambuco

Festas Juninas no Nordeste - Tradições e Atrações

[Box style=”rounded”]Main June Festivals in the Northeast[/box]

Alagoas
Bahia
Ceará
Maranhão
Paraíba
Pernambuco
Piauí
Rio Grande do Norte
Sergipe

The June Festivals in the Northeast of Brazil are widely celebrated and each state has its own particularities.

1. Alagoas

In Alagoas, the June Festivals are also an important and traditional celebration, with several cities keeping alive the culture of forró, quadrilhas juninas and typical São João festivities.

Maceió: The capital of Alagoas holds major June festivals, most notably Forró & Folia, which takes place in the Jaraguá car park. There are performances by local and national artists, as well as quadrilhas and arraiás throughout the city. The neighbourhoods also organise their own festivals, keeping the tradition alive.
Arapiraca: Known as the ‘Capital of the Agreste’, Arapiraca holds one of the biggest June festivals in the state, called São João de Arapiraca. The festival takes place in Parque Ceci Cunha, with concerts, cultural performances, gang competitions and typical food stalls. Arapiraca is famous for its lively São João festival, attracting visitors from all over the state.
Coruripe: The coastal town of Coruripe celebrates the June festivities with an event known as Arraiá do Povoado Pindorama, where forró pé de serra and Northeastern traditions are valued. Coruripe keeps the tradition of quadrilhas alive and offers a more intimate São João experience, with lots of participation from local residents.
União dos Palmares: Located in the Zona da Mata, União dos Palmares also has lively June festivities, with quadrilhas and cultural performances that celebrate the city’s history and traditions. The festivities usually take place in the squares and streets, bringing the community together around the bonfire.
São Miguel dos Campos: The town of São Miguel dos Campos, on the south coast of Alagoas, also stands out for its June festivities. The festival attracts locals and tourists with forró shows, quadrilhas and religious celebrations in honour of São João.
Palmeira dos Índios: In the hinterland of Alagoas, Palmeira dos Índios keeps the June tradition alive with Forró Palmeira, which brings together local and national artists. In addition to the festivities, there are also contests for June gangs and typical food stalls that attract many visitors.

2. Bahia

In Bahia, the June Festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm in many cities, and are one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the year. The state strongly preserves its June traditions with forró shows, quadrilhas, bonfires, typical food and religious celebrations in honour of São João, Santo Antônio and São Pedro.

Salvador: In the Bahian capital, June festivities are highlighted in the neighbourhoods and at public events, such as São João do Pelourinho and São João do Subúrbio Ferroviário. Salvador has several arraiás, where quadrilhas, forró and typical food are the protagonists. The Historic Centre lights up and takes on a festive atmosphere with musical attractions and popular dances.
Cruz das Almas: Known for holding one of the biggest June festivals in the state, Cruz das Almas, in the Recôncavo Baiano, is famous for its Forró and Guerra de Espadas (although currently banned, it is still part of the local tradition). The city attracts thousands of tourists, with an intense programme of forró, quadrilhas and famous bands.
Amargosa: Amargosa is another city in the Recôncavo Baiano that stands out for its June festivities. Amargosa’s São João is known for its organisation and the variety of musical attractions that attract visitors from different parts of the state and Brazil. The town’s main square is transformed into a huge festival with shows, typical food stalls and lots of entertainment.
Senhor do Bonfim: Located in the north of Bahia, Senhor do Bonfim holds one of the most traditional June festivals in the state. Forró do Bom is a major event, with shows by famous forró artists and local attractions. The street parties and quadrilhas are hallmarks of the event, which attracts thousands of tourists.
Ibicuí: In the south-west of Bahia, Ibicuí is known as the ‘Capital of Forró’. The city is transformed into a huge stage for June festivities, with events such as Forró Ticomia, Brega Light and Forró da Margarida, which bring together great musical attractions and attract people from various regions for days of intense fun.
Santo Antônio de Jesus: The São João festival in Santo Antônio de Jesus, in the Recôncavo Baiano, is one of the most traditional in the state. The city offers a great structure to welcome visitors, with renowned musical attractions, quadrilhas juninas and an intense cultural programme.
Jequié: Known for its warmth and joy during the June festivities, Jequié holds the São João de Jequié, with a diverse programme of shows, as well as the famous quadrilhas and contests that enliven the city.
Cachoeira: With its rich historical heritage, the city of Cachoeira holds a very traditional São João, mixing forró, quadrilhas and religious celebrations. The festivities take place in the streets and squares of the city, with a unique atmosphere of celebration.

