june 24th - saint john's day (dia de são joão) is a religious holiday celebrating the birth of saint john the baptist.

according to the bible, st. john, jesus christ's cousin, was born six months before and thus the roman catholic church selected the date of june 24th to mark this, but also to 'christianize' the pagan celebrations of the summer solstice.

in brazil, it is one of many religious feast days celebrated in the month of june (festa junica), which starts with the feast of saint anthony on the 13th and finishes with the feast of saint peter on the 29th.

in particular, saint john's day is celebrated with the lighting of bon fires, an ancient tradition.