Brazil is a country bursting with culture, religious devotion, and festive spirit. With deep Catholic roots, many national and regional holidays reflect centuries-old religious traditions and community celebrations. Whether you’re planning a visit or living in Brazil, this guide will help you understand the rhythm of the Brazilian calendar and how to prepare for each event.
Below is a complete list of Brazil’s national holidays and widely celebrated Catholic holidays, including their meaning, celebrations, and helpful affiliate product tips for travelers and expats.
📅 January 1 – New Year’s Day (Ano Novo / Confraternização Universal)
Significance: Marks the start of a new year and celebrates peace and unity.
Celebration: White clothing, fireworks, flower offerings to Iemanjá on beaches (especially in Rio).
Travel Tip:
Stay organized and safe with a Portable Door Lock and Travel Money Belt.
📅 February/March – Carnival (Carnaval)
Significance: Celebrated before Lent, it’s rooted in Catholicism but known for joyful excess before fasting.
Celebration: Samba parades, blocos (street parties), costumes, and massive public gatherings across the country.
Travel Tip:
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Stay charged with a Portable Charger (40800mAh)
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Track your valuables with Apple AirTags (4-pack)
📅 March/April – Ash Wednesday (Quarta-feira de Cinzas)
Significance: Begins Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter.
Celebration: Attending Mass, receiving ashes on the forehead, quiet reflection after Carnival festivities.
Note: While not a public holiday, many businesses open late or close.
📅 March/April – Good Friday (Sexta-feira Santa)
Significance: Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Celebration: Somber Mass, fasting, and passion plays. Churches are filled, and many towns host dramatic reenactments.
📅 March/April – Easter Sunday (Domingo de Páscoa)
Significance: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Celebration: Mass, family feasts, and chocolate eggs for children.
Tip: Brazil has its own chocolate egg traditions sold in supermarkets—expect lines!
📅 April 21 – Tiradentes Day (Dia de Tiradentes)
Significance: Honors a national martyr who led the fight for independence.
Celebration: Patriotic speeches and military parades. Schools and public offices are closed.
📅 May 1 – Labor Day (Dia do Trabalhador)
Significance: Honors workers’ rights and labor movements.
Celebration: Parades, rallies, and a national day off.
📅 May – Our Lady of Fatima (Nossa Senhora de Fátima) – [Observed on May 13]
Significance: Commemorates the Marian apparitions in Portugal in 1917.
Celebration: Masses, processions, and prayers across Catholic communities.
📅 June – Corpus Christi
Significance: Celebrates the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Celebration: Streets decorated with colorful carpets made of sawdust, flowers, and food. Mass and processions follow.
📅 June 13 – Feast of Saint Anthony (Dia de Santo Antônio)
Significance: Honors Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriages.
Celebration: Masses, prayers for love, and traditional Festas Juninas with bonfires, food, and forró music.
📅 June 24 – Feast of Saint John (São João)
Significance: Celebrates John the Baptist.
Celebration: Part of Festas Juninas, marked by fireworks, rural-themed dances, and hearty foods like corn cakes and canjica.
📅 June 29 – Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (São Pedro e São Paulo)
Significance: Celebrates the two great apostles of the Church.
Celebration: Church festivals, processions, and final events of the Festas Juninas season.
📅 September 7 – Independence Day (Dia da Independência)
Significance: Celebrates Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822.
Celebration: Military parades, flag-raising, and public celebrations.
Travel Tip:
Protect your tech in busy crowds with an Anti-Theft Backpack.
📅 October 12 – Our Lady of Aparecida (Nossa Senhora Aparecida)
Significance: Honors Brazil’s patron saint, Our Lady of Aparecida.
Celebration: Major pilgrimages to Aparecida (São Paulo state), large-scale masses, and nationwide church celebrations.
Travel Tip:
Visit Brazil’s largest cathedral in Aparecida. Book early with Trip.com.
📅 October 12 – Children’s Day (Dia das Crianças)
Significance: Coincides with Our Lady of Aparecida and is a day to celebrate children.
Celebration: Gifts for kids, family outings, and school performances.
📅 November 2 – All Souls’ Day (Dia de Finados)
Significance: A solemn day honoring deceased loved ones.
Celebration: Visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, leaving flowers, and attending memorial Masses.
📅 November 15 – Republic Day (Proclamação da República)
Significance: Marks Brazil’s transition from monarchy to republic in 1889.
Celebration: Official speeches, school events, and public ceremonies.
📅 December 25 – Christmas Day (Natal)
Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Celebration: Midnight Mass (Missa do Galo), nativity scenes, Christmas dinner, and gift giving.
Travel Tip:
Secure your accommodation with Yale Assure Lock 2 for a worry-free holiday.
🗓️ Other Notable Observances
| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Sunday in May | Mother’s Day (Dia das Mães) | Observance |
| 2nd Sunday in August | Father’s Day (Dia dos Pais) | Observance |
| June (all month) | Festas Juninas | Cultural & Religious |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve | Widely celebrated, partial day off in many businesses |
| December 31 | New Year’s Eve (Réveillon) | Major national celebration |
✈️ Essential Travel Tools for Brazil
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Trip.com – Book flights, hotels, and experiences
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Remitly – Fast money transfers to Brazil
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Crypto.com Visa Card – Spend your USD in BRL
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NordVPN – Protect your online privacy while abroad
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GoPro Hero 13 – Capture Carnival and Festas Juninas in HD
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