3. Ceará

In Ceará, the June Festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and are one of the state’s most important traditions. Ceará’s São João stands out for its large quadrilhas, street parties, musical performances, typical food and dance competitions. Some of the cities and regions best known for their June festivities in Ceará are:

Fortaleza: The capital of Ceará organises several June festivals in various neighbourhoods and public places, such as the São João de Fortaleza, which takes place in squares and cultural centres, such as the Aterro da Praia de Iracema. In addition to the quadrilha performances and forró shows, Fortaleza also hosts important competitive quadrilha festivals, attracting groups from all over the state.
Maracanaú: Located in the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza, Maracanaú hosts one of the biggest June festivals in Ceará, the São João de Maracanaú. The event is known for its grandeur, with a large festival of quadrilhas, shows by famous forró artists, an amusement park and a scenic village that recreates the atmosphere of a June town. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the state and even from other Brazilian states.
Juazeiro do Norte: In the Cariri region, Juazeiro do Norte also has a strong tradition of June festivals. The city, known for its religiosity, mixes forró with devotion to the June saints, with various quadrilhas, arraiais and street parties. In addition, the region is famous for its quadrilhas festival and the intense movement during the festivities.
Crato: Close to Juazeiro do Norte, Crato is another municipality that stands out for its June celebrations. Crato’s São João is a popular festival with many performances by quadrilhas and forró bands, as well as the traditional typical food stalls that entertain locals and tourists alike.
Sobral: In the north of Ceará, Sobral holds the São João de Sobral festival, which is one of the most traditional in the region. The city organises festivals of quadrilhas juninas, cultural presentations and concerts by great artists. The event is well attended by the community and receives visitors from various parts of the state.
Quixadá: Located in the central hinterland, Quixadá has a very lively São João, with public events, street parties and quadrilha competitions. The festivities take place in various neighbourhoods, with a strong link to Ceará’s June traditions.
Iguatu: Iguatu, in the centre-south of the state, is known for having one of the largest festivals of quadrilhas juninas in Ceará, attracting dance groups from all over the Northeast. The Iguatu Festeiro is a much-anticipated event, with stylised and traditional quadrilhas competing, as well as shows and lots of music.
Aracati: Aracati, on the east coast of Ceará, also holds June festivals, with the highlight being the quadrilhas and the parties in the town squares. São João in the city combines forró with the beauty of the region’s beaches, offering a unique experience for locals and tourists alike.

4. Maranhão

The June Festivals in Maranhão are one of the most emblematic and culturally diverse celebrations in Brazil. In the state, the festivities are not limited to the traditional quadrilhas and forró, but also include unique folkloric manifestations such as the Bumba Meu Boi, the Tambor de Crioula, as well as typical dances and plenty of regional food.

São João in Maranhão is an experience full of colour, music and spirituality.

São Luís: The capital of Maranhão is the main stage for the state’s June festivities and is known as the ‘Brazilian capital of São João’. São Luís is transformed into a huge arraial, with various squares and neighbourhoods decorated to host June events. The Arraial do Ipem, the Arraial da Praça Maria Aragão and the Arraial do Ceprama are some of the most popular in the city. As well as quadrilhas and forró, São Luís is marked by the performances of Bumba Meu Boi groups, who enchant the public with their dances and colourful costumes.
Arraial do Parque Folclórico da Vila Palmeira: This is one of the main festivals in São Luís, where Bumba Meu Boi is the star. The event brings together groups from various parts of Maranhão to compete and showcase different accents and variations of Bumba Meu Boi, such as the matraca, orchestra, zabumba and costa de mão accents.
Imperatriz: The second largest city in Maranhão also holds large June festivals, with the Arraial da Praça da Cultura and the Arraial do Imperatrizense standing out. Imperatriz’s São João attracts locals and tourists alike, with traditional quadrilhas, Bumba Meu Boi, Tambor de Crioula and forró pé de serra performances. The city is especially lively throughout June.
Caxias: Known as the ‘Princess of the Sertão’, Caxias organises a very traditional São João, with strong cultural elements from the Northeast, such as the quadrilhas juninas, as well as the Bumba Meu Boi and the parties in sheds throughout the city. The event is famous for its quadrilhas and performances of local folk dances.
Codó: In the interior of the state, Codó celebrates São João with a lot of festivity and spirituality, combining June traditions with local religiosity. The festivities in Codó are marked by quadrilhas and Bumba Meu Boi groups, as well as Tambor de Crioula performances and typical dances.
Pinheiro: On the western coast of Maranhão, Pinheiro stands out for its regional June festivities, with quadrilhas and Bumba Meu Boi performances. Pinheiro’s São João is one of the biggest festivals in the Baixada Maranhense, attracting visitors from neighbouring towns.
Bacabal: Another city that stands out for its June celebrations is Bacabal, which organises community festivals and cultural events during the month of June. The festival is marked by performances by quadrilha, forró and Bumba Meu Boi groups, and is one of the most traditional in the interior of Maranhão.
São José de Ribamar: Located on the island of São Luís, São José de Ribamar also holds large June festivals, with the highlight being the arraial in the Praça Matriz and Bumba Meu Boi performances, as well as quadrilhas and other cultural events. It is one of the main destinations for those who want to enjoy São João in the São Luís metropolitan region.
São João in Maranhão is a mixture of popular traditions, religiosity and lots of entertainment. In addition to the quadrilhas and typical music, the highlight is the Bumba Meu Boi, a unique cultural manifestation of the state that tells the story of Pai Francisco and Mãe Catirina in a theatrical and musical performance full of symbolism. Maranhão’s São João is known for its cultural richness and for being one of the most authentic festivals in the Northeast.

