Experience Festa Junina, One Of Maceio's Yearly Cultural Events
Festa Junina is also called "Saint John Festival." This is actually an old European celebration that was imported to Brazil during the colonial era. It is celebrated in Spain and Portugal, and in some other European countries as "Midsummer Day." Of course, in Brazil this is not mid summer at all, but mid winter. This event, which is held on June 24th, is celebrated on Brazil on the winter solstice.
Festa Junina is celebrated all over Brazil, but it is a great experience to see it in Maceio. It's such a big event, the kids stay home from school. The celebration involves cowboy outfits, Brazilian and European dances, games for kids and authentic Brazilian barbecue. It's great fun for the whole family, and for locals and tourists alike. The festival started originally in rural communities. The purpose was to celebrate the coming harvest on the longest day of the year, the summer solstice. Now it has lost most of its original meaning, but that doesn't stop people from all over Brazil from enjoying it. In urban areas it has turned into a giant party.
In Maceio, Festa Junina also involves fireworks and bonfires on the beach. This is the real draw of the event. The beaches, especially Maceio's urban beaches, turn into a big party, with food, drink and fun for everybody.
Like Brazil's Carnaval and Maceio's smaller Maceio Fest, Festa Junina is theatrical in nature. People dress up in traditional Brazilian clothes, but you'll also see people wearing outlandish costumes. The whole town and coastline takes on a party atmosphere.
Unlike its European counterpart, the Festa Junina doesn't last a day; it lasts up to ten days. This means almost two weeks of continuous partying, drinking and eating, a great time to visit Maceio! Festa Junina is also unique in Maceio because it was on Brazil's northeastern coast where the celebration first started. It began with European settlers in Alagoas and spread all over the country. It is still best to experience Festa Junina close to the source.
Festa Junina is not only a great time to party and see fireworks, it's also a great time to learn some traditional Brazilian dance steps. During Festa Junina, you have the opportunity to learn some old European dances fused with Brazilian soul.
There is no need to reserve tickets for Festa Junina, but if you are headed to Maceio at that time of year, you can expect hotels to get booked up quickly. It's a popular time to go.
From Festa Junina back to Brazil Maceio Guide
Maceio Food and Drink
Come to the beach and experience Maceio food and drink! With everything from Italian fine dining, to vendors on the beach serving fish and vegetables straight out of the sea, Maceio food and drink has everything you could want.
Maceio Facts
Here are some Maceio facts to make your trip more fun and interesting. Learn a little about the town with these Maceio facts.
Maceio Links
If you're looking for more, here are some Maceio links with information about this popular tourist town. This list of Maceio links directs you to related web pages for more information about this destination.
Map of Maceio brazil
On this page, you'll find maps of Maceio, including city maps, tourist maps and detailed maps of Maceio neighbourhoods. There are not only maps of Maceio, but also maps of the state of Alagoas and the surrounding area.
Maceio Sightseeing
There is plenty of Maceio sightseeing right in the middle of town, but if you want to get out and see some more of the area, Maragogi is the best. The small fishing village of Maragogi offers Maceio sightseeing at its best.
Maceio Guide Books
There are no Maceio guide books on the market, but a good Brazil guide book that covers the norheast beaches will do just fine. Here are some recommendations for good Maceio guide books.
Maceio Culture Attractions
You don't want to miss seeing Maceio cultural attractions as well as the beaches. Maceio is not just a tiny resort town; because of the area's unique history, there are many Maceio cultural attractions to enjoy, including colonial architecture, fine art, music and dance.
Maceio History
Come for the beaches and tropical drinks, and stumble upon Maceio history along the way. Maceio history is vibrant and interesting, and it's one of the attractions that travelers to Maceio should not miss.
Maceio Museum
Maceio museums are a great way to experience the culture and history of Maceio and the State of Alagoas. Maceio museums are considered some of the best in northeastern Brazil.
Bairro do Jaragua
One of the most famous areas of Maceio is its Jaragua District. Once the main shipping port of the area, now the Jaragua District's old historic buildings have been turned into nightclubs, bars and restaurants.
Teatro Deodoro
The Maceio Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most important of the area's cultural attractions. Worshippers and tourists alike come from all over to see the Maceio Metropolitan Cathedral.