As a Brazilian-inspired brand that celebrates all things summer, there’s nothing we love more than Festas de São Joao. These joyous midsummer Brazilian celebrations embody everything we stand for—and we never say no to a good party!
Festa de São Joao is one Brazil’s biggest annual celebrations. During these midsummer festivities, Brazilians all over the country don costumes and enjoy dancing, drinking, bonfire building, and more. In Northeast Brazil, Festas de São Joao can be as popular as Carnaval.
What is Festa de São Joao?
Also known as Festas Juninas/Julinas, Festa de São Joao is the Brazilian version of European Midsummer. The festivals first began to celebrate the end of the rainy season and give thanks to the Saints for the year’s rainfall.
As the festival made its way into urban areas, it became a way to commemorate rural life with folk dances like the quadrilha, “caipira” costumes, and traditional foods like cural de milho and paçoca. During the festivities, colorful flags adorn the streets as folk music known as forró plays throughout the day.
Entertainment is not in short supply during Festa de São Joao. In addition to firework displays, street concerts, and bonfires, celebrations often feature games with prizes for both children and adults. Festival-goers can play games like bingo, darts, or the very popular Pescaria, in which people use fishing rods to pick up as many fake plastic fish as they can.
Festa de São Joao and Sol de Janeiro
Join in the Festa de São Joao fun with Brazilian-inspired beauty that will help you celebrate from around the world. Read below for our essential summer celebration picks:
Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter
One of the most popular games during Festa de São Joao is correio elegante (elegant mail), in which celebrants anonymously send cards to one another––often their crush. Mock “jails” are also a big attraction, in which people are “arrested” by others. You can either stay arrested for five to ten minutes, or pay “bail” with a kiss. Keep your lips soft and hydrated just in case!
Sweet treats like paçoca and pé de moleque are essential to every Festa de São Joao. You can satisfy your sweet tooth with a spritz of Cheirosa 71 Perfume Mist—notes of caramelized vanilla and toasted macadamia nut feel like a sugar rush (or at least the next best thing!)
Sun safety is essential for every kind of summer fun—especially if you’re out celebrating in the street all day! Protect your skin throughout the season with SPF 50 in our beachy and nostalgic summer scent.
