JUNE FESTIVALS IN DF: TRADITION AND MANY STORIES TO TELL

Source: Memory Project newspaper Cruzeiro do Sul

June festivals are very popular celebrations in our country. Their origins lie in the summer solstice festivities in Europe, which, when they arrived here, were mixed with elements of northeastern culture, becoming a striking expression of the Brazilian people.

Brasília, despite being a very young city, already has a strong June tradition, brought by the migrants who helped build the capital and settled in the Federal District over the years. That is why the celebrations of Saint Anthony, Saint John and Saint Peter are so strong in our little square.

There have been records of June festivities in Cidade Livre, now Núcleo Bandeirante, since before 1960, where most of the workers of the future capital were concentrated. With the inauguration of the city, the festivities began to take place in schools, churches, clubs, squares and residential blocks, attracting a young population to remember the cultural identity of their places of origin.

Source: Correio Braziliense

It was a June festival that gave rise to another very traditional celebration in the city: the Festa dos Estados. It all started in 1961 in 105 Sul. Organized by residents to raise funds for the charity Casa do Candango, each stall brought typical foods from a Brazilian state. The idea was so successful that it gained momentum and became one of the most important events in the first decades of Brasília.

The June festivities in Brasília are usually marked by several traditional activities, such as square dancing, folk dancing, games, food and drink stalls, and bonfires. Music also plays a fundamental role in the festivities, with the performance of forrós, xotes and northeastern songs.

Source: DF Clear Waters

Some festivities in the Federal District are already famous and highly anticipated every year, such as the Festa Junina of the São Pedro Parish, in Asa Sul; the Arraiá do Cruzeiro; the Festa Junina of the Nossa Senhora Aparecida Parish, in Ceilândia; the São João do Guará and several others.

Another highlight of the celebrations in Brasília are the quadrilhas juninas, which involve a lot of competition and even compete for a trophy every year. According to the Independent League of Quadrilhas Juninas of the Federal District and Surrounding Area (LINQ-DFE), around 5 thousand people participate in the events annually. A competition full of color, beauty and lots of excitement. 

It is also important to highlight the importance of the June festivals as a way of preserving Brazilian culture, valuing regional traditions and customs. An event marked by the promotion of encounter, the celebration of cultural identity and the joy shared by Brazilians of all origins and social classes.