An integral part of Brazilian culture, the June Festival (Festa Juninia) sees children (and numerous adults) in country-style lumberjack shirts, straw hats, pigtails and painted freckles. You'll also see folkloric games and dancing alongside fireworks and bonfires throughout Rio.
The celebrations mark the feast of St John (24 June) each year. Bunting flutters and sparks fly from bonfires lit in public squares around Rio. Children perform country square dances to the accordion and infectious beat of forró folk music. Festive fare includes popcorn and peanut cake washed down with passion fruit juice, or cachaça with cinnamon for adults.
