Brazil Public
Holidays 2026
A comprehensive guide to all nationally recognized public holidays (feriados nacionais) across Brazil’s 26 states and Federal District, featuring the spectacular Carnival celebration.
2026 Brazil National HolidaysFeriados Nacionais
| # | Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 – January to March | ||||
| 1 | New Year’s Day Confraternização Universal | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | – |
| 2 | Carnival Carnaval | February 16-17, 2026 | Mon-Tue | Nationwide observance |
| Q2 – April to June | ||||
| 3 | Good Friday Sexta-feira Santa | April 3, 2026 | Friday | – |
| 4 | Tiradentes Day Dia de Tiradentes | April 21, 2026 | Tuesday | – |
| 5 | Labour Day Dia do Trabalho | May 1, 2026 | Friday | – |
| 6 | Corpus Christi | June 4, 2026 | Thursday | – |
| Q3 – July to September | ||||
| 7 | Independence Day Independência do Brasil | September 7, 2026 | Monday | – |
| Q4 – October to December | ||||
| 8 | Our Lady of Aparecida Nossa Senhora Aparecida | October 12, 2026 | Monday | – |
| 9 | All Souls’ Day Finados | November 2, 2026 | Monday | – |
| 10 | Republic Proclamation Day Proclamação da República | November 15, 2026 | Sunday | – |
| 11 | Black Consciousness Day Dia da Consciência Negra | November 20, 2026 | Friday | – |
| 12 | Christmas Day Natal | December 25, 2026 | Friday | – |
New Year’s Day
Confraternização Universal
The first day of the year is celebrated with fireworks displays at famous beaches like Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, where millions gather dressed in white for good luck. Brazilians celebrate with music, parties, and offerings to Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea.
CelebrationCarnival
Carnaval
Brazil’s most spectacular celebration, featuring world-famous parades, samba schools, street parties (blocos), and elaborate costumes. Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome hosts the main parades from February 13-21, with the Special Group parades on February 15-17. While not an official federal holiday, Carnival is observed nationwide with most businesses closed.
Major FestivalGood Friday
Sexta-feira Santa
A solemn Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Brazilians observe with religious processions, church services, and traditional fish-based meals. Many cities host elaborate passion plays reenacting the final hours of Christ.
ReligiousTiradentes Day
Dia de Tiradentes
Honors Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes (Tooth Puller), a national hero who led the first major movement for Brazilian independence in 1789. He was executed on April 21, 1792, and is celebrated as a martyr for Brazilian freedom.
National HeroLabour Day
Dia do Trabalho
Celebrates workers and the labor movement, recognizing the achievements and rights of Brazilian workers. Trade unions organize events, and many workers enjoy a day of rest with family gatherings and celebrations.
Workers’ RightsCorpus Christi
A Catholic feast celebrating the Eucharist. Brazilian cities create elaborate street carpets (tapetes) made from colored sawdust, flowers, and religious symbols. Processions walk over these beautiful artworks.
ReligiousIndependence Day
Independência do Brasil
Brazil’s National Day commemorates independence from Portugal, declared by Dom Pedro I on September 7, 1822, with the famous “Cry of Ipiranga.” Celebrated with military parades, patriotic displays, and civic ceremonies across the country. The main parade takes place in Brasília with the President in attendance.
National DayOur Lady of Aparecida
Nossa Senhora Aparecida
Brazil’s patron saint day, honoring Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida. Millions of pilgrims visit the Basilica of the National Shrine in Aparecida, São Paulo, one of the world’s largest Marian shrines. Also celebrated as Children’s Day in Brazil.
Patron SaintAll Souls’ Day
Finados
A day to remember and honor deceased loved ones. Families visit cemeteries to clean graves, leave flowers, and light candles. Catholic masses are held in memory of the departed.
RemembranceRepublic Proclamation
Proclamação da República
Commemorates the proclamation of the Brazilian Republic on November 15, 1889, when the monarchy was overthrown and Brazil became a federal republic.
Republic DayBlack Consciousness Day
Dia da Consciência Negra
Honors Zumbi dos Palmares, leader of the Quilombo dos Palmares, and celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture and heritage. The date marks the anniversary of Zumbi’s death in 1695. Promotes reflection on racial equality and the African contribution to Brazilian society.
Cultural HeritageChristmas Day
Natal
Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with midnight Mass (Missa do Galo), family gatherings, festive meals featuring turkey, ham, and rabanada (Brazilian French toast), and gift exchanges. Despite summer weather, Brazilians embrace Christmas traditions with decorated trees and Santa Claus.
ReligiousFederal vs. Optional Holidays
Brazil distinguishes between mandatory federal holidays (feriados nacionais) and optional observances (pontos facultativos).
- 12 official national holidays listed above
- Carnival is an optional holiday but universally observed
- Corpus Christi is optional but widely celebrated
- Some municipalities declare additional local holidays
Carnival 2026 Details
Brazil’s largest celebration features the world-famous Rio Carnival with samba school competitions in the Sambadrome.
- Festival Period: February 13-21, 2026
- Main Parades: February 15-17 (Special Group)
- Champion’s Parade: February 21, 2026
- Over 1 million visitors expected in Rio de Janeiro
2026 Long Weekends
Several holidays create extended breaks perfect for travel and family time.
- Carnival: February 16-17 (Monday-Tuesday)
- May 1: Labour Day (Friday)
- September 7: Independence Day (Monday)
- October 12: Our Lady of Aparecida (Monday)
- November 2: All Souls’ Day (Monday)
- November 20: Black Consciousness Day (Friday)
- December 25: Christmas Day (Friday)
Regional Variations
States and municipalities may declare additional local holidays beyond the national calendar.
- Each state can establish up to 3 additional holidays
- Municipalities can add 4 more local holidays
- Common local holidays include city founding dates
- Black Consciousness Day mandatory in some states
