São João, the most exciting time of the year in Brazil, is coming! Get ready to put on your traditional caipira outfit, dance forró until sunrise, and indulge in delicious typical foods.
This year, Real invites you on an unforgettable journey through the best Festa Junina celebrations in the country. From the Northeast to the South, get ready to explore destinations that will enchant you with their culture, traditions, and endless fun!
What’s the Best Place to Celebrate São João?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for! Brazil offers an incredible variety of destinations to celebrate São João, each with its own unique charm and attractions.
To help you choose the perfect destination, we’ll take you on a tour of amazing cities across the country, showcasing what makes their São João celebrations special. Get ready to fall in love with the culture, traditions, and vibrant energy of each one!
Tradition and Joy: Caruaru, Pernambuco
Known as the “Forró Capital” of the Northeast, Caruaru is a must-visit destination for those looking for an authentic and traditional São João experience. The city breathes Festa Junina all year long, with events celebrating local culture and Northeastern music. In fact, in 2025, the festivities will start as early as April and last for an incredible 72 days!
Caruaru hosts the largest Festa Junina festival in Brazil, expecting 4 million visitors and featuring 1,200 attractions throughout the celebration. The festival includes quadrilha performances, live concerts, folk parades, and much more. You can also visit the Caruaru Fair, known for its rich handicrafts, or take a trip to the Museum of the Man of the Northeast in Recife, which offers an immersive experience into the history and culture of the Northeastern people with over 16,000 artifacts.
While preserving the true essence of São João, with traditions and games passed down through generations, celebrating in Caruaru is also an opportunity to experience Northeastern hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine. Be sure to try local delicacies such as bolo de rolo (rolled cake), cuscuz (cornmeal dish), and munguzá (sweet corn porridge).
But São João in Caruaru is not just about forró! The event also features performances in jazz, blues, rock, samba, and sertanejo, attracting numerous famous artists.
Arraial de São João: A Historic Celebration in Cachoeira, Bahia
The historic city of Cachoeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a São João celebration like no other, rich in history and culture. The city’s cobblestone streets, colonial houses, and baroque churches provide a unique setting for the festivities.
During São João, Cachoeira’s historic center transforms into a giant arraial, filled with music, dance, and delicious traditional foods. The city itself is like an open-air museum, with well-preserved colonial architecture and a festival that attracts renowned artists over five days of celebrations.
Did you know that on June 25, Cachoeira becomes the capital of Bahia for a day? This is a tribute to the battles fought in the city during Brazil’s Independence in 1822, where historical figures like Maria Quitéria played a key role. The combats lasted three days in Cachoeira before moving to Salvador, where they ended on July 2, a date now celebrated as a state holiday in Bahia.
While you’re in the area, take the opportunity to visit the stunning Chapada Diamantina!
São João in Aracaju: Forró, Beach, and Fun in Sergipe
Sun, sea, and forró – Aracaju offers a São João experience like no other! Here, you can combine Festa Junina with a beach day and enjoy the best of the Northeast. In 2025, the city’s São João celebrations will last throughout June, featuring over 300 attractions, including the famous Forró Caju festival.
Another highlight is the Arraiá do Povo and Vila do Forró, where you can enjoy live forró concerts by the sea, along Atalaia Beach’s scenic waterfront. The festival features performances by national and local artists, including the renowned Calcinha Preta and João Gomes.
Beyond the concerts, the city offers amusement parks, traditional games, and activities for all ages throughout the month. Aracaju brings a unique mix of Festa Junina and beach vibes, making it the perfect destination for a complete São João experience!
São Luís do Maranhão: Experience the Bumba Meu Boi Festival
The “São João of Maranhão” is one of the most traditional in Brazil, blending Portuguese, Indigenous, and African influences. The festival is famous for Bumba Meu Boi performances, Cacuriá dances, and the Tambor de Crioula rhythms. In 2025, the celebrations will begin on May 19 and continue until the end of July.
Did you know that June 30 is National Bumba Meu Boi Day? But you don’t have to wait until then – performances happen throughout the entire month of June! This vibrant tradition is recognized as both a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and a Brazilian Cultural Heritage.
