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Brazilians are world-renowned for being happy and festive people, so it’s no surprise that there are countless celebrations that take place in the country all year round, so much so that you’re sure to witness one of these happening whenever you choose to visit. These commemorations are extremely diverse and vary widely in origin, aesthetics, and time of year, but unfortunately are mostly unknown to foreigners despite their beauty and grandeur. So without further ado, here are 5 of the largest Brazilian Festivals:
1) Parintins Folklore Festival
The Parintins Folklore Festival, also known as the Boi-Bumbá festival, is one of Brazil’s most extravagant and colorful celebrations. This festival is in the city of Parintins, in the state of Amazonas. The festival dates back to the 19th century and is rooted in Brazilian folklore, particularly the legend of the “boi-bumbá,” a tale of a resurrected ox that symbolizes the struggle between good and evil. During the festival, two teams, the Garantido and Caprichoso, compete against each other in a display of dance, music, and theater. The teams are known for their elaborate costumes, floats, and giant puppets that are paraded through the streets of Parintins. The festival lasts for three days, and the performances are held in a giant arena called the Bumbódromo. The Garantido team is represented by the color red, and the Caprichoso team by the color blue. Each team presents its own interpretation of the boi-bumbá legend, complete with unique music, choreography, and dazzling special effects. The festival is a celebration of Brazilian culture and a testament to the country’s love of music, dance, and theatrical performances.
2) Festa Junina
The Festa Junina celebration brings together Brazil’s rich culture and traditions in a colorful, lively festival that celebrates rural life. It is held annually all across the nation in the month of June, and it encapsulates the country’s vibrant and gleeful spirit, featuring unique costumes, cuisine, dance, and music in month-long festivities. The festival is rooted in the country’s Catholic heritage and was originally held to honor the feast days of various saints, such as Saint Peter and Saint John, which is why the festival is also called Festa de São João (Saint John’s Festival) by some. Nowadays, however, it has become a secular celebration that embraces all aspects of Brazilian culture. One of the highlights of the Festa Junina is the dancing. The traditional quadrilha dance is performed by couples dressed in colorful costumes dancing to traditional Brazilian folk songs and instruments like the accordion and triangle.
As a typical Brazilian festival, cuisine plays a big role in the celebrations. Perhaps the most beloved component of the Festa Junina is the food. Traditional dishes like paçoca, canjica, and pamonha are staples of the festival and are eagerly consumed by festival-goers. And of course, no Festa Junina would be complete without drinking a steaming cup of Quentão (a mulled wine) around a bonfire. Overall, the Festa Junina is a great time to come together with friends and family, dance the night away, and indulge in the delicious flavors of Brazil.
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3) Festa de Iemanjá
The Iemanjá Festival is a celebration of the Yoruba religion, which is widely practiced in Brazil. This festival takes place on February 2nd in Salvador, Bahia, where thousands of people gather at the seaside to pay homage to the goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen and sailors called Iemanjá. The festivities are marked by colorful processions, lively music, and dance performances that are deeply rooted in the rich (and often overlooked) Afro-Brazilian culture. The celebration is a reflection of the deep connection that Brazilians have with the sea and their reverence for the goddess Iemanjá, who is also considered the mother of all living beings. The event is a melting pot of cultures, with people of all ages, races, and religions coming together to celebrate and pay their respects to the goddess. Many dress in white, which is considered a sacred color, while others wear blue and carry flowers and gifts to offer to Iemanjá.
4) Oktoberfest
This one could very well be in a list of “Largest German Celebrations”, but as it turns out the Oktoberfest has also become very Brazilian. A festivity inspired by the Bavarian Oktoberfest, the Brazilian version is held in the southern city of Blumenau, Santa Catarina state. The festival celebrates German culture and traditions and showcases Brazil’s immense diversity and rich cultural heritage. It typically begins in October and lasts for around two weeks. During this time, the city comes alive with music, dance, food, and drink. The streets are filled with people dressed in traditional German attire, such as lederhosen and dirndls. There are also parades featuring floats and performances by local bands and dance groups. Evidently, the highlight of the festival is the beer, as it attracts breweries from all over the country. Visitors can sample a wide range of beers, including traditional German varieties, as well as local brews. Food is also a big part of the Brazilian Oktoberfest. Traditional German dishes such as sausages, pretzels, and sauerkraut are widely available, but with a distinct Brazilian touch in the likes of churrasco and feijoada.
5) Carnaval
And last, but certainly not least, we have the crown jewel of Brazilian festivals, the very epitome of Brazilian partying: Carnival. You may not have heard about the previous 4 items on this list, but you’ve definitely heard about this one. The Brazilian Carnival is an annual festival that takes place all across the country, from small rural communities to the largest urban centers, but it is most famously celebrated in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. The festival is held over a period of four days, usually in February or March, during the summer in the Southern Hemisphere – the perfect time to let loose and enjoy yourself! It’s a time of great relaxation and happiness, to forget worries, and celebrate life through music and dance. Millions of people flock to Brazil to participate in the Carnival. In Rio de Janeiro alone, it is estimated that over two million people attend the festivities every day, making it one of the largest events in the world. People from all walks of life come together to dance samba, listen to live music, and watch the elaborate costumes worn by the samba schools that parade through the Sapucaí, a long stretch of road that serves as a stage for the samba schools to parade. Originally brought to the country by 18th-century Portuguese colonizers, over time the festival evolved to become a unique blend of African, indigenous, and European cultures. During the Carnival, the streets of Rio de Janeiro are transformed into a sea of color and movement. It’s one of those experiences you’ll never forget!
Written by Vinícius Lutterbach