Party city Rio de Janeiro adds another blazing celebration during summer solstice, the annual June Bonfire Festivals. Honoring the three Saint’s Days in June, travelers can choose three days of sizzling festivities: June 13 (St. John), June 24 (St. Anthony), and June 29 (St. Peter) featuring numerous bonfires in squares and churches throughout the city.

In celebration of the Catholic dates honoring three saints, the June Bonfire Festivals are a folkloric tradition, right down to the period country-style costumes of the folk dancers in period costumes – although, like Rio Carnival, everyone enjoys dressing up. Couples also dress in mock wedding attire leaping over the flames of the bonfires.

On three separate evenings private homes and public venues through Rio center the June Bonfire Festivals on bonfires with performances of square dancing to the accordion and the enticing beat of traditional folk music.  The streets and squares are filled with stalls resembling village marketplaces with vendors serving food and drink, including the quentão, the local hot spiced wine.

What: June Bonfire Festivals
Where: Throughout Rio
When: June 13, 24 and 29, 2012

Recommended Hotel: Everest Rio Hotel