Brazil has an international reputation for its show-stopping events and with the World Cup approaching, here are some of the annual highlights from Brazil.
Reveillon
Best spent on Copacabana Beach, these New Year’s celebrations are among the most spectacular in the world. Fireworks launched from boats just off the beach illuminate the millions of people gathered. This is followed by singing, drinking and dancing into the small hours – a once in a lifetime experience.
Carnival
Held between the Friday and the Tuesday leading up to Ash Wednesday, marking the end of Lent, this Carnival is like nothing else in the world. In the bigger cities such like Rio and Sao Paulo, large public processions are organised by samba schools in the area. These spectacular parades are a riot of colour, dance and music, drawing massive crowds not just from Brazil, but around the world.
Semana Santa
With the largest Catholic population in the world, this is a week of holy processions, seeing family and visiting traditional Catholic sites. Since this is a public holiday, many locals use it as an opportunity to travel to beaches and make the most of the fantastic weather. Other spiritual events such as a special Mass on Easter Sunday which often includes a decoration of the streets, and a procession called ‘the Descent of the Cross’.
Football matches
The Brazil national football team is the only team to have qualified for every World Cup competition ever held. Football is taken very seriously in Brazil – with the whole country effectively shutting down in order to watch games. Banks even close three hours prior to games starting in order to give their workers time to get ready for the match. The atmosphere at a home game is unforgettable.
Feast Day of Our Lady Aparecida
‘Our Lady Aparecida’ itself is a clay statue representing the Virgin Mary in the Catholic tradition. Held on the same day as the foundation of Brazil itself (12th October 1822), the Feast Day is a national holiday in Brazil. Our Lady Aparecida is recognised as the patroness of Brazil and the holiday is also colloquially known as ‘Children’s Day’.
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