The "Maior São João do Mundo" festival is currently drawing thousands of visitors to Parque do Povo in Campina Grande, Paraíba.

This event serves as a critical driver for the regional economy by leveraging cultural tourism to sustain local businesses and preserve traditional folklore. The festival transforms the city into a global hub for forró music and junina traditions during the month of June.

Organizers have scheduled the 2026 edition to last between 33 [3] and 38 [4] days. The event's scale is reflected in its historical attendance; previous data indicates the city has hosted 3.5 million people [1] within a single month of celebration.

Musician Dominguinho opened the programming for the current festivities. "It is an honor to open the Maior São João do Mundo and bring the energy of forró to all of Brazil," Dominguinho said.

The festival's center, Parque do Povo, recently marked its 40th anniversary as a cultural symbol for the city. A spokesperson for the Parque do Povo communications office said the venue transforms into a large stage of culture that receives thousands of visitors every year.

The financial impact of the celebration is substantial. An economist from the Paraíba Tourism Secretariat said the 2026 edition is expected to generate approximately R$ 740 million [2] for the local economy.

This economic surge is driven by the influx of tourists who fill hotels, restaurants, and local craft markets. The festival remains the primary cultural event for the state of Paraíba, blending religious heritage with commercial growth.

“"It is an honor to open the Maior São João do Mundo and bring the energy of forró to all of Brazil."”

The scale of the Maior São João do Mundo demonstrates how traditional cultural festivals can be scaled into massive economic engines for interior cities. By attracting millions of visitors, Campina Grande shifts from a regional center to a national tourism destination, though the discrepancy in attendance and duration reporting suggests the event's sheer size often challenges precise statistical tracking.