This children’s article, A kids’ guide to Brazil’s colourful Festa Junina, has been written for native English speakers and ESL students. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn new vocabulary, and explore one of Brazil’s biggest and brightest festivals. Perfect for curious kids learning about world cultures and traditions. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer.
When does Festa Junina take place?
In Brazil, the month of June brings more than just the start of winter; it brings Festa Junina, one of the country’s most important festivals.
The biggest celebrations happen on 24 June, especially in the northeast of Brazil.
Where did the festival come from?
Festa Junina began in the 16th century, when Portuguese settlers arrived in Brazil. They brought European traditions, including festivals to honour Catholic saints such as St. John, St. Peter and St. Anthony.
Over time, these traditions mixed with indigenous and African cultures. The result was a unique celebration of farming life, nature, and religion.
What does it celebrate?
Originally, Festa Junina marked the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest. It gave farming communities a chance to gather, share food, dance, and give thanks.
Even today, the festival honours Brazil’s rural roots. It helps people feel connected to each other and to the land.
What food is eaten at Festa Junina?
Festa Junina is famous for its tasty treats. Many dishes are made from corn, including:
- Pamonha – a sweet corn pudding
- Canjica – a creamy corn porridge
- Corn cake and popcorn
- Pé-de-moleque – a crunchy peanut sweet
- Paçoca – a soft peanut sweet
What do people wear?
People dress in country-style costumes to honour Brazil’s farming traditions. Boys and men wear checkered shirts and straw hats.
Girls and women wear red-checked dresses, and sometimes even draw freckles on their faces.
What music and dancing are part of it?
Music is a huge part of the fun. The most famous dance is the quadrilha, a traditional square dance with a funny wedding story acted out by the dancers.
People also dance to forró music, which comes from the countryside of Brazil.
Why do people gather around bonfires?
In many parts of Brazil, June can be cold. Large bonfires are lit so that people can stay warm and enjoy the party together.
It’s a tradition that shows how the festival is about community and togetherness.
How important is Festa Junina in Brazil?
Today, Festa Junina is the second biggest festival in Brazil, after Carnival. With its food, dancing, music and fun, it brings joy to millions of people and celebrates Brazil’s rich mix of cultures.
Article vocabulary list
- Festa Junina – a June festival in Brazil that celebrates the harvest and rural traditions
- Harvest – the time when crops are gathered from the fields
- Corn – a yellow food that grows on tall plants, often used in Festa Junina dishes
- Pamonha – a sweet dish made from corn
- Quadrilha – a traditional square dance performed at Festa Junina
- Forró – a style of music and dance from the countryside of Brazil
- Bonfire – a large outdoor fire, often used in celebrations
- Cachaça – a strong sugarcane drink from Brazil
- Freckles – small brown spots on the skin
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When is the main day of Festa Junina celebrated?
a) 1 January
b) 24 June
c) 25 December
Answer: b) 24 June
2. Who brought Festa Junina traditions to Brazil in the 16th century?
a) Spanish explorers
b) Portuguese settlers
c) African traders
Answer: b) Portuguese settlers
3. What does Festa Junina celebrate?
Answer: It celebrates the harvest season and rural life.
4. What kind of food is commonly eaten during the festival?
a) Fish and chips
b) Corn-based dishes and sweets
c) Noodles and soup
Answer: b) Corn-based dishes and sweets
5. What is the name of the traditional dance performed at Festa Junina?
a) Samba
b) Quadrilha
c) Tango
Answer: b) Quadrilha
6. Why do people wear costumes at Festa Junina?
Answer: To honour Brazil’s farming traditions.
7. What kind of music is popular at the festival?
a) Rock
b) Classical
c) Forró
Answer: c) Forró
8. What helps people stay warm during Brazil’s winter celebrations?
Answer: Gathering around bonfires.
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
