January - New Year's Day

February - Carnival

February - Carnival

February - Carnival

February - Carnival

February - Carnival

February - Carnival end

March - Good Friday2

March - Easter

April - Tiradentes Day (revolutionary hero)

May - Labour Day

May - Corpus Christi

September - Independence Day

October - Holy Mary's Day

November - All Saints Day*

November - Remembrance Day

November - Proclamation of the Republic

December - Christmas Eve (half day)

December - Christmas Day

December - New Year's Eve (half day)

1. Although Carnival is only 5 days long officially, it may be difficult to do business during the whole of Lent due to the combination of Carnival and school holidays. Carnival closes down most of Brazil starting the evening of Friday before Ash Wednesday through Wednesday, which is officially a half holiday (opening time at noon). This is true for most places although any shop selling souvenirs, etc that attract tourists will probably be open at least part of the time. Banks close on Shrove Thursday.

2. Many businesses close altogether from Holy Thursday and it may be difficult to do business during the whole of Holy Week.

*All Saints Day is not an official holiday but may be taken, especially in villages.

** Local festas

You should know:

Jewish family businesses (mostly retail stores) sometimes also close for major Jewish feasts (notably Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur). Visitors from northern climes should remember that summer holidays are commonly taken between Christmas and Carnaval. This is the summer school holiday period.

Weekend Saturday,Sunday