Campina Grande is home to the biggest São João festival in the world. Every year, for a month, the energy of the Festa Junina takes over the streets.
As your Brazilian friend, I’ve prepared this guide to immerse you in discovering the magic of Campina Grande’s São João, from its rich traditions to its lively attractions and delicious cuisine!
Table of Contents
What are Brazil’s Festas Juninas (June Festivals)?
The Festas Juninas, known in English as June Festivals, are traditional Brazilian celebrations held during the month of June.
This celebration is deeply linked to Brazilian culture and is a vibrant mix of religious traditions, folklore and celebrations of rural life.
The festivities commemorate various Catholic saints, the most prominent being São João (Saint John), Santo Antônio (Saint Anthony) and São Pedro (Saint Peter). Despite their religious origins, Festas Juninas have evolved into a cultural event that is celebrated all over Brazil, from small towns to large metropolises.
During these festivals, you can expect lively street parties, traditional music, dance performances, and, of course, mouth-watering food stalls offering typical Brazilian foods.
It’s a time when families and friends get together to celebrate, dance quadrilha (the typical dance of the Festas Juninas) and enjoy the warmth of this very traditional Brazilian festival.
Why Campina Grande?
Campina Grande is often called the “Capital of São João” and for good reason! This city in the state of Paraíba is home to the biggest São João festival in Brazil and, according to many, the world.
Campina Grande’s São João began to gain national and international recognition in the 1950s and 1960s for its authenticity and liveliness. The cultural richness of the region, with its quadrilhas, forrós, typical food, and the tradition of bonfires, contributed to making the festival a real spectacle.
Every June, Campina Grande comes alive with color, music, and animation, attracting visitors from all corners of Brazil and the world. The city’s São João festival is known for its magnitude and authentic representation of Brazilian culture.
Over the years, Campina Grande’s São João has changed, attracting renowned artists and modernizing without losing its roots. While honoring the religious and cultural roots of the June Festivities, Campina Grande’s São João also incorporates contemporary elements.
The event now has a diverse cultural program, ranging from performances by traditional forró bands to contemporary music shows.
When will Campina Grande’s São João take place in 2024?
If you’re planning to experience the magic of Campina Grande’s São João, mark the month of June in your diary!
This iconic festival will last the longest of any edition in 2024. There will be 33 days of festivities, starting on May 29 and ending on June 30.
During this period, the city will have an extraordinary program, with June 24th being the big celebration of St. John’s Day.
Main Attractions of Campina Grande’s São João
Parque do Povo
Parque do Povo is the heart and soul of Campina Grande’s São João festivities, attracting millions of visitors every year.
This iconic venue is one of the main attractions of the São João festival and offers a vibrant atmosphere full of music, dance, and cultural performances. Entry to the Parque do Povo party is free, allowing everyone to take part in the festivities.
During the São João season, the park gates open at 5 pm and are brought forward to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, ensuring that visitors have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
As you stroll through Parque do Povo, you’ll be captivated by its unique atmosphere. The place is decorated with replicas of Campina Grande’s historic architecture, creating an enchanting setting for the São João celebrations.
The main shows at Parque do Povo start at 8pm, with performances by some of Brazil’s most renowned artists. The party doesn’t stop there; the festivities continue late into the night, guaranteeing non-stop entertainment for everyone.
For those looking for a more exclusive experience, Parque do Povo offers paid boxes where you can watch the main shows in a private setting. These cabins offer a comfortable and intimate space, perfect for families or groups of friends who want to make the most of their São João experience.
Practical summary with all the important information about Parque do Povo:
- Free entry
- Full schedule: visit the official website here
- VIP tickets: visit the official website here
- Gates opening: 5pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends
Vila Sítio São João
Vila Sítio São João is a must-visit during Campina Grande’s São João festivities. The space offers an authentic forró pé-de-serra experience that captures the spirit of northeastern Brazil.
Opening its doors on June 2, this charming village transports visitors to a typical setting in the Brazilian countryside. Strolling through Vila Sítio São João, you’ll be immersed in the traditional culture of northeastern Brazil, with its rustic charm and vibrant energy.
The space itself is a work of art, carefully decorated in the traditional style of northeastern Brazil. As you stroll through Vila Sítio São João, you’ll find charming replicas of the Casa Nordestina, the Bodega, the Chapel, the Difusora, the sugar cane mill and much more, creating a unique setting for your São João celebrations.
One of the highlights of Vila Sítio São João is the incredible program of musical performances. With more than 100 forró trios taking to the stage, visitors can enjoy more than 700 hours of forró throughout the festival.
Whether you’re a forró enthusiast or new to this genre of traditional Brazilian music, the lively beats and infectious rhythms are sure to get you dancing.
In addition to the music, Vila Sítio São João offers a diverse range of attractions. With more than 140 activities to explore, the exciting quadrilhas juninas stand out for their animation.