The Bumba Meu Boi and Boi Bumbá celebrations also take place in Amazonas. In Parintins, you can witness the famous competition between the Caprichoso and Garantido Boi groups, held over three nights on the last weekend of June. This is another amazing way to celebrate São João!
The Biggest São João in the World: Campina Grande, Paraíba
The “Capital of Forró” hosts one of the largest and most exciting São João festivals in Brazil. The celebration lasts for an entire month, featuring live concerts, traditional quadrilha performances, folk parades, and much more. In 2025, the festival will take place from May 29 to June 30.
Campina Grande and Caruaru compete for the title of the “Biggest São João in the World.” The best way to settle the debate? Visit both and decide for yourself!
Some of the festival’s most iconic performers include Alceu Valença and Elba Ramalho, alongside big names joining the 2025 lineup, such as Wesley Safadão, Gusttavo Lima, Henrique & Juliano, and Zé Vaqueiro.
While you’re in the region, take the opportunity to explore João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba!
The Largest Festa Junina in the Midwest: Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul
Recognized as Brazilian Cultural and Intangible Heritage, the “Arraial do Banho de São João” is one of the biggest São João events in the Midwest. The festival features live concerts, forró performances, rodeos, and plenty of delicious traditional food.
The event takes place at Porto Geral de Corumbá, typically from June 21 to 25, as well as in “festeiros”—private celebrations hosted by locals in honor of São João or Xangô.
One of the most unique aspects of São João in Corumbá is its fusion of Catholic traditions with Afro-Brazilian religions, such as Candomblé and Umbanda, making it a truly special cultural experience.
Explore the São João City: Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte
One of the biggest São João celebrations in the Northeast, this small town in Rio Grande do Norte attracts nearly 1 million visitors, making it the third-largest festival in Brazil.
In 2025, the event runs from June 1 to June 29, featuring top artists such as Wesley Safadão, Alok, Gusttavo Lima, Luan Santana, Jorge & Mateus, and many more. The festival kicks off with Pingo da Meio-Dia, a street party that takes over the city’s main avenues at noon.
Another must-see attraction is “Chuva de Bala no País de Mossoró,” a theatrical performance reenacting the historic 1927 battle in which Mossoró’s people repelled Lampião’s gang.
Read also:
📍 Things to Do in Rio Grande do Norte: Travel Itineraries from North to South
📍 Natal Travel Guide: The Best of the City and Surroundings
Where is the Best São João Festival?
The answer depends on several factors, such as:
- What are you looking for in a São João festival? Tradition, music, dance, food, lively atmosphere, scenic landscapes, or affordable prices?
- What’s your traveler profile? Do you prefer big, bustling festivals or smaller, more authentic celebrations?
- What’s your budget? São João events vary in cost, from free street parties to all-inclusive tourist packages.
Since there’s no single answer, the best São João festival is simply the one that fits you best!
Aside from the major events mentioned here, many Brazilian cities host their own local festivities—especially around June 24, Saint John’s Day. You might find the perfect São João celebration right near you!
Extra Tips for an Unforgettable São João Trip
- Plan your budget: São João festivals vary in price, so set a budget and book early for the best deals.
- Reserve accommodation in advance: São João hotspots get crowded, so book your stay ahead of time to avoid surprises.
- Buy your tickets early: Whether flying or taking a bus, securing your tickets in advance means better prices.
- Learn local traditions: Each city has unique customs—research them to make the most of your experience!
- Check the event schedule: São João celebrations feature live concerts, quadrilha performances, folk parades, and more. Find your favorite events and plan accordingly.
- Drink responsibly: Stay hydrated and enjoy alcohol in moderation for a safe and fun experience.
- Keep an eye on your belongings: Large crowds mean higher risks—stay alert and avoid carrying valuables.
- Join the traditional games: Participate in São João activities like fishing games, sack races, and the greasy pole challenge—they’re a great way to have fun and meet new people!
With these extra tips, you’re all set to experience an unforgettable São João trip!
