The Bet of Knowledge≡What are the June Festivals?
During the month of June, Brazil lights up with the traditional Festas Juninas, also known as Festas de São João, in celebration of Saint John the Baptist (24/06) and other popular saints such as Saint Anthony and Saint Peter. Brought by the Portuguese during the colonial period, these festivals have acquired unique characteristics in the country, such as square dances, country costumes and typical foods made from corn, such as pamonha, curau and paçoca.
In the interior of São Paulo, the festivals reflect the country culture, while in the Northeast they are known for their gratitude for the rains and appreciation of rural life. In addition to the Brazilian celebrations, countries such as Portugal, Spain and Canada also hold similar festivals with bonfires and typical foods. In Portugal, the Festas dos Santos Populares in Lisbon and Porto attract crowds, with community weddings on Saint Anthony's Day being a highlight. In Canada, the feast of Saint John the Baptist is a public holiday in Quebec.
With pagan roots and later Christianized, these celebrations close to the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere are also observed in countries such as Sweden, Norway and Russia, where bonfires, music and rituals mark the arrival of summer. In Brazil, however, the June festivals continue to be a symbol of faith, culture and coexistence.
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