The Government of the State of Bahia has announced that the traditional São João do Parque de Exposições will not take place this year. The decision was confirmed on Friday (8) by the Superintendência de Fomento ao Turismo (Sufotur), the Secretaria de Turismo da Bahia (Setur-BA), and the Secretaria de Cultura do Estado da Bahia (Secult-BA).
A Shift Toward Decentralization
According to a note from Sufotur, the primary objective of this change is to bring the São João celebrations closer to local neighborhoods. This strategic shift aims to reduce the need for residents to travel across the city to attend festivities.
“The proposal provides for the decentralization of actions in Salvador, promoting the valuation of local commerce, the strengthening of popular culture and greater public participation, without the need for displacements to other points of the city,” the comunicado stated.
Confirmed Locations and Regional Impact
The state-promoted São João da Bahia will now be held in several neighborhoods, including Pelourinho, Paripe, Periperi, Nordeste de Amaralina, and Itapuã. State officials indicated that additional locations may be announced in the near future.
Beyond the capital, the government’s planning intends to increase support for celebrations throughout the interior of Bahia. This effort is designed to consolidate June traditions within various municipalities while stimulating local tourism, economy, and culture.
As the event date approaches, the administration could release further details regarding the specific programming for each neighborhood and the expanded support for interior municipalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the São João do Parque de Exposições happen in 2026?
No, the Government of the State of Bahia has informed that the event will not take place at the Parque de Exposições this year.
Which neighborhoods in Salvador will host the celebrations?
The festivities will take place in Pelourinho, Paripe, Periperi, Nordeste de Amaralina, and Itapuã, with other locations expected to be disclosed soon.
Is there a requirement for the type of music performed?
Yes, the 2026 agreement with city halls determines that at least 25% of the funds for artistic hiring must be dedicated to traditional forró and its subgenres.
Do you think decentralizing major cultural festivals helps better support local neighborhood economies?
