The name  comes from the word forrobodó, which means “commotion” or “great party”.

Forró is a popular dance in Brazil: basically every Brazilian knows the basic steps. The dance plays a big part during the annual Festa Junina (June Fest), a traditional party in honour of a number of saints.

 

Instruments that are originally used in the forró music are accordion, triangle and zabumba, a big drum.

 

The couple often dances close together in forró. The dance also involves a lot of improvisation. There are several rhythms, like the slow xote, baião and the fast arrasta-pé. Forró has a large variation of steps, that are different in every part of the country.