Public holidays in Brazil

Non-floating holidays

Non-statutory holidays are written in gray.

Moving Holidays in Brazil

Spectacular Carnival

The world's most famous carnival takes place in Rio de Janeiro — on a scale that can hardly be imagined. Thus, the time frame also goes considerably beyond that from Rose Monday to Ash Wednesday. In some cases, not only the preparations but also the festivities begin weeks beforehand, and in Olinda and Porto, the dancing even continues a few days later. The festival is not celebrated in the same way everywhere.

The spectacular parades with samba dancing are almost only in Rio and São Paulo. Elsewhere, people dance to afoxé, axé, frevo and maracatu, according to regional customs. The folkloric costumes with extensive feather adornments are also more common in the north, while in the south, people mainly wear local costumes. Carnival originated with the Portuguese, who brought it with them in the 17th century. Samba music, on the other hand, originated in Africa and spread throughout the country after the end of slavery.

Winter Solstice - São João

Brazilians also like to celebrate extensively away from Carnival. The second most important festival is "São João" — the winter solstice on St. John's Day, which takes place in the southern hemisphere around June 21. Since the date also regularly coincides with the corn harvest, numerous corn dishes are grilled on open St. John's Day fires in northeastern Brazil. Public dances are also held in many other regions. Although St. John's Day is a high festival of the Catholic Church, this day is not a public holiday here.