Photo by Fernando Pavão

The 2024 edition of the Sanjoaninas kicks off today, June 21, and runs until Sunday, June 30.
With the theme “Angra: Your Name is Freedom,” the festivities celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution and mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the festival model as we know it today.
Formerly called Festas da Cidade, the transition to Sanjoaninas occurred the year democracy triumphed in our country.
Since then, few changes have occurred, and the model has prevailed.
Amélia Costa, an 18-year-old medical student, will be the queen of the 2024 edition.
When introducing the royal entourage, she stressed the importance of educating young people about freedom and democracy.
“April 25, 1974 was a fundamental moment of political change, of regime change. It’s important not only nationally, but also internationally. Everything that is happening in the world, the trend towards extreme positions, the loss of a sense of moderation and some of the fundamental characteristics of democracy, is something that should make us all think,” he said.
On its fiftieth anniversary, the São João festivities in Angra do Heroísmo beat the record for the number of marches down Rua da Sé.
A total of 42 adult marches are registered, 38 of which will parade on the night of the 23rd, including the Marcha from Tulare, Angra’s Sister City since 1966.

BAILÃO STAGE
On the festival’s first day, Portuguese rapper Piruka will perform on the Bailão stage, followed by DJ Rusty and Alves from Terceira.
The following day, June 22, the highlight is the pop band D.A.M.A, but before the main concert, the recent Terceira band Mundiverso will perform.
Entry to the venue is free on the night dedicated to the famous marches.
On St. John’s Day, June 24, the Bailão opens with Pedro Mafama, author of the song “preço certo,” and the night continues with Dupla Mete Cá Sets.
On the 25th, rapper Slow J performs; on the 26th, The Amy Winehouse Band pays tribute to the British singer.
Portuguese pop-rock band the Delfins celebrate their 40-year career and take to the Bailão stage on June 27. This will be followed by a performance by DJ Fifty.
On the 28th, before Blaya’s concert, Maria Areia and her father Zé, the duo who participated in the Got Talent program, will make their debut on the Sanjoaninas stage.
On the last day, June 29, Mickael Carreira will be the musician. The night continues with DJ Menasso and the sounds of the 2000s.

Photo by Fernando Pavão

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.