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The São João Festival is commemorated throughout the state with bonfires, fireworks, Forró music and square dancing as well as copious amounts of liquors and local delicacies. The devotion to all three saints was introduced to Bahia by Portuguese Jesuit priests during the colonial period. These lively celebrations are still enjoyed today. A popular saying says that "Christmas is best celebrated at home and São João is best in the corral," in other words, best in the interior of the state, where thousands of people go to take advantage of the festivities. The São João Festival in Cachoeira is perhaps one of the most traditional with Forró music and 3-person bands called trios, typical of the Brazilian Northeast. There is also an open market at the Port where liquor and local fare are sold. In the Chapada Diamantina the São João Festival in Mucugê is worth a mention, as he is the town's patron saint. The exciting "war of the swords" - a type of fireworks - attracts tourists to the São João festivals in Cruz das Almas and Senhor do Bonfim.
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