Typical Festivals in Brazil: get to know the top Brazilian festivities

Brazil is a country well known for its cultural diversity. Due to the great territorial extent and influence of immigrants on the country, a diverse patchwork of dialects, religions, beliefs, folklore and festivals have developed across the nation. These uniquely Brazilian festivals attract many tourists and are great opportunities to experience the culture in Brazil. Here are some of the most famous celebrations according to https://www.apopkarotaryfair.org/:

1. Festa de Iemanjá

The Festa de Iemanjá is one of the key religious festivals that that make up the Afro-Brazilian calendar. In this celebration, the religions of Candomblé and Umbanda honour the African deity and goddess of the sea, Iemanjá. This celebration occurs on more than one date due to the difference of syncretism between the faiths; but the official date is February 2nd, the day of Our Lady of the Navigators. The festivities take place across practically all the Brazilian coast, but it is in Salvador where the date stands out.

The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood in Salvador is the scene where the festival takes place, which is considered to be the largest religious celebration of Candomblé throughout Bahia. Participants in this celebration are visitors from the terreiros (places where the religious acts happen), fishermen and the population itself, in a tribute to Iemanjá that involves all kinds of offerings, such as flowers, perfumes and jewellery amongst others. On that occasion, requests, thanks and honours are made.

2. Carnival

The Brazilian Carnival is one of the best-known festivities in the country. It occurs between the months of February and March, starting on Friday and extending until the Carnival Tuesday, which precedes Ash Wednesday. During this period, the famous parades of the samba schools take place. In these parades, different schools present floats, fantasy and sambas-entrants and are judged according to different criteria. The parade of Rio’s schools is the most famous of all and attracts thousands of tourists to Sapucaí every year.

In addition to the parades of samba schools, popular in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Carnival is also celebrated in other ways. One of them is the Bloquinhos de Carnaval, moving street parties following a live band. In these Bloquinhos, the traditional Marchinhas de Carnaval are played, as well as musical genres such as pop and funk, which are very popular among young audiences in general. Some Bloquinhos still count on the presence of famous singers like Claudia Leite, Ivete Sangalo and Annita.

3. Festa Junina

Also known as Festa de São João and Quermesse, this commemoration was initially linked to the Catholic Church but later popularised and today is held in various contexts such as schools, nursing homes and groups of friends.

This typical feast occurs throughout the month of June across most of Brazil, and there are even some parties that last until July. It is the second largest celebration of the country, being behind only Carnival.

Several striking features make up the Festa Junina, among them the Quadrilha, a danced staging of what a marriage ceremony in the rural environment would be like. Other characteristics include the presence of typical foods and beverages, such as Quentão, Vinho Quente and products made from corn such as cakes, pamonha and cural. In addition, there are traditional songs that refer to this party, and the presence of a fire in almost every celebration.

4. Bumba Meu Boi

This is a typical Brazilian festival that dates back to back to ancient folklore in the country. There are several versions of the story, but the most common is that of a slave who kills his boss’ favourite ox to satisfy his pregnant wife, who desires to eat ox-tongue. To avoid the boss’ wrath, the slave must resuscitate the ox with the help of healers.

The commemoration is also known as Boi-Bumbá, and occurs during the months of June and July, having great prominence and popularity in the north and northeast of the country. The festivities include dance, music, parades and theatrical performances, relying on the rhythm played on instruments such as guitar, triangle, zabumba and matraca.

5. Festival Folclórico de Parintins

It is a typical popular festival that takes place in Parintins, Amazonas, in the last weekend of June, and whose main attraction is the folk representation of two oxen that would be in dispute: the Boi Garantido and the Boi Caprichoso.

This representation is very similar to Carnival; there must be a plot, rhythm, queen of folklore, among other characteristics very similar to the components of samba schools. In fact, the production of the Festival Folclórico de Parintins is as beautiful as what is seen in the parades of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo but keeps alive the myths and legends of the Amazon rainforest.