Public holidays in Brazil


In Brazil, public holidays may be legislated at the federal, statewide and municipal levels. Most holidays are observed nationwide.
Apart from the yearly official holidays, 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 namePortuguese nameRemarks
January 1New Year's DayAno Novo / Confraternização UniversalCelebrates 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 21TiradentesDia de TiradentesAnniversary of considered the national martyr for being part of the Inconfidência Mineira, an insurgent movement that aimed to establish an independent Brazilian republic.
May 1Labour DayDia do Trabalhador / Dia do TrabalhoCelebrates the achievements of workers and the labour movement.
September 7Independence DayDia da IndependênciaCelebrates Brazil's declaration of independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822.
October 12Our Lady of AparecidaNossa Senhora AparecidaCommemorates the Virgin Mary as Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida, patron saint of Brazil.
November 2Day of the DeadDia de FinadosAnother Christian holiday; it commemorates the faithful departed.
November 15Republic Proclamation DayProclamação da RepúblicaCommemorates the end of the Empire of Brazil and the proclamation of the Brazilian Republic on November 15, 1889.
December 25ChristmasNatalCelebrates the nativity of Jesus.

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: