June Bonfire Festival

The bonfire festivals are part of Brazilian folklore. These are held at schools, churches, public squares, and clubs. The feasts of St. Anthony (13th June), St. John (24th June) and St. Peter (29th June) are celebrated with great pomp and tradition in the city. Imbibing local folklore, fires are kindled in open spaces and involve dances and mock country weddings by firelight where the couple leaps over the crackling flames.

Churches, schools, clubs and citizens get together to put up their own fireside shows on these three days. Even homes and public squares are decorated with lanterns and streamers, and plenty of food is prepared. On three separate evenings, in private homes and clubs right across Rio, in streets, squares and public places, stalls are set out to resemble village market places and are decorated with streamers and lanterns.

Against the glow of bonfires there is much dancing, eating and drinking. In mock weddings, couples follow the old tradition of leaping the flames. All this takes place against a fairly continuous crackle and flash of fireworks.

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Contact Information

June Bonfire Festival
Various venues
20210-048 Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Tel. +552122177575
riotur.riotur@pcrj.rj.gov.br
http://http://www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br/pt/