Five ‘Festas Juninas’ Parties Happening this Weekend in Rio

By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The month of June is almost over, but the ‘festas juninas’ keep coming, and this weekend there are perhaps more taking place than at any other time. So we’ve rounded up the five most exciting arraiás (parties) taking place this weekend – from family-friendly daytime events to parties that start late and go through the night.

Circo Voador (Lapa)
The traditional Arraiá (party) at the legendary music venue Circo Voador in Lapa is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its ‘festa junina’ hosted by Brazilian musician, Geraldo Azevedo.

Taking place this Friday, June 29th, and Saturday, June 30th, the two nights will feature trios de forró (music groups playing the traditional Brazilian genre popular at ‘festas juninas’), as well as traditional dances, DJs, and stalls with all the food that is typical of a ‘festa junina.’

What: Arraiá do Circo Voador
When: Friday, June 29th and Saturday June 30th 10PM – Late
Where: R. dos Arcos, s/n – Lapa
Entrance: R$60 – R$120 for more information, visit the webpage.

Arraiá Ipanema (Ipanema)
This is sure to be an event for all the family, with the promise of good food, delicious drinks, lively music and plenty of shows and games for children large and small.

This will all be happening at the beautiful square of ‘Nossa Senhora da Paz’ (Our Lady of Peace) in the heart of Ipanema. Stretching from Friday, June 29th to Sunday, July 1st this free event will be jam-packed with both people and attractions.

Look out for the mechanical bull, bouncy castle, fishing stalls, live samba music, storytelling and forró.

What: Arraiá Ipanema
When: Friday, June 29th, 6PM – 10PM; Saturday, June 30th, Sunday, July 1st,midday – 10PM
Where: Praça Nossa Senhora da Paz – Ipanema
Entrance: Free; for more information, go to the event page.

Arraiá Gastronomico (Urca)
Another free event, this time packed with gustatory delights. Taking place on the beautiful Praia Vermelha, this arraiá features artesanal ‘chopp’ (draft) beer, reasonably priced and tasty street food, plus live performances of rock, jazz and, of course, forró.

This arraiá is also spread across the weekend, from Friday, June 29th to Sunday, July 1st and is hosted by ‘Circuito Carioca de Feiras e Eventos’ who are gaining a reputation for putting on popular events in Urca. Come with an empty stomach and leave with a smile on your face!

What: Arraiá Gastronomico
When: Friday, June 29th, 4PM – Sunday, July 1st, 11PM
Where: Praça Gen. Tibúrcio, 83 – Urca
Entrance: Free; for more information, go to the event page.

Arraiá do Spanta (Lagoa)
This party will be hosted in the Parque dos Figueiras, in Lagoa, also with free admission. There will be music from the students of ‘Da Escola de Música Spanta Neném,’ (the School of Music Spanta Neném) plus lots of traditional games and fun activities.

There will also, of course, be a forró trio, plenty of food and drink and even a karaoke competition with prizes! The event organisers also promise many ‘casamentos na roça’ (the tradition of marrying two young people together in a fake wedding).

Spanning two days, Saturday, June 30th, and Sunday, July 1st, and taking place in the beautiful surroundings of Parque dos Figueiras, this is sure to be another lovely day out for all the family, with plenty of fun and surprises in store.

What: Arraiá do Spanta
When: Saturday, June 30th, Midday – 11PM; Sunday, July 1st, Midday – 11PM
Where: Parque das Figueiras – Lagoa
Entrance: Free; for more information, go to the event page.

Arraiá da FUNkeirona (Lapa)
This Friday, June 29th, the party organizers FUNkeirona will be transforming the Teatro Odisséia into a real arraiá to make their very own funk-infused ‘festa junina.’

The music will be dominated by Rio funk, pop and lots of hits, with a playful throwing in of some classic ‘junina’ songs. Be warned that the organizers are encouraging people to come in their traditional June outfits, which means checkered shirts and dresses, handkerchiefs and straw hats!

The whole of Teatro Odisséia will be decked out in traditional June bunting, plus there will be typical sweets on offer, games, free glitter and free shots of Catuaba. This is one for those who want to witness a ‘festa junina’ in true Carioca style.

What: Arraiá da FUNkeirona
When: Friday, June 29th, 11PM-5:30AM
Where: Teatro Odisséia, Avenida Mem de Sá 66 – Lapa
Entrance: R$10-R$30; for more information, go to the event page.