Carnaval
Carnaval in Sao Luis is very unique with parades of organized groups and traditional costumes such as the Cruz-Diabo, Urso and Fofão. The most traditional groups are the blocos de índios, grupos de cultura afro, escolas de samba, bandinhas and charangas.

São João
It is Maranhao's most popular celebration and undoubtedly one of largest celebrations in Brazil. It starts June 13, the day of Santo Antonio followed by Sao Joao on the 24, Sao Pedro on the 29, and Sao Marcal on the 29. During that time, hundreds of celebrations occur simultaneously at gathering places called the arraiais. It is the period of bumba-meu-boi, quadrilhas, tambor-de-crioula and cacuriá. A special celebration takes place at Sao Pedro's day, when dozens of bumba-meu-boi groups converge to a little chuch called Capela de Sao Pedro in the neighborhood of Madre Deus to honor the saint.