Arraiá d'Ajuda 2026 Festival to Draw Thousands in Nova Iguaçu, Brazil

The Arraiá d'Ajuda 2026 cultural and charitable festival will take place from August 7 to 9, 2026 in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro state. The event is set on the former Rio Sampa parking lot along the Rodovia Presidente Dutra, heading toward São Paulo, and organizers expect thousands of visitors.

Running for more than three decades, the festival combines traditional Brazilian June festivities—quadrilhas, forró, regional music and dance—with a strong social mission. About 200 volunteers will run the event, and 100 % of the proceeds are earmarked for projects of the Patronato São Vicente, which supports hundreds of children, adolescents and families through education, social assistance, productive inclusion and professional training.

The 2026 program features performances by groups such as Quadrilha Dragão de Fogo, Forró Sal Trio, Trio Baião Lunar, singer Rafael Angello, the tribute to Marília Mendonça by Leila Dinah, and a finale with Banda Sobre as Ondas and the young sertanejo duo Ricardo & Manoel, among others.