New Year’s Day (Confraternização Universal, January 1) opens Brazil’s year with family lunches, music on the beach and, in many cities, a continuation of the New Year’s Eve celebrations from the night before. In coastal areas people greet the sea, wear white for peace, and make small offerings - a reflection of Brazil’s blend of Catholic and Afro-Brazilian traditions.

Carnival (Carnaval, date varies) is Brazil’s most iconic celebration - days of parades, blocos (street parties), samba schools, costumes and joy before Lent. Carnival Monday and Tuesday are ponto facultativo (optional days off) for the public sector and widely observed nationwide, but they are not statutory holidays for private employers unless local law or collective agreements apply. Rio, Salvador, Recife and Olinda each have their own Carnival style, from samba parades to frevo and axé.

Carnival (Carnaval, date varies) is Brazil’s most iconic celebration - days of parades, blocos (street parties), samba schools, costumes and joy before Lent. Carnival Monday and Tuesday are ponto facultativo (optional days off) for the public sector and widely observed nationwide, but they are not statutory holidays for private employers unless local law or collective agreements apply. Rio, Salvador, Recife and Olinda each have their own Carnival style, from samba parades to frevo and axé.

Ash Wednesday (Quarta-feira de Cinzas, date varies) marks the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent. It is a ponto facultativo until 2:00 PM, so many public services and banks resume only in the afternoon. The mood shifts from festivity to reflection, and for many Brazilians it is also the day to recover from Carnival.

Tiradentes Day (Dia de Tiradentes, April 21) honors Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes, a martyr of the Inconfidência Mineira, an 18th-century independence movement in Minas Gerais. He is remembered as a symbol of resistance, republican ideals and the struggle for Brazilian autonomy.

Good Friday (Sexta-feira Santa, date varies) is widely observed across Brazil with church services, processions and quiet family meals. Many Brazilians eat fish or seafood instead of meat on this day. In some cities, theatrical reenactments of the Passion of Christ attract large crowds.

Labour Day (Dia do Trabalhador, May 1) celebrates Brazilian workers and trade-union movements. Public events, concerts and political speeches are common, especially in São Paulo. For many families it is also a day to rest, barbecue and enjoy the autumn weather.

Corpus Christi (date varies) is a Catholic feast with strong visual traditions in Brazil. Many cities create long, colorful carpets on the streets using sawdust, sand and flowers, over which the religious procession passes. Federally it is a ponto facultativo, while it is a statutory public holiday in São Paulo (city) and in Rio de Janeiro (state).

Independence Day (Independência do Brasil, September 7) commemorates Dom Pedro I’s 1822 proclamation of independence on the banks of the Ipiranga River. Military parades, civic ceremonies and school activities take place across the country. In Brasília, the official parade highlights the armed forces and national symbols.

Our Lady of Aparecida (Nossa Senhora Aparecida, October 12) is Brazil’s national patron saint day - and, coincidentally, also Children’s Day. Pilgrims travel to the shrine in Aparecida (São Paulo state), while families celebrate children with gifts and outings. It is one of Brazil’s most beloved holidays, uniting faith, family and childhood.

This is a public holiday in Brazil.

All Souls’ Day (Dia de Finados, November 2) is a day of remembrance for loved ones who have passed away. Brazilians visit cemeteries, bring flowers and pray. It is a quiet, reflective holiday in contrast to Brazil’s more festive dates.

Proclamation of the Republic (Proclamação da República, November 15) marks the 1889 overthrow of the monarchy and the birth of the Brazilian Republic. Official ceremonies recall the transition from imperial Brazil to a republican system. For many people it also creates a November holiday cluster together with Finados and, in some places, Black Consciousness Day.

Black Consciousness Day (Dia da Consciência Negra, November 20) honors Afro-Brazilian history, the struggle against slavery and the legacy of Zumbi dos Palmares. It is a national public holiday in Brazil since 2024, with cultural events, debates and performances celebrating Black identity and calling for racial equality.

Christmas Day (Natal, December 25) in Brazil is warm, family-centered and influenced by both European and tropical traditions. Families gather on Christmas Eve, exchange gifts at midnight and enjoy dishes like bacalhau, turkey, farofa and panettone. Churches hold Christmas Mass, and cities such as Gramado and Curitiba prepare elaborate Christmas decorations.

Christmas Day (Natal, December 25) in Brazil is warm, family-centered and influenced by both European and tropical traditions. Families gather on Christmas Eve, exchange gifts at midnight and enjoy dishes like bacalhau, turkey, farofa and panettone. Churches hold Christmas Mass, and cities such as Gramado and Curitiba prepare elaborate Christmas decorations.

New Year’s Day (Confraternização Universal, January 1) opens Brazil’s year with family lunches, music on the beach and, in many cities, a continuation of the New Year’s Eve celebrations from the night before. In coastal areas people greet the sea, wear white for peace, and make small offerings - a reflection of Brazil’s blend of Catholic and Afro-Brazilian traditions.