Festa Junina (June Festival), also known as the festa de São João celebrates the nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24th). This annual celebration takes place in the beginning of the Brazilian winter season. These festivities, which were introduced by the Portuguese during the colonial period (1500-1822), celebrate rural life and feature typical clothing, food, dance (particularly quadrilha, which is similar to square dancing).
If you want to experience this typical Brazilian celebration, you don’t need to travel to Brazil. In New York and Florida, Brazilian residents organize parties that can give you a glimpse of this amazing tradition.
• Florida Brazilian Folks Festival
When: June 23rd and June 24th;
Time: 12pm to 10pm & 12pm to 8pm
Where: Pompano Community Park (NE 10th St, Pompano Beach, FL)
Tickets: Free
• New York Arraiá do Village
When: Saturday, June 16th
Time: 7pm – 1am
Where: 25 Carmine St, New York, NY
Tickets: Free
Festa Junina da Brazil Ahead (just for kids)
When: June 10th
Time: 12pm to 3pm
Where: Zacks Dance Loft (247 W 30th Str., S. 2F, New York, NY)
Tickets: www.brazilahead.com