Public holidays in Brazil

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In Brazil, public holidays may be legislated at the federal, statewide and municipal levels. Most holidays are observed nationwide. [1]

Contents

Apart from the yearly official holidays (listed below), [2] [3] [4] the Constitution of Brazil also establishes that election days are to be considered national holidays as well. General elections are biennially held on the first Sunday of October in the first round, and on the last Sunday of October in the second round. Numerous religious and ethnic holidays are also celebrated in Brazil.

DateEnglish name Portuguese nameRemarks
January 1 New Year's Day Ano NovoCelebrates the beginning of the year. Festivities include counting down to midnight starting from the preceding night. It also signals the traditional end of the holiday season.
April 21 Tiradentes Day Dia de TiradentesAnniversary of the death of Tiradentes (1792), considered the national martyr for being part of the Inconfidência Mineira, an insurgent movement that aimed to establish an independent Brazilian republic.
May 1 Labour Day Dia do TrabalhoCelebrates the achievements of workers and the labour movement.
September 7 Independence Day Dia da IndependênciaCelebrates Brazil's declaration of independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822.
October 12 Our Lady of Aparecida Nossa Senhora AparecidaCommemorates the Virgin Mary as Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida , patron saint of Brazil.
November 2 All Souls' Day Dia de FinadosChristian holiday; it commemorates the faithful departed.
November 15 Republic Day Proclamação da RepúblicaCommemorates the end of the Empire of Brazil and the proclamation of the Brazilian Republic on November 15, 1889.
November 20 Black Consciousness Day Dia da Consciência NegraCelebrates the Black Consciousness Day in honor of Zumbi dos Palmares, born this day (year is uncertain).
December 25 Christmas Day NatalCelebrates the nativity of Jesus.

Secondary holidays

Regional holidays

Federal law gives each state the right to create one state holiday, and each municipality to create up to four municipal holidays. Some of the more notable ones are:

References

  1. "L9093". Presidência da República Casa Civil.
  2. "L0662". Presidência da República Casa Civil.
  3. "L6802". Presidência da República Casa Civil.
  4. "L10607". Presidência da República Casa Civil.

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