Festa Junina (June Festival), also known as the feast of Saint John, celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist (June 24). This annual celebration takes place at the beginning of the Brazilian winter. These festivities, introduced by the Portuguese during the colonial period (1500-1822), celebrate rural life and feature traditional clothing, food, and dances (particularly the quadrilha, similar to square dance).
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 taste of this amazing tradition.
• Florida Brazilian Folks Festival
When: June 23 and 24;
Time: 12 PM to 10 PM & 12 PM to 8 PM
Where: Pompano Community Park (NE 10th St, Pompano Beach, FL)
Tickets: Free
• New York Arraiá do Village
When: Saturday, June 16
Time: 7 PM – 1 AM
Where: 25 Carmine St, New York, NY
Tickets: Free
Festa Junina da Brazil Ahead (for children only)
When: June 10
Time: 12 PM to 3 PM
Where: Zacks Dance Loft (247 W 30th Str., S. 2F, New York, NY)
Tickets: www.brazilahead.com