Paraíba Junino 2026 launches in João Pessoa with 30 quadrilha teams

The 23rd Paraíba Junino festival began on Monday, 15 June, at the arena built in the Busto de Tamandaré area of João Pessoa. Organized by the Fundação Cultural de João Pessoa (Funjope), the Liga das Quadrilhas Juninas de João Pessoa (LiquajuJP) and the Federação das Quadrilhas Juninas do Nordeste (Fequajune), the event will showcase 30 quadrilha groups from 15 to 19 June.

Mayor Leo Bezerra opened the celebration, saying, “João Pessoa tem São João, tem forró e, claro, a festa das quadrilhas juninas.” Prize money for the top five teams is R$ 15 000, R$ 13 000, R$ 11 000, R$ 9 000 and R$ 7 000, with a R$ 3 000 grant for the remaining participants. The winning group will represent Paraíba at the national Confebrac competition in Canaã dos Carajás (11‑12 July) and has guaranteed slots in the Globo Nordestão in Recife (21 June) and the Unej Nordestão in Maranhão (25‑26 July).

Security is coordinated by the municipal and state governments, involving the Police, Municipal Guard, Fire Department, SAMU and other agencies to ensure safe attendance throughout the festival.