Festa Junina (June Festival) starts off with the celebration of Saint Anthony that commences on June 11 until June 13 when Bahians celebrate at the Santo Antônio Place at the far end of the Pelourinho neighborhood. This saint became very popular to women because he is considered to be be the “matchmaker” patron saint between men and women. People attend church services, follow street processions, and distribute bread to the poor. Around Santo Antônio Place, vendors sell typical Bahian food and musical performers add to the celebration. In Bahia, Saint Anthony is syncretized with the orixá Ogum, the orixá of iron, metalwork, technology, and war and also known as the one who clears pathways and removes obstacles. On this day feijoada, the favorite dish of Ogum, is offered with other offerings to ask for another year of protection against the ills of the world and to remove all obstacles along life’s paths. Ogum is respectfully greeted with shouts of “Ogunhê!”
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