Part of Brazilian folklore, June bonfire festivals occur at squares, clubs, schools and churches with a mock country wedding by light of bonfires. These festivals center on feasts of St. Anthony (June 13), St. John (June 24) and St. Peter (June 29).

This is a New World twist on an old European tradition. In Mediterranean countries, the Fiesta de San Juan (Saint John) falls on the summer solstice, and is celebrated with bonfires. The party city of Rio extends this June festival to include Saint Anthony and Saint Peter as well.

On three separate evenings, in private homes and clubs right across Rio, in the streets, squares and public places, stalls are set out to resemble village market places and are decorated with streamers and lanterns.

Against the glow of bonfires there is much dancing, eating and drinking. In mock weddings, couples follow the old tradition of leaping the flames. All this takes place against a fairly continuous crackle and flash of fireworks.

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