Brazilian holidays and celebrations every American should know

Updated October 18, 2026

Knowing Brazil's holidays helps you understand the culture, and makes for great conversations. Ask your Brazilian friends how they celebrate each one.

Carnaval

Brazil's most famous party, held in February or March (the dates change each year, before Lent). Rio has the samba school parades, Salvador and Recife have huge street parties, and almost every city has blocos: street parties with music and costumes. Many Brazilians also use the long holiday to travel or rest.

Festa Junina

June festivals celebrating Saint John and other saints, especially in the Northeast. Think country-style outfits, bonfires, square dancing (quadrilha), corn dishes, paçoca and mulled wine (quentão).

Réveillon (New Year's Eve)

Brazilians wear white for peace, and many jump seven waves at the beach for good luck. Copacabana beach in Rio hosts one of the biggest fireworks shows in the world.

Valentine's Day: different date!

Brazil's Dia dos Namorados is on June 12, not February 14, and it's just for couples. It's the eve of Saint Anthony's Day, the “matchmaker saint”.

Other dates

• Tiradentes — April 21, honoring a hero of Brazil's independence movement.
• Labor Day — May 1, like in most of the world.
• Independence Day — September 7, with parades.
• Nossa Senhora Aparecida — October 12, Brazil's patron saint. It's also Children's Day.
• Finados — November 2, when families visit cemeteries.
• Republic Day — November 15.
• Black Consciousness Day — November 20, a national holiday since 2024.
• Christmas — the big family dinner is usually on the night of December 24.

Your Brazilian friends will love to hear about Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July and Halloween in return. See also Brazilian foods to try.