Practical summary with all the important information about Vila Sítio São João:
- Ticket price: from R$50 to R$100
- Full program: visit the official website here
- Opening hours: every weekend from June 2 to July 14
- Gates opening: 10am
Typical Foods to Try
No visit to Campina Grande’s São João is complete without trying the traditional foods. During the event you will have the opportunity to try a variety of dishes that celebrate the traditional festivities and the rich culinary heritage of the Brazilian Northeast.
The typical foods of the Brazilian June Festivals are something we look forward to all year round. Below I’ve listed some of the typical foods you’ll find at Festas Juninas:
- Pamonha and Canjica: These are sweet corn-based dishes that are a staple during São João. Pamonha is a creamy corn paste wrapped in corn husks, while canjica is a sweet porridge made from white corn kernels.
- Bolo de Fubá: is a moist and fluffy corn cake that we usually eat as a dessert or snack. It is made with fresh corn, sugar, and sometimes coconut, creating a delicious mix of flavors.
- Pé-de-Moleque: A sweet made from roasted peanuts and sugar syrup. It’s crunchy, sweet, and very good!
- Quentão: A hot and spicy drink made from cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane liqueur), ginger, lemon, and sugar. It’s the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold night.
- Milho verde (Corn on the Cob): Grilled or boiled, this snack is simple but delicious! It’s usually served with butter and salt, which gives the sweet corn kernels a savory touch.
- Paçoca: A crunchy peanut candy made from ground peanuts and sugar. It’s a classic Brazilian sweet loved by children and adults alike.
- Curau de Milho: a creamy corn pudding made from fresh corn, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s a rich and indulgent dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Carne Seca Escondidinho: a savory dish made with layers of mashed cassava, shredded dried meat, and cheese. It is baked until golden and bubbling, creating a hearty and tasty meal.
- Feijão Tropeiro: A traditional Brazilian dish made with beans, manioc flour, bacon, sausage, and sometimes eggs. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for fueling your São João festivities.
Music and Dance
Music and dance are at the heart of Festas Juninas all over Brazil, setting the rhythm and mood for this vibrant celebration.
The main musical genre of São João is forró, which fills the air with its lively beats. Originating in the northeastern regions of Brazil, forró is a dance that invites everyone to join in. Whether you’re an experienced forrozeiro or trying it out for the first time, the contagious rhythms of forró are sure to get you on your feet.
A Festa Junina is only complete when there’s a quadrilha performing. In the quadrilha, dancers form pairs and groups, performing choreographed movements that tell humorous and sometimes romantic stories. The dancing is usually accompanied by live music, which adds to the festive atmosphere.
Although forró and quadrilha are fundamental to São João, you can also expect to hear a mixture of other Brazilian musical genres during the festivities. From samba to sertanejo, the diverse music scene ensures that there is something for all tastes.
Throughout the São João season, Campina Grande welcomes artists and local talent to perform at various venues around the city. These live performances add an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
How to Get to Campina Grande?
Getting to Campina Grande is relatively simple, with various transportation options available to suit different preferences and budgets.
By plane
João Suassuna Airport (CPV) serves Campina Grande and offers domestic flights from the main Brazilian cities. From the airport, you can take a cab or Uber to reach the city center, which is approximately 15 minutes away by car.
Another option is to go to João Pessoa airport (JPA), the capital of the state of Paraíba, and from there rent a car or take a bus to Campina Grande. The journey takes around 2 hours.
By bus
Campina Grande has a well-connected bus terminal with routes from several Brazilian cities. Many bus companies offer comfortable and affordable journeys to the city. The bus terminal is centrally located, making it convenient to reach other parts of the city on arrival.
By car
If you prefer to drive, Campina Grande is accessible via well-maintained highways. The city is located approximately 130 km from João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba, and around 200 km from Recife, Pernambuco.
Local transportation
When in Campina Grande, it’s easy to get around with cabs and Uber. If you prefer a more adventurous option, renting a car can also be a good idea to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Where to Stay in Campina Grande?
Choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference to your São João experience in Campina Grande.
The main thing to take into consideration is proximity to the event venues, so you can get around without relying on transportation.
For a peaceful experience, I suggest choosing accommodation near Parque do Povo. The park is in a central area of the city, with plenty of restaurants and stores.
Tips
And lastly, here are some tips for making the most of your São João experience in Campina Grande:
- Book your accommodation in advance: São João is a popular festival and accommodation tends to sell out quickly. It is advisable to book your stay in advance to guarantee a good option.
- Dress in character: Embrace the festive spirit by wearing traditional São João costumes, such as plaid shirts, straw hats and colorful dresses.
- Comfortable shoes: As there’s a lot of walking and dancing involved, make sure you wear comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy.
- Keep an eye out: As with any big event, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas to avoid theft.
- Learn some forró moves: Join in the dancing and learn some basic forró steps to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Try the local food: Don’t miss out on the delicious traditional food and drinks available at the festival.
- Enjoy the festivities: Above all, relax, have fun and soak up the joyful atmosphere of São João in Campina Grande!
