Leticia Moraes (Brazil)
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Issue Theme/Column:
Flags & Festivals
The Junina Festival or São João Festival is one of the main festivals we have every year here in Brazil. This festival takes place from June 1st to June 30th. The decoration is made with flags and balloons, and we have bonfires and fireworks. Among some activities that are done, we have elegant mail, which consists of sending small messages to people we like during the party. The main activity that cannot be missed is the typical dance: the June square dance is a very popular style of folk dance that emerged in the northeast region of the country, which consists of dancing in a large line of couples, on one side women and on the other men. Another great game at the party also takes place: the country wedding, in the dance there are two people who will represent the bride and groom, and they will guide, in the dance, everyone else. Our outfit for that day is very fun and needs to be colorful. Typically, women wear colorful plaid dresses and skirts with some patchwork, satin ribbons, braids in their hair, and fun makeup. Men also wear plaid clothes, jeans, and straw hats. The straw hat is also a great symbol of this festival.