The 2025 Brazilian Holiday Calendar offers exciting opportunities for workers eager for extended leisure time. Brazil will have four long holidays—or "feriadões"—in 2025, as revealed in the recently published calendar by the Diário Oficial da União.
The first extended break will occur over the weekend of Good Friday on April 18, followed closely by Tiradentes Day, which falls on Monday, April 21. This sequence will provide workers with four consecutive days off, perfect for relaxation or travel.
Three other holidays fall on Thursdays, allowing for optional extensions if the employer permits taking Friday off. These days are the internationally recognized Labor Day on May 1, Black Awareness Day on November 20, and Christmas on December 25. With Labor Day, for example, many employees could enjoy another long weekend combined with the Friday following.
While many celebrate Carnaval as part of Brazil's rich culture, it does not legally grant time off for workers—this celebration on March 3 and 4, marked as optional days off, means each company decides how to approach these dates.
Alongside national holidays, state and local municipalities often have specific holidays worth noting. For example, cities like Brasília, Salvador, Manaus, and Porto Alegre all observe their unique holidays, making it important for residents to check local calendars.
For those who like to plan their getaways well in advance, the holidays of 2025 are the ideal time to secure trips. "To make the most of the extended holidays, advance planning is key," noted the Brasileiro Trabalhador portal. Taking time to organize leave from work and secure bookings early can go a long way.
With airlines like LATAM stepping up service for holiday travel, this year's trips may be even easier to navigate. LATAM announced it will boost its domestic flight operations with 76 additional flights to accommodate increased demand during holidays, providing over 13,000 extra seats for travel during peak periods such as Easter, Labor Day, and Corpus Christi.
The Páscoa and Tiradentes holiday period—scheduled for April 17 to 21—will see 16 extra flights from São Paulo to various destinations including Florianópolis and Porto Seguro. Similarly, Labor Day will enjoy increased traffic with 28 extra flights scheduled from April 30 to May 3.
Travelers are encouraged to book early, as LATAM anticipates high demand, potentially leading to sold-out seats. The airline's expansion of services reflects anticipated growth within Brazil's travel sector, attributing success to increased fleet size and recovery from pandemic disruptions.
While discussing holidays, the lesser-known São José holiday, celebrated on March 19, surfaced as significant too. A day dedicated to the patron of workers, it’s primarily observed in specific states like Ceará and Amapá but can also be celebrated elsewhere. It is marked by local culture, often featuring religious practices and community gatherings.
Planning how to take advantage of such holidays can make for memorable experiences across Brazil, whether relaxing at home, visiting family, or enjoying short vacations. A wise choice would be to look up local celebrations and events tied to these periods.
From the joy of family gatherings to opportunities for travel, the 2025 holiday calendar promises numerous ways for Brazilians to recharge and rejuvenate. So mark your calendars and prepare for what could be some of the best days of the year!