These festivities, which were introduced by the Portuguese during the colonial period are celebrated nationwide.They also celebrate rural life and feature typical clothing, food, dance (particularly quadrilha, which is similar to square dancing).
The celebrations usually take place in an arraial, a huge tent made of raw material (with a thatched roof) that was reserved for special parties in old rural areas. Men dress up as farm boys with large straw hats and women wear pigtails, freckles, painted gap teeth and red-checkered dresses, all in a loving tribute to the origins of Brazilian country music, and of themselves, some of whom are recent immigrants from the countryside to cities.
Like the original European Midsummer celebrations, during the two-week June festivities in Brazil, bonfires are lit.
São João coincides with the corn harvest. Special dishes served during São João are made with corn, such as canjica, pamonha andbrazilian cuscuz. Dishes may also include peanuts, potatoes, sausages and rice.
The celebrations are very colorful and festive and include amazing fireworks.
Celebrate June Festivities with brigadeiros!!!
