Festa Junina — Brazil's beloved month of June parties — reaches its peak on São João, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the feast of Saint John the Baptist. Watch the time tick down on our live Festa Junina countdown.
When is Festa Junina 2026?
Festa Junina runs throughout June, built around three "June saints": Santo Antônio on June 13, São João on June 23–24 and São Pedro on June 29. The night of June 23 into June 24 — São João — is the high point, when towns across Brazil light bonfires and dance until dawn.
Where it is biggest
The northeast of Brazil owns the festival. The cities of Caruaru in Pernambuco and Campina Grande in Paraíba stage São João celebrations recognised among the largest on the planet, drawing huge crowds over several weeks.
Festa Junina traditions
- Bonfires and fireworks — the fogueira is the heart of São João night.
- Forró and quadrilha — accordion-driven music and a playful square dance.
- Caipira dress — checked shirts, straw hats and painted freckles.
- Festival foods — canjica, pamonha, corn on the cob, and warming quentão.
- Bunting and flags — colourful bandeirinhas strung over the arraial.
Count down to São João
Follow the live Festa Junina countdown, browse more festival countdowns from around the world, or make your own countdown to the party. You can also use the Days Until tool for any date.