Newsletter June 2008

In Brazil, Festas Juninas, celebrated in the name of São João (Saint John), takes place in late June with the beginning of the Brazilian winter. This holiday originated in Portugal and celebrates the birthday of Saint John, falling on the summer solstice in Europe, which in Brazil is the winter solstice. The festival was originally brought to the semi-arid Northeastern region of Brazil and today it is celebrated throughout the entire country. The popular festival not only coincided with the rainy season of most states in the northeast but is also an opportunity to give thanks to St. John for the rain to come. The festival also celebrates aspects of rural Brazilian life such as its typical food, dances, and clothing. One often performed dance is the quadrilha in which couples dance around a mock wedding to celebrate the sanctity of marital union. Traditionally taking place in open outdoor spaces, men dress in farming clothes such as overalls, and women dress in red checkered dresses in tribute to Brazilian country life and music.

The corn harvest also falls on Festas Juninas where special dishes made with corn, such as canjica (sweet popcorn) and pamonha (a paste made from corn and milk, boiled wrapped in corn husk), are served. Dishes also include peanuts, potatoes, sausage and rice. During the two weeks of celebrations, bonfires are lit and can be seen everywhere in northeastern cities. Festivals begin and conclude with plenty of dancing, costumes, drinking and fireworks.

Source:

Wikipedia.org

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• Newsletter May 2008
• Newsletter April 2008
• Newsletter February 2008
• Newsletter January 2008