Public Holidays in Brazil
Complete list of official public holidays (feriados nacionais) in Brazil for , including all national holidays and major observances. Data sourced live from official government records.
Found … public holidays in Brazil for .
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About Public Holidays in Brazil
Brazil observes 12 national public holidays (feriados nacionais) established by federal law, along with numerous state and municipal holidays that vary by location. Brazilian holidays reflect the country's rich mix of Indigenous, European, and African heritage, as well as its strong Catholic tradition and dramatic political history.
The most internationally famous Brazilian celebration is Carnival (Carnaval) — which, despite being the world's largest carnival and effectively shutting down major Brazilian cities for 4 to 5 days, is not technically a national public holiday. Carnival takes place in the days leading up to and including Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday), the day before Ash Wednesday. While it is not legally mandated, most Brazilian businesses and government offices close for the Carnival period, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo.
Independence Day (Dia da Independência) on September 7 is one of Brazil's most important national holidays, commemorating the declaration of Brazilian independence from Portugal by Prince Pedro I in 1822. The day is marked by military parades, civic events, and celebrations across the country. Proclamation of the Republic Day (Proclamação da República) on November 15 marks the date in 1889 when the Brazilian Empire was replaced by a federal republic.
Tiradentes Day (Dia de Tiradentes) on April 21 honors Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes ("Tooth-puller"), a dentist and revolutionary who was executed in 1792 for leading an independence movement against Portuguese colonial rule. He is a national hero and symbol of Brazilian independence. Our Lady of Aparecida Day (Nossa Senhora Aparecida) on October 12 honors Brazil's patron saint, the Virgin of Aparecida, and is a major religious holiday reflecting Brazil's overwhelmingly Catholic culture.
Brazil's states and municipalities can declare additional local public holidays. São Paulo, for example, observes the anniversary of the city's founding (January 25) and the Constitutionalist Revolution (July 9). Rio de Janeiro has its own set of local holidays. Workers in Brazil are entitled to paid days off on national public holidays, and if required to work, are entitled to double pay or a compensatory day off.
Frequently Asked Questions — Brazil Holidays
How many public holidays does Brazil have?
Brazil has 12 national public holidays (feriados nacionais) established by federal law. These include New Year's Day, Tiradentes Day (April 21), Labour Day (May 1), Independence Day (September 7), Our Lady of Aparecida (October 12), All Souls' Day (November 2), Proclamation of the Republic (November 15), Christmas Day (December 25), plus moveable feasts: Carnival (Mon and Tue before Ash Wednesday), Good Friday, Corpus Christi. States and municipalities can add their own local holidays on top of these.
Is Carnival a public holiday in Brazil?
Carnival (Carnaval) is not an official national public holiday in Brazil — there is no federal law requiring employers to give the days off. However, in practice, Carnival is treated as a de facto holiday throughout Brazil. Most businesses, schools, banks, and government offices close for 4–5 days (typically the Saturday through Ash Wednesday). Some states and municipalities do officially declare Carnival Monday and Tuesday as local public holidays. The size and cultural significance of Carnival makes it effectively impossible to work normally in cities like Rio de Janeiro or Salvador during this period.
What is Tiradentes Day in Brazil?
Tiradentes Day (April 21) honors Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, nicknamed Tiradentes ("Tooth-puller") because he practiced dentistry. He was a colonial-era revolutionary who led the Inconfidência Mineira — an unsuccessful uprising against Portuguese colonial rule in the state of Minas Gerais in 1789. He was captured, tried for treason, and executed on April 21, 1792. Today he is revered as a martyr and national hero representing the struggle for Brazilian independence. The day is one of Brazil's most significant civic holidays.
When is Brazilian Independence Day?
Brazilian Independence Day is always on September 7. It commemorates the moment on September 7, 1822, when Prince Pedro I, on the banks of the Ipiranga River in São Paulo, declared Brazil's independence from Portugal — a moment known as the "Grito do Ipiranga" (Cry of Ipiranga). Brazil became an independent empire under Pedro I, and later transitioned to a republic in 1889. Independence Day is marked by military parades and civic celebrations across the country, with the largest parade held in Brasília attended by the President of Brazil.
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