OPINION ARTICLE | by Claudio Siqueira
São João, one of the most traditional popular festivals in Brazil, is celebrated annually during the month of June in honor of the birth of Saint John the Baptist, coinciding with the winter solstice. This festival stands out not only for its rich cultural diversity and regional traditions that reflect the identity of each place, but also for its representation of Brazilian culture as a whole.
São João is the result of the formation of different cultures over time, which contributed to shaping the celebration as we know it today. This festivity is the result of a fusion of indigenous, African and European influences, which have intertwined throughout the country's history.
The indigenous presence can be seen in the traditions linked to harvesting and the worship of nature, which were incorporated into the festival. The African contribution is manifested in the dances, music and contagious rhythms that enliven the June festivities. The European influence, in turn, is present in the traditional clothing, square dances and religious festivities linked to Saint John the Baptist.
This rich blend of cultures has resulted in a unique festival, full of symbolic and traditional elements. Today's São João is a celebration that reclaims Brazil's cultural roots, representing the diversity and identity of each region of the country. It is a time when communities come together to share their traditions, flavors, dances and music, strengthening community ties and preserving Brazilian cultural memory.
Regionality of traditions, music and typical foods:
June festivals in Brazil are marked by a rich cultural diversity, with traditions, music and typical foods in each region of the country. Characteristics of each of them:
1. Northern Region:
Traditions: In the North of Brazil, the June festivals are marked by indigenous and Afro-Brazilian cultural manifestations. In the North, the traditional festival, as it is better known and represented, with flags, balloons and square dances, shares the space with the Boi-Bumbá festival.
Songs: Carimbó is the typical rhythm of June festivals in the North Region, with indigenous and African influences. It is accompanied by instruments such as maracas, drums and guitars. In addition, forró is also enjoyed and danced during the festivities.
Foods: Tacacá, a tucupi soup with dried shrimp, jambu and tapioca starch, is a typical dish of the region. Vatapá, acarajé and maniçoba are also enjoyed during the June festivals in the North.
2. Northeast Region:
Traditions: The Northeast of Brazil is known for having one of the largest celebrations of São João in the country. The northeastern June festivals are full of traditions, such as the square dance, a collective dance in which participants dress up as country folk and follow a lively choreography. The bonfire is another notable tradition, symbolizing the light that guides the June festivities. The festive cycle of bumba meu boi reaches its peak in June, during the Northeast June Festivals. In fact, the festival has its own day: June 30th. However, it is possible to find boi festivals at other times of the year, in other parts of Brazil.
Songs: Forró is the rhythm most associated with June festivals in the Northeast. Luiz Gonzaga, the King of Baião, is one of the icons of Northeastern June music, with songs such as “Asa Branca” and “Xote das Meninas”. In addition to forró, other musical styles such as coco, xaxado and maracatu also liven up the festivities.
Foods: In the Northeast, it is common to find dishes such as canjica, corn cake, pamonha and boiled corn. Rice pudding, peanut brittle and tapioca are also traditional flavors of the June festivals in the region.
3. Central-West Region:
Traditions: In the Central-West Region, the June festivals also have their own peculiar traditions. Calango, a style of music and dance typical of the region, with indigenous and African influences, is a striking cultural expression. Catira, a dance of country origin, is also quite popular during the June celebrations.
Songs: In addition to local traditions, forró is also present at the June festivals in the Central-West. The lively rhythms and lyrics that portray life in the countryside liven up the festivities.
Meals: Dishes such as pamonha, rice cake and dried meat paçoca are traditional flavors at the June festivals in the Central-West. Quentão, made with cachaça, spices and sugar, is a hot drink enjoyed during the festivities.
4. Southeast Region:
Traditions: In the Southeast of Brazil, the June festivals also have their own characteristics. In Minas Gerais, for example, the square dances are very traditional, with lively and fun dances. The greasy pole and fireworks are also a hallmark of the June festivities in the region.
Music: Sertanejo is one of the most popular musical styles at the June festivals in the Southeast. In addition, the “arra-pé”, “xote” and “baião” also liven up the celebrations.
