Festa Junina

Festa Junina (June Parties) are common place in schools, primarily elementary age.  The tradition dates back to when the Portuguese colonized Brazil.  Children participate in choreographed dancing where directions are called out, similar to square dancing.  Each dance that I witnessed was between 10 and 15 minutes. Students are dressed in costumes, and there is even a bride and groom for most dances.  The party I attended there were simple games children could play, such as fishing for a toy in the sand using a wooden stick and string, and lots of food in the decorated school gymnasium.  The songs and dances represent various cultures and areas from Brazil.