By Maíra Amorim, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO - In Brazil's winter months of June and July, folkloric events take place throughout the country. A tradition that began in Portugal, the festivals commemorate Saint John, Saint Peter and Saint Anthony. The associated rituals were brought to Brazil during colonial times, and have since become a veritable institution during the “cold” period of the year.
The party's roots in the Catholic Church are taken seriously by many Brazilians. Others just prefer to focus on the music, dance, food and costumes that come together to form the “festas juninas”. Also . . .