5. Paraíba

In Paraíba, the June Festivals are widely celebrated and play a central role in the local culture, being events marked by lots of music, dancing and tradition. Among the cities that stand out most is Campina Grande, which organises the largest São João in the world, but several other regions of the state also hold traditional festivals with quadrilhas, forró and typical food.

Campina Grande: Known as the ‘Biggest São João in the World’, the Campina Grande festival is one of the biggest and most famous June celebrations in Brazil. For 30 days, the city welcomes millions of visitors to Parque do Povo, a large space decorated with flags and typical food stalls. In addition to the quadrilha performances, forró shows with big names in northeastern music, and dance competitions, the festival includes events such as the Collective Wedding and the traditional Trem do Forró, where tourists take a lively ride with music and dancing aboard a train that goes to the district of Galante.
Galante: A district of Campina Grande, Galante is also known for its June festivities, hosting the famous Trem do Forró during São João. The place is an extension of the Campina Grande festival and attracts tourists who want a more traditional June experience, with performances by forró pé-de-serra trios and quadrilhas.
Patos: The city of Patos, located in the hinterland of Paraíba, is known as the ‘Best São João in the Sertão’. Patos celebrates the June festivities with great enthusiasm, organising a vast programme of concerts with forró bands, quadrilha performances and parties in arraiais throughout the city. The event attracts thousands of visitors and stands out for its cosy atmosphere and northeastern traditions.
João Pessoa: The capital of Paraíba also celebrates São João in style, with June festivals in various parts of the city, including the traditional São João Multicultural, which mixes quadrilhas, forró and other cultural expressions. The city organises events in squares and neighbourhoods, and is a destination for urban festivals during the month of June.
Solânea: In Brejo Paraibano, Solânea holds one of the region’s most traditional June festivals, the São João de Solânea. The celebrations include quadrilha performances, forró shows and events that highlight the culture of the countryside, with a focus on traditions and family celebrations.
Bananeiras: Another city in Brejo Paraibano, Bananeiras stands out for its more intimate and traditional São João. Bananeiras’ São João attracts both locals and tourists who are looking for a quieter June celebration, with quadrilhas, square parties and lots of forró pé-de-serra.
Santa Luzia: Santa Luzia, in the Paraíba hinterland, is one of the most traditional São João cities in Paraíba. Santa Luzia’s São João is known for its mix of modernity and tradition, with forró shows, quadrilhas and a cosy atmosphere. The Santa Luzia festival is one of the oldest in the state and keeps the country culture alive.
Cajazeiras: In the highlands of Paraíba, the city of Cajazeiras also has its June celebrations marked by festivals in arraiais and shows with forró artists. The city’s São João includes community events and large popular festivals.
Sousa: Also in the sertão, Sousa holds its June festivities with forró shows, quadrilhas and events that value local culture. Sousa’s São João is lively and features performances by local and regional bands.
Areia: A historic city in Brejo Paraibano, Areia has a more traditional São João, with parties in squares, quadrilhas and forró trios. Areia is known for its milder climate, which attracts tourists looking for a cosy, rural São João.

6. Pernambuco

In Pernambuco, the June Festivals are extremely popular and take place in various cities and towns across the state.

