Origins of Festa Junina

The second most important celebration in Brazil

European origin
Northern Europeans celebrated Midsummer, period of time centered upon the summer solstice that marked the astronomical beginning of summer. Some choose to hold the rite on the 21st of June, even when this is not the longest day of the year, and some celebrate June 24, the day of the solstice in Roman times.

 Although Midsummer is originally a pagan holiday, in Christianity it is associated with the nativity of John the Baptist, which is observed on the same day, June 24, in the Catholic church. It happens six months before Christmas because the Bible implies that John the Baptist was born six months earlier than Jesus.

This fact gives the name of the celebration: Festa Joanina St. Johns Celebration; later known as Festa Junina.

 This European tradition was brought to Brazil through Portuguese Catholics and now constitutes the second most celebrated event in Brazil, after Carnaval.