São João Festivals Draw Six-Figure Weekend Crowds as Galante District Kicks Off

Overview

• This weekend more than 100,000 people flowed through each main venue in Caruaru and Campina Grande, festival officials reported, closing gates at peak times because spaces reached capacity.
• Campina Grande's 43rd São João runs from June 3 to July 5 with free shows at the Parque do Povo, and organizers expect over 3.5 million visitors and economic movement above R$800 million.
• The Galante district program began on the weekend with 31 free attractions scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays through July 5, expanding the festival beyond the central Parque do Povo.
• Lineups mix traditional forró with nationally known artists including Henrique e Juliano, Pablo and others, a programming choice that has broadened audiences and drawn public discussion about genre balance.
• Authorities and organizers have reinforced security, crowd control and operational plans, and vendors, hotels and local workers are already seeing heightened tourism benefits as the multiweek festivals continue.