Brasília is celebrating its 65th anniversary with a vibrant array of free events at the Esplanada dos Ministérios, drawing thousands of attendees from across the region. The festivities kicked off on Saturday, April 19, 2025, and will continue through Monday, April 21, 2025, featuring a mix of musical performances, recreational activities, and cultural displays that cater to all ages.
On the first day of celebrations, the Esplanada transformed into a lively concert venue, with popular Brazilian artists such as Léo Santana and Wesley Safadão energizing the crowd. A diverse lineup of local talents also entertained festival-goers, ensuring that there was something for everyone. The event, themed "The Best Time is Now," was designed to be inclusive, offering a kids' area, a zipline, a Ferris wheel, and a wide variety of food options.
Governor Ibaneis Rocha expressed his pride and excitement at the turnout, emphasizing the importance of the “Vai de Graça” program, which provides free public transportation to ensure access for all attendees. “The love I have for this city, and being able to celebrate these 65 years with friends and the people of the city, is very important,” he stated. Vice Governor Celina Leão echoed this sentiment, highlighting the effort put into making the anniversary celebration a memorable event for all. “The festivities, shows, and attractions were prepared with great care. This celebration reflects the work done every day by this government to bring more quality of life to the population,” she affirmed.
The celebration continued on Sunday, April 20, with a packed program that included performances from iconic artists like Fagner, Alceu Valença, Elba Ramalho, and Geraldo Azevedo, who make up the trio known as O Grande Encontro. The stage was set for an unforgettable night, with Fagner kicking off the evening with classics like "Espumas ao Vento" and "Borbulhas de Amor." The audience was filled with fans of all ages, including Cleuza Santos, 47, who attended her first Fagner concert. “The event is very good; I’m really enjoying it,” she remarked.
As the night progressed, the excitement built for the performances of O Grande Encontro and the rising star Mari Fernandez, who captivated the audience with her popular hits. The night culminated in a dazzling drone light show at 11:50 PM, marking the transition into the official anniversary day of Brasília.
On Monday, April 21, the festivities will continue with a gospel show by Eli Soares at 11 AM, followed by children's plays and recreational activities in the afternoon. The musical lineup will feature Doze por Oito at 3:50 PM, Leon Correia at 5:30 PM, and Menos é Mais at 7 PM. The evening will close with performances by Bruno César and Rodrigo at 9 PM, and Zé Neto and Cristiano at 11:30 PM. A fireworks display is set to light up the sky at midnight, bringing the celebratory spirit to a grand finale.
The Museu de Arte de Brasília (MAB) is also participating in the festivities, offering special programming that includes a theater of Light and Shadow for children, a guided walk to the lakeshore, and a workshop aimed at inspiring creativity in model-making.
Throughout the event, the infrastructure has been designed to ensure safety and comfort for all attendees. The setup includes a megastage with screens, a catwalk for closer interaction between artists and fans, designated areas for kids and pets, and a food court. The event organizers, Instituto Eleva, in collaboration with the Secretary of Tourism (Setur-DF), have ensured that the experience is enjoyable and memorable for everyone.
As of the first day of the event, over 300,000 people had attended, filling hotels and restaurants in the area, which has provided a significant boost to the local economy. Secretary of Tourism Cristiano Araújo expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and the positive impact on local businesses, stating, “This celebration is not just about the economy, but about celebrating our capital, the self-esteem of the population, and the happiness it brings.”
José Aparecido Freire, President of Fecomércio-DF, noted that this year’s festivities hold special significance, as the city was unable to celebrate its 60th anniversary due to the pandemic. “Now, we are celebrating the 65th anniversary with three nights of music and joy, which is generating employment and income for the DF,” he added.
This grand celebration of Brasília's 65 years is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people. With music, joy, and a sense of community, Brasília is not just marking a milestone but also reinforcing the bonds that unite its residents.
