The origin of Festa Junina dates back to pagan and religious traditions that have been incorporated over the centuries. Initially, the celebration was known as a pagan festival of European origin, associated with the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. With the arrival of Christianity, the festivity was adapted to coincide with Catholic celebrations honoring Saint John, Saint Peter, and Saint Anthony, which take place in the months of June and July.
In Brazil, Festa Junina gained popularity during the colonial period, brought by the Portuguese and influenced by the traditions of indigenous peoples and Africans. Over time, the festival became a blend of religious, folkloric, and cultural elements, featuring dances, music, typical foods, bonfires, square dances, and games.
Currently, Festas Juninas are celebrated throughout the country, especially in the Northeast, North, and Central-West regions, with significant participation from the community, schools, and churches. It is a festivity that preserves Brazilian popular culture, with its unique characteristics, bringing joy, color, and a festive atmosphere to the celebrations.
Incredible decoration ideas
As soon as the month of June arrives, people start thinking about decorations for the parties that are undoubtedly recognized from afar during the best time of the year. With a wide variety of options, you certainly can’t miss out on themed ornaments such as colorful balloons, straw hats, baskets, and, of course, little flags.
Check out some tips on how to make the best decorations for your party:
- Create colorful paper lanterns and place an LED candle inside to illuminate them;
- Decorate the tables with red, orange, and yellow tissue paper to symbolize bonfires;
- Use tissue paper to make the little flags as well;
- Make use of patches, fabrics, EVA, straw hats, brooms, sieves, and graters to make a difference!
16 traditional foods that must not be missed
Few events of the year have such a distinctive and Brazilian menu as the June Festival, and in the famous celebration of Brazilian popular culture, there is no shortage of delicious dishes and delicacies for you to try. Among the typical dishes and delightful beverages that make an appearance every year are:
- Cornmeal cake
- Peanut cake
- Corn cake
- Candied apple
- Hot mulled wine
- Coconut sweet
- Corn pudding
- Hot dog
- Quindim (Brazilian coconut custard)
- Corn on the cob
- Peanuts
- Egg and coconut sweet
- Sweet corn porridge
- Bom-bocado (traditional Brazilian sweet)
- Cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane liquor)
- Cornbread
Tips and inspirations for outfits
There are numerous choices of attire to choose from. What comes into play is the individual’s ingenuity to dazzle with unique hues and prints, such as checks, florals, and stripes. And of course, do not forget the straw hat to immerse even deeper into the celebration.
Traditional music and dances
In addition to the remarkable attire and mouthwatering food, don’t forget to turn on the music to create a lively and cozy atmosphere. Create a complete playlist and don’t overlook the following music genres:
- Xaxado
- Baião
- Xote
- Forró
- Sertanejo
- Samba-de-coco
As for the dances that cannot be missed in this celebration, let’s learn a little more about the styles:
- Quadrilha
- Arrasta-pé
- Dança de fitas
- Vanerão
Matheus Araújo
Matheus is an entrepreneur at Araujo Media, where he serves as CEO and Creative Director. He shares analyses on his personal blog "matheusaraujo.me" and is currently pursuing a degree in Advertising and Propaganda. Moreover, he has a passion for history, particularly that of Brazil, which led him to become the founder and editor of the Brazilian History portal.
