On Friday, June 13, 2025, the date on which Saint Anthony is honored in Brazil, BIREME held its traditional June Festival, bringing together employees and colleagues from PAHO Headquarters and member countries in an atmosphere marked by hospitality and appreciation of Brazilian culture.
Throughout the month, the June Festivals enliven the country, and at BIREME, the gathering was marked by the sharing of typical foods that were carefully prepared by the team, such as canjica, cornmeal cake, paƧoca, and other sweets and savory snacks, providing a unique and relaxed experience, connecting everyone in recognition of the collective achievement.
The event took on special significance as it marked the end of a particularly intense week of activities, reflecting the dynamism and leadership of the Center and its team in carrying out strategic events and activities. Check out the activities that took place:
- Regional consultation on prioritizing research in Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) (June 11 and 12, 2025)
- Presentation and collection of contributions for the strengthened development of the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library (WHO TMGL) (June 12, 2025)
- Visits to the Reference Center for Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (CRPICS) at Bosque da SaĆŗde (June 10, 2025) and the Aldeia JaraguĆ” Basic Indigenous Health Unit at Pico do JaraguĆ”, SĆ£o Paulo (June 13, 2025)
- Inauguration of the updated panel in the entrance hall of BIREME with elements of the Center’s trajectory and history in promoting access to scientific health information ā more information coming soon.
Amidst this intense institutional agenda, the June Festival provided a moment of respite and integration. The relaxed atmosphere allowed us to appreciate the popular traditions deeply rooted in Brazil, which honor Saint Anthony (June 13), Saint John (June 24), and Saint Peter (June 29), promoting not only religious manifestations but also cultural encounters with typical cuisine, music, and dances.
These celebrations exalt values such as solidarity, diversity, and a sense of community, principles that also permeate BIREME’s mission to promote health equity through access to and use of information. Thus, BIREME’s 2025 Festa Junina not only revived a tradition eagerly awaited by the teams but also symbolized the end of a week of great achievements, renewing energy for new challenges.