Meals: The Southeast offers a variety of typical dishes for the June festivals, such as canjica, curau, pumpkin candy and quentão. Pé de moleque and cornmeal cake are also traditional flavors in the region.
5. Southern Region:
Traditions: In the South of Brazil, the June festivals are less popular, but there are still unique traditions. The fandango is a typical dance, accompanied by viola music and tap dancing. The dance groups perform in their traditional costumes and characteristic movements.
Songs: Fandango is the traditional music of June festivals in the South. In addition, vanerão, bugio and xote are regional rhythms that can also be heard at the celebrations.
Meals: In the South, it is common to find dishes such as cooked pine nuts, quentão and chimarrão during the June festivals. In addition, arroz carreteiro and cuca, a type of stuffed cake, are typical flavors of the region.
In Paraná, the June festivals are also marked by their own traditions, typical foods and music. The fandango is a much-loved traditional dance, accompanied by live music and tap dancing. A typical food is cooked pinhão, prepared from the seeds of the araucaria tree. Quentão, a hot drink made with cachaça and spices, is also popular. The music includes styles such as fandango, gaucho music and country music, with instruments such as the viola and the button harmonica. These traditions reflect the culture and identity of Paraná, providing moments of joy and togetherness during the June festivals.
Xango's relationship with Saint John:
São João is connected to Afro-Brazilian traditions. The orixá Xangô, present in Candomblé and Umbanda, is closely linked to this festival. He symbolizes fire and justice, essential elements in the celebrations. This cultural fusion highlights and extols the religious and cultural diversity of the country, uniting different beliefs and customs in a unique celebration.
This rich blend of influences values and respects the historical and spiritual roots of the Brazilian people. São João, in addition to being a simple June festival, represents a symbol of the richness and complexity of Brazilian society, rooted in its traditions and marked by the plurality of its cultural manifestations.
In this context, São João becomes more than just a festival; it is a special time to reflect on Brazil's identity and value the heritage left by our ancestors. It is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, promote respect and tolerance, and strengthen the bonds of unity among all Brazilians, regardless of their origins or beliefs.
Challenges and threats to the preservation of traditional manifestations:
Despite the cultural and historical importance of São João, the traditions associated with the festival face challenges and threats that compromise their preservation and authenticity. Excessive commercialization and the imposition of sertanejo universitário have distorted the festival, distancing it further and further from its traditional roots. It is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of traditional artists, such as accordionists, who play a fundamental role in preserving the musical traditions of June.
Furthermore, traditional São João also faces political challenges, which put its authenticity at risk. Political and electoral interests often result in the disfigurement and commercialization of the festival, replacing traditional elements with more populist practices. This political use of São João as a tool for promotion and support represents a serious threat to the preservation of authentic cultural manifestations, compromising the historical richness and cultural identity essential to this significant celebration.
Preservation and appreciation of São João:
To protect and preserve the traditions of São João, it is necessary to promote concrete and comprehensive actions. A robust cultural policy that values and encourages traditional manifestations is essential. This can be done through investments in educational programs, the creation of cultural spaces dedicated to the practice and dissemination of June traditions, and financial support for traditional artists.
Furthermore, it is essential to involve local communities, recognizing the central role they play in transmitting knowledge and preserving traditions. Encouraging the active participation of communities in organizing and carrying out São João events, providing spaces for them to share their knowledge and experiences, is a way of strengthening community ties and ensuring the continuity of cultural practices.
Holding festivals and events dedicated to traditional cultural expressions of São João is an effective strategy to promote and value traditions. These events can be spaces for different communities to meet and exchange experiences, as well as an opportunity for traditional artists to perform and gain recognition.
Finally, it is essential to document and record the traditions of São João, creating a collection that preserves the memory and cultural legacy of the festival. This can be done through research, production of audiovisual materials, photographic and literary records, ensuring that future generations have access to information and references about the traditions of June.
With these actions, we will be able to promote the appreciation and preservation of the authentic traditions of São João, ensuring that this festival continues to reflect the identity and cultural diversity of the Brazilian people. São João is more than just a celebration; it is a cultural heritage to be protected and shared, rooted in its traditions and marked by the cultural richness of our country.
