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João Pessoa has its own São João too
Many people mix them up: the world's biggest São João is in Campina Grande, about 130 km away. But João Pessoa has its own June festival, with concerts, quadrilha dances and corn-based food, plus the advantage of letting you sleep by the beach. In 2026, the capital's São João had its main stage at Parque Solon de Lucena, the Lagoa, from 19 to 24 June, and a quadrilha festival in the weeks before.
Each year's programme is published by the city council close to June. 24 June, St John's Day, is a municipal holiday in João Pessoa.
What happens at the festival
- Quadrilha dances: groups perform with costumes, choreography and a mock country wedding, in festivals with city and state rounds.
- Forró pé de serra, with accordion, zabumba drum and triangle, plus concerts by national names.
- Corn dishes: canjica, pamonha, roast and boiled corn, plus tapioca and mulled cachaça.
- Arraiá parties in neighbourhoods, schools, churches and buildings throughout June.
Beach by day, forró by night
The most popular way to enjoy June is to stay in João Pessoa and go up to Campina Grande on concert days, about two hours along the BR-230. You can also add the São João of Areia and Bananeiras, in the Brejo hills, with cool mountain weather. Just remember that June is the rainy season on the coast: save the beach for sunny mornings.
- João Pessoa to Campina Grande: bus, car and distance
- São João in Campina Grande, based at the beach
- Caminhos do Frio: the brejo's cultural winter
- João Pessoa in June: weather, São João and tips
Tips for June
- Book early: the week of the 24th fills up in João Pessoa and Campina.
- Bring a light rain jacket, and a warm layer if you head up to the Brejo or Campina at night.
- Arrange your return from Campina before you go: late-night buses fill up.
- For rainy days, see what to do in João Pessoa when it rains.
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