Caruaru: Known as the ‘Capital of Forró’, Caruaru holds one of the biggest June festivals in Brazil, which rivals the grandeur of Campina Grande, in Paraíba. Caruaru’s São João is famous for its diverse cultural programme, including forró shows by local and national artists, quadrilha performances, craft exhibitions and traditional Northeastern food. The festival is held in the Luiz Gonzaga Events Patio, with attractions throughout the month of June.
Arcoverde: Arcoverde is also known for its lively São João, known as ‘São João dos Sertões’. The city offers a mix of forró pé de serra and other cultural manifestations, such as coco and reisado, and is a meeting point for various popular traditions.
Petrolina: Located in the Sertão do São Francisco, Petrolina holds large June festivals that celebrate both Northeastern traditions and the rich local culture. The festivities include forró shows, quadrilhas juninas and lots of entertainment on the banks of the São Francisco River.
Recife: The capital of Pernambuco also celebrates the June festivities with events all over the city. One of the main festivals takes place in the Sítio Trindade neighbourhood, with quadrilhas, forró shows and decorated arraiais. In addition, various neighbourhoods in the city hold their own celebrations, keeping the June tradition alive.
Gravatá: The city of Gravatá, located in the Agreste, also holds very popular June festivals, attracting many tourists, especially due to its proximity to Recife. The city is known for its family festivals, concerts and the hospitality of the locals.
Bezerros: Famous for its Carnival with the papangus, Bezerros also organises a lively São João, with forró and cultural events that value the traditions of Pernambuco’s Agreste region.

7. Piauí

Teresina: The capital of Piauí celebrates with a huge festival that includes forró shows, square dancing and a variety of typical foods. The event takes place in open spaces, promoting a festive and lively atmosphere.
Parnaíba: Known for its rich cultural programme, the festival features performances by folklore groups, musical shows and dances, as well as a typical food fair that highlights the local cuisine.
Floriano: Floriano holds a lively celebration with quadrilhas, shows by local artists and typical food stalls. It’s an important moment for the community, bringing together locals and visitors.
Picos: The festival in Picos is marked by traditional dances, quadrilha competitions and a diverse programme that includes performances by regional artists, attracting a considerable audience.
Oeiras: With a programme that values local traditions, the festival features quadrilhas, shows and a variety of typical dishes, promoting culture and community unity.

8. Rio Grande do Norte

In Rio Grande do Norte, the June Festivals are a vibrant part of local culture, celebrating traditions and uniting communities. The festivities are marked by dancing, music, typical food and lots of excitement.

Natal: The Potiguar capital holds a series of events during the month of June, the highlight being the ‘São João de Natal’, which takes place in squares and public spaces. The event features quadrilha performances, forró shows with local and regional artists, and a festive atmosphere that attracts locals and tourists alike.
Mossoró: The city is famous for its ‘Mossoró Cidade Junina’, one of the biggest June events in the north-east. The festival includes an intense programme of concerts, quadrilhas, typical food stalls and various cultural attractions. The event attracts thousands of visitors and is known for its grandeur, with enchanting decorations and a rich cultural programme.
Pau dos Ferros: Known for its lively June festivities, Pau dos Ferros promotes the ‘São João de Pau dos Ferros’, which includes quadrilha performances, forró shows and a series of community events that celebrate local culture.
São Gonçalo do Amarante: The city also celebrates São João with festivities that include quadrilha performances and forró shows. The event is attracting more and more visitors and is a great opportunity to experience Northeastern culture.
Currais Novos: In Currais Novos, ‘São João da Serra’ is a festival that brings together tradition and modernity, with shows by local and regional artists, dances and typical food, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Assu: The city holds the ‘São João Assuense’, a festival that highlights local culture with performances by quadrilhas, forró and other cultural events. It is an important event for the community and attracts visitors from all over the region.
Caicó: During the month of June, Caicó holds its June festivities with the ‘São João de Caicó’, known for its quadrilhas and forró shows. The city is famous for its cosy atmosphere and traditional festivities.
Santa Cruz: The city of Santa Cruz also celebrates São João with events that include quadrilha performances, forró shows and a wide range of typical foods, highlighting the local culture.

