Campina Grande

Campina Grande lies 135 kilometres from João Pessoa. In June, it competes with João Pessoa for the largest number of visitors. More than 300 marching bands come to the city in this festive period, making what the locals call "the best São João festival in the world”.

Until 1986, the Catholic Saints São João, Santo Antônio and São Pedro had their own festivals. However, when the Parque Do Povo complex was constructed, the celebration of these saints became a big local event. It is a carefully planned festival and has seen a growing number of national and international visitors over the years.

The Expresso do Forró train journey is one of the festival’s highlights. It takes place on the weekend and takes passengers from Estação Velha, in Campina Grande, to the Galante district.

The journey there and back is by an old train covered in traditional Junina Festival decorations. Every carriage on the train has its own three-person forró band, composed of an accordion, guitar and percussion. On arriving at Galante, passengers are greeted by marching bands and can enjoy the spectacle and irresistible sounds from pavilions where typical food and drinks are served.