June Feasts

In June many feasts are celebrated in Rio Grande do Norte. They are called Festas Juninas, and they pay tribute to three catholic saints: Santo Antônio, on June 13^th, São João, on June 24^th, and São Pedro, on June 29^th. During this time, people use to dance ‘forró’ and ‘quadrilhas’ on the streets. Everybody is dressed up like an inlander, and there are many fireworks. The culinary is exquisite, remembering the simple, although delicious, inlanders’ meals.

They believe these feasts were first celebrated in France in the 12^th Century, during the summer solstice (the longest day in the year, on June 22^nd or 23^rd). Likewise other heathen feasts, these ones also acquired a Christian meaning and were brought to Brazil by Portuguese settlers.