9. Sergipe

In Sergipe, the June Festivals are a vibrant celebration that reflects local traditions and culture. The state stands out for its festivities full of dancing, music, typical food and animation. Here are some of the main places and events where June festivities take place in Sergipe:

Aracaju: The state capital holds the ‘Arraiá do Povo’, one of the biggest June events in the region. The festival takes place in squares and public spaces, with quadrilha performances, forró shows with local and regional artists, as well as a variety of stalls with typical food such as canjica, pamonha and boiled corn.
São Cristóvão: The historic city is known for its June traditions, holding the ‘São João de São Cristóvão’, which includes cultural and artistic performances, as well as typical dances. The event takes advantage of the city’s charm, offering a unique and cosy atmosphere.
Tobias Barreto: In this town, the ‘São João de Tobias Barreto’ is a traditional event that attracts many visitors. The festivities include quadrilhas, forró shows and a wide range of typical foods, creating an atmosphere of celebration and fraternisation.
Lagarto: The ‘São João de Lagarto’ is another important event, with a programme that involves performances by folklore groups, shows by local artists and a festive atmosphere that highlights the culture of Sergipe.
Itabaiana: The city also celebrates the June festivities with the ‘São João de Itabaiana’, which has a programme full of quadrilhas and forrós performances, as well as a typical food market.
Carmópolis: The June festival in Carmópolis is known for its quadrilhas and lively musical performances, attracting visitors from all over the region.
Propriá: In Propriá, the June festivities include dance performances and shows, providing a cheerful atmosphere full of tradition.

[Box style=”rounded”]Main Curiosities about June Festival[/box]

1. June Festival

The June Festivals has its origins in European culture from the Middle Ages. It was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese colonisers, but has undergone various adaptations in our territory, incorporating Brazilian traditions.

2. St John’s bonfire

For each saint, there is a different type of bonfire. In the bonfire of St John, the wood is placed in the shape of a cone. At St Anthony’s bonfire, the wood is laid out in a square shape. At the St Peter’s bonfire, the wood is placed in the shape of a triangle.

3. Joanine Festival

Many years ago in Portugal, the Festa Junina was called the ‘Festa Joanina’ in honour of Saint John the Baptist.

4. Songs by Luiz Gonzaga

The songs of Luiz Gonzaga (‘the king of Baião’) are the most played at Brazilian Festa Juninas.

5. Brazilian Popular Festival

Festa Junina is the second most important popular festival in Brazilian culture, second only to Carnival.

6. Maize

Corn is the basis of many Festa Junina foods, as this is the month when the harvest takes place.

7. Northeast region

The Northeast of Brazil is the region that celebrates the Festa Junina the most.

8. Quadrilha

The quadrilha is one of the highlights of the Festa Junina in Brazil. This dance came about as a way of thanking the three Catholic saints (St John, St Peter and St Anthony) for the harvest.

9. Largest June Festival

The biggest Festa Junina in Brazil takes place in the city of Campina Grande in Paraíba, bringing together thousands of people every year.

10. Images of the Three Catholic Saints

In the past, images of the three Catholic saints of the Festa Junina were painted on flags and scattered around the festival sites. Over time, these flags were transformed into bunting, which is still used today to decorate the festival grounds.

11. Typical costumes

The typical costumes of the Festa Junina are related to the way rural dwellers used to dress decades ago.

12. Bonfire

The bonfire, the defining symbol of the Festa Junina, is a tradition of pagan origin, used to commemorate the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere.

13. Musical instruments

The musical instruments most commonly used to accompany the music of the June festivities are: guitar, viola, triangle, accordion, zabumba, tambourine and cavaquinho.

[Box style=”rounded”]June Festival History and Traditions[/box]

[Fvplayer id=”314″]

Origin of the June Festival, history, traditions, festivities, typical foods, kermesses, square dancing, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese influences, festivals in the north-east, St Anthony‘s Day, St John “s Day and St Peter”s Day, home sympathies.

Origin of the June Festival

There are two explanations for the term Festa Junina. The first says that it came about because of the festivities that take place during the month of June. The other version says that the festival originated in Catholic countries in Europe, in honour of Saint John. At first, the festival was called Joanina.

According to historians, this festival was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese during the colonial period (when Brazil was colonised and governed by Portugal).

At that time, there was a great influence of Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish and French cultural elements. From France came the marked dance, characteristic of noble dances, which influenced the typical quadrilhas in Brazil.

The tradition of letting off fireworks came from China, where gunpowder was used to make fireworks. From the Iberian Peninsula came the ribbon dance, very common in Portugal and Spain.

Over time, all these cultural elements were mixed with the cultural aspects of Brazilians (indigenous, Afro-Brazilian and European immigrants) in the various regions of the country, taking on particular characteristics in each one.