Bahia allocates over R$615 million for São João concerts amid massive festival crowds

The São João celebrations in Bahia are drawing both large audiences and significant public expenditure. In Salvador, singer João Gomes performed at the Climinha de São João, delivering a sold‑out show that featured his “Pé de Serrita” project and attracted thousands of fans to a traditional forró‑styled festivity.

A Ministry of Public transparency panel reveals that municipalities throughout the state have already committed more than R$615 million to artist fees for the 2026 São João events. The data, covering 410 municipalities, records 4,393 performances by 2,115 artists across 417 municipalities, with 382 cities confirming festival programs and 28 opting out. The panel aims to let citizens and oversight bodies monitor how public funds are used for the June festivities.