History of political activism of accordionists:
The accordion, with its characteristic melody, resonates not only as an artistic expression, but also as a powerful political and social instrument. In the São João scene in Brazil, the prominent figure of Luiz Gonzaga, the “King of Baião”, stands out as a notable example of this connection between music and politics.
Throughout his career, Gonzaga has used his art to address crucial issues in Brazilian society, especially those related to the living conditions of the people of the Northeast. His music has become a kind of “cry” in defense of the less fortunate, amplifying their voices and experiences beyond geographical borders.
Through powerful lyrics and captivating melodies, Luiz Gonzaga brought to light themes such as drought, poverty, migration and social inequalities present in the northeastern region of the country. His songs portrayed the reality experienced by the people of the backlands, providing a sensitive and critical look at life in the interior of Brazil. The “King of Baião” knew that music had the power to touch people’s hearts and minds, and he used this ability to raise awareness in society and governments about the urgent issues facing his people.
In addition to being a renowned musician, Gonzaga also became a relentless political activist. His performances were moments of true political effervescence, where he took the opportunity to raise public awareness about the importance of fighting for social change and demanding fairer public policies for the Northeast. He used his fame and popularity to become an active voice in the fight for rights and opportunities for those most in need, seeking concrete improvements in the quality of life in the region.
Luiz Gonzaga's political message transcended borders and resonated throughout the country, as his songs were not just about the Northeast region, but about the struggles and desires of all Brazilians facing adversity. He became a symbol of resistance, representing a cultural and political force that inspired and mobilized generations.
Gonzaga’s political legacy lives on, as his music and struggle transcend time and continue to influence new artists and political activists. His commitment to using the accordion as a vehicle for social change is a constant reminder of how art can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving change.
Today, more than ever, it is important to remember the political and social impact of music and culture in our society. Valuing and supporting artists who use their art to address political and social issues is essential to strengthen our democracy and promote a more just and equal society. Through music and culture, we can give a voice to the excluded, question inequalities and build a more inclusive and supportive country. Thus, the accordion and Luiz Gonzaga's legacy continue to be a call for political action and an inspiration for us to continue fighting for a better Brazil.
In addition to Luiz Gonzaga, there are other accordionists who have also played an important role in the political context of the São João festivities. Some of them are:
1. Dominguinhos: José Domingos de Morais, known as Dominguinhos, was a renowned Brazilian accordionist, singer and composer. He not only contributed to the popularization of forró and Northeastern music, but also addressed social and political issues in his songs. His songs addressed themes such as drought, life in the backlands and the struggles of the Northeastern people, becoming an icon of Northeastern culture and a defender of its traditions.
2. Sivuca: Severino Dias de Oliveira, known as Sivuca, was a talented Brazilian accordionist and composer. Sivuca was recognized for his technical skill with the accordion and his musical versatility. He also used his music to express political and social issues, portraying themes such as life in the Northeast and the Brazilian people's struggle for justice and equality.
3. Oswaldinho of the Accordion: Oswaldinho do Acordeon is another prominent Brazilian accordionist, known for his musical skills and his contribution to the culture of the Northeast. With his talent with the accordion, he conveys the essence of São João in his performances and also addresses issues relevant to the region in his compositions.
These accordionists, like Luiz Gonzaga, left an important legacy in northeastern music and in the political context of the São João festivities. Their artistic contributions and their social and political engagement helped to strengthen cultural traditions and raise awareness of issues important to the people of the Northeast and to all of Brazil.
Saint John in Latin America:
In addition to being celebrated in Brazil, São João also has variations and peculiarities in other Latin American countries. However, it is important to make a historical correction: São João, as a June festival, has its origins in the colonial period of Brazil and is closely linked to the culture of the Northeast. Although there are similar celebrations in other Latin American countries, they may have different characteristics and distinct names.
In Colombia, for example, the festival known as “Fiesta de San Juan” is common, but its traditions and manifestations can vary significantly in relation to the Brazilian São João. The same occurs in Venezuela, where the festival of “San Juan Bautista” has its own specific cultural and religious characteristics.
