By: Isabela Senra Barros and Giovanna Amorim (Grade 3)

In this season of the year, everyone gets excited. Hre in Brazil, it is one of the most successful events, however, it is a result of a mixture of culture, which merged over time.

This big party started centuries ago in Europe. There, people brought their traditions to the natives’ land. It was first called Festa Joanina, in honor of Saint John, but throughout the years it became Festa Junina which makes reference to the month it is celebrated (June).

As time went on, syncretism changed the aim of the party. At first, it was meant to happen for a religious purpose, but afterwards it became more of a popular festivity, encompassing the cultural aspects of our country.

Around Brazil, it takes place mostly in the Northeast, and the biggest one’s are Campina Grande, Caruaru, Mossoró, Aracajú and São Luís.

The party is a group of traditional food including corn, “canjica”, “pamonha”, “pé de moleque”, “cocada”, candy apples and many more. Apart from that, typical games give life to the celebration. Some of them are ring toss, mechanical bull, big mouth toss game and the fishing game.

All of these aspects compound the Festa Junina, but bonfires, colorful flags, checkered shirts and extravagant dances are major features of the festival.

With everything explained, why won’t you preserve this tradition and have a whale of a time in this “São João”.

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