São João

São João (sawn zho-ow-n) is a Brazilian holiday that commemorates St. John, an apostle to Christ and a very important man to the Brazilian culture. St. John is even thought to be more than a man and is called a saint by many. St. John was thought to be responsible for a good corn harvest. São João is mainly celebrated in the northeastern part of Brazil because that is the area where corn is grown and harvested. Huge celebrations are known to take place in cities located in the northeastern part of the country. Other locations in Brazil, however, are known to celebrate São João as well.

In the month of June Brazilians celebrate three different saints, St. Anthony, St. Peter, and St. John. Celebrations and festivals take place through out the entire month of June and this time is known as the festivas junhinas (June festivals). The holiday São João (honoring St. John) is the largest of the festivals taking place in June and the main day of celebration is on June 24^th.

On the day of São João (June 24^th), many celebrations take place such as bonfires, firecrackers, square dancing, forró (folk-like music), dress up like hillbillies, and the consumption of traditional dishes made mostly with corn.