As for Paraguay and Argentina, although they are neighboring countries of Brazil, they do not have such a strong tradition of celebrating São João. Instead, they have their own festivities and popular celebrations, often related to other events and commemorative dates.
Therefore, it is important to highlight that São João, as we know it in Brazil, has its historical and cultural basis in the Brazilian Northeast, and is a festival that has spread throughout the country over the years. Although there are similar celebrations in other Latin American countries, it is necessary to recognize and respect the particularities and cultural diversity of each region.
In addition to John, the June saints:
In the month of June, the Church celebrates the June Festivals in honor of three great saints: Saint Anthony (day 13), Saint John the Baptist (day 24) and Saint Peter (day 29).
The Festas Juninas have both pagan and Christian origins. In the northern hemisphere, pagan festivities celebrated the summer solstice and the beginning of the harvest. With Christianity, these festivals began to celebrate Catholic saints, especially Saint John, and were called Joanine festivals and, later, Festas Juninas, due to the month of June. Saint Anthony and Saint Peter also began to be celebrated on these occasions.
Saint Anthony was born in Portugal on August 15, 1195. He became a renowned preacher and was credited with performing several miracles, including during his lifetime. He died on June 13, 1231 and was canonized the following year by Pope Gregory IX. Saint Anthony is known as the “matchmaker saint” and is also invoked to help find lost objects.
Saint John the Baptist was born in the mountainous region of Judah, near Jerusalem. He was a cousin of Jesus and his birth was announced by the angel Gabriel. He lived in seclusion in the Judean desert before beginning his public ministry, where he baptized Jesus. He was beheaded by King Herod and is considered the greatest man born of woman. His feast day is celebrated on June 24.
Saint Peter, considered the Prince of the Apostles, was the first Pope and was a fisherman before becoming a disciple of Jesus. He was martyred in Rome and his relics are in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Saint Peter is the patron saint of fishermen, widowers and the Pope. His feast day is celebrated on June 29.
In conclusion…:
São João, a culturally rich and diverse festival, highlights the country’s plurality through its regional expressions, music and typical cuisine, providing a unique experience. However, it is essential to face the challenges and threats that compromise the preservation of these traditions. To ensure the continuity and strengthening of São João, it is important to value the artists involved and promote concrete preservation actions. By safeguarding São João, we are protecting part of Brazil’s cultural identity and ensuring that this legacy is passed on to future generations.
To address the challenges and threats to the June festivities, it is essential to propose concrete solutions. One possible solution is to implement cultural incentive policies focused on the June festivities. This could include the creation of specific financing programs aimed at supporting the holding of traditional events, as well as fostering artistic production related to the June festivities. In addition, it is important to promote competitions and awards that value the cultural manifestations linked to this tradition, recognizing and rewarding the work of artists.
Another crucial aspect is to strengthen community participation in the preservation of São João. Local communities play a fundamental role in transmitting knowledge and organizing events. Therefore, it is essential to create spaces for dialogue and knowledge sharing, in which communities can actively engage in the preservation and promotion of the June festivals. The formation of committees or working groups composed of community representatives, traditional artists, local leaders and experts can be an effective strategy for jointly planning, organizing and executing the festivities, encouraging community participation and engagement.
Furthermore, it is essential to update data and information on June festivals in Brazil, ensuring an accurate understanding of the current situation. With up-to-date information on the holding of events, community involvement and challenges faced, it will be possible to develop more effective strategies to address the issues that threaten June traditions. This involves collecting recent data, conducting research and consulting experts to support decisions and actions aimed at preserving São João.
In short, to ensure the continuity and strengthening of June festivities in Brazil, it is necessary to value artists, propose cultural incentive policies, strengthen community participation and obtain updated information about the festivities. In this way, we will be able to preserve and value this rich Brazilian cultural expression, promoting diversity, intercultural dialogue and pride in June festivities traditions throughout the country.
*Claudio Siqueira is a graphic designer, video editor, anthropology student, citizen of Iguaçu and opinion writer in his spare time.
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This text is the responsibility of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of H2FOZ.
