On weekends in June, you can experience an authentic São João celebration amidst the historic heritage of São Paulo’s most charming hidden village: Vila Maria Zélia. Inaugurated in 1917, Brazil’s first workers’ village is the perfect setting to enjoy a traditional festival and feast on plenty of local cuisine.
Organized by the Friends of Vila Maria Zélia Society, the festival also offers visitors the opportunity to take a historical tour. Therefore, it’s a chance to explore the village and check out the localarchitecture, the church, the square, and even stroll through the old cobblestone streets.
What to expect from the Arraiá da Vila Maria Zélia?
The main highlight will be experiencing the festival in a hidden, little-known historic spot. But beyond that, the village will also be fully decked out in the festival spirit, with colorful flags, well-placed lighting, and plenty of June festival decorations.
Traditional festival games such as fishing, jumping games, the kissing booth, and everything else you’d expect are included in the schedule. The menu is traditional and extensive, with options ranging from curau, pamonha, pine nuts, and caldo verde to festival staples like fogazza, pizzas, and pastries.
In fact, visitors can look forward to the usual June festival treats, such as corn cake, green corn, popcorn, and other festive sweets. As for drinks, the main offerings will be winter beverages to help warm you up, such as quentão and mulled wine.
The proceeds from the food stalls will be used for the village’s maintenance and activities aimed at the local community.
All of this is accompanied by live performances by bands and artists playing sertanejo, forró, MPB, pop rock, and other genres. With such a wide variety of music, the goal is to attract all kinds of audiences. During the festival, there will also be quadrilha dance performances, keeping the authentic arraiá atmosphere alive.
It’s worth noting that on weekends when Brazil has a game, there will be a live broadcast on site for anyone who wants to dance around a bonfire while cheering on the team during the World Cup.
Get ready for the festivities!
Overall, the Vila Maria Zélia festival runs from June 6 to 28, every weekend of the month. On Saturdays, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Sundays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The village is located at Rua dos Prazeres, 362, in the Belenzinho neighborhood, in the eastern part of São Paulo.
Don’t worry! Admission is free every day of the festival, meaning you only pay for what you buy at the food stalls.
