The culture of a country is known in its festivals. Food, events, holidays, togetherness and a joyful break from daily life chaos form the true essence of a festival. A wide range of cultures and traditions are followed and hence unique varieties of festivals are celebrated by the countries across the world.
One of these, popularly known for its most diverse and unique is Brazil which has been a melting pot due to its culture and traditions; therefore it is also a country which celebrates some of the most popular festivals across the world.
Popular Festivals celebrated in Brazil
Rio Carnival
Brazilians love to party which is evident from the Rio Carnival, one of the biggest party festivals of Brazil celebrated in Rio de Janeiro every year. With a population of millions of people attending this carnival per day, it is the biggest carnival in the world celebrated for the duration of five days.
The key attractions of this festival are parades loaded with dance performances, music, drinks, and smiles. The biggest parade of Rio Carnival is the Sambódrom parade flooded with gorgeous handmade costumes, lavishly decorated floats, Samba dance performances, rhythm, music, and fun; a sight worth experiencing.
There are dance competitions held where various Samba schools showcase their dancing skills complemented with various attractive and colorful costumes. A great breathtaking sight is experienced by local as well as international visitors.
Festa Junina
The next most popular festival celebrated by Brazilians is Festa Junina. It signifies the beginning of the harvest and is celebrated in honor of Saint John, the Baptist, from mid-June until the end of July. Brazilians dress up as farmers, perform traditional dance, prepare special delicious dishes and enjoy bonfire along with folktales.
This festival is celebrated in the major cities across the country, especially in the northeast of Brazil. School, colleges organize events during this festive season. In cities, various plots are performed by groups of people depicting rural life with music, dance, and stories. Festa Junina is indeed a festival of culture, fun, and togetherness!
Parintins Folklore
This is the second biggest festival of Brazil celebrated in the city of Parintins, Amazonas. It is a three-day folk festival celebrating a legend about an ox that was resuscitated. Parintins Folklore Festival is also known by its famous event, Bumba Meu Boi. This festival witnesses a competition held into two teams, named Garantido and the Caprichoso, conversing the long version of historic stories and rituals.
People wear colorful and gorgeous costumes and dance on Samba beats. Parintins Folklore is the party festival enhanced by local culture, delicious food, and heartwarming native shows.
Oktoberfest
The South Brazil population mainly includes Germans who celebrate their traditional festivals, Oktoberfest every year in mid-October in the city of Blumenau. Local, as well as international visitors, form a huge crowd for this party filled with music, dance, traditional food and lots of beer.
This is among the most popular beer festival and the key attraction is the beer competition, in which whoever drinks one meter of beer in the least amount of time without spilling is declared the winner. Along with it, a competition is held to select Queen of Oktoberfest. The runner-up of this competition is made Princesses of Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest has got everything one needs! A great purpose of this festival is to raise money for inhabitants.
Festa de Iemanja
Another popular festival amongst Brazilians is Festa de Iemanjá festival celebrated in honor of the Goddess of Water, Lemanja on February 2. This festival is mainly held on the beaches to thank the Goddess for all the past as well as her future offerings to the people.
Small boats are decorated and offerings are presented to Lemanja in the form of food, flowers. This festival is mainly admired by fishermen and sailors. Statues of Iemanjá are also carried by the devotees on their shoulders down the sea. The celebration continues with dance, music, and prayers.
The special food of this festival includes white or light color food such as rice and corn puddings. The most popular Festa is celebrated in Salvador, along with it is also celebrated in different cities. Festa de Iemanjá is indeed a colorful and positive festival blended with faithful feelings of devotees popular in Brazil.
Festa do Peao
Famously known as Cowboy Festival, Festa do Peao is celebrated in Barretos. This festival is being traditionally organized and held on a large scale. The major attraction of this festival is bulls and horses. The celebrations take place for a duration of ten days in August. Irrespective of age, people dress up as cowboys and cowgirls.
Millions of people are attracted by the sport held along with cultural and artistic performances. The events are mainly held in huge stadiums. People from all over Brazil visit Barretos during Festa do Peao festival and experiences a great blender of food, dance, music, and sports.
Cirio de Nazare
Another festival famous among Brazilians is Cirio de Nazare, celebrated in the August month. The celebrations start in October month and continue for fifteen days. The festival is concluded on the second Saturday of October month. It is celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Nazareth. This festival is considered the largest religious gathering and is attended by millions of devotees.
The streets get crowded with people singing devotional songs complemented with fireworks. Various handmade traditional crafts are displayed and cultural dance performance is carried out. People gather at a huge amount to hold the rope attached with the stand that carries Our Lady of Nazareth effigy. Cirio de Nazare is considered as the gatherings of families resident in various parts of the world.
Brazil is surely a festive country, irrespective of any period of the year. The astonishing and traditional festivals celebrated in Brazil is not just party and fun, but is also an astonishing example of cultural celebration. A trip to Brazil with family and friends will undoubtedly be a lifetime experience!