The Brazilian states are preparing for 2025 as holidays and optional days off are officially announced, with various regions releasing their calendars. Recently, the Government of Piauí published its holiday schedule, containing significant details for public administration and citizens alike.
According to the government’s decree, signed by Governor Rafael Fonteles and Secretary of Government Marcelo Nolleto, Piauí has scheduled 11 public holidays and 8 optional holidays for 2025. This early announcement is aimed at facilitating the planning and organization of state public institutions, as it offers predictability for administrative activities.
Among the public holidays observed are:
- April 18 (Friday) - Passion of Christ
- April 21 (Monday) - Tiradentes
- May 1 (Thursday) - Labor Day
- June 19 (Thursday) - Corpus Christi
- September 7 (Sunday) - Independence Day
- October 12 (Sunday) - Our Lady of Aparecida
- October 19 (Sunday) - Day of Piauí
- November 2 (Sunday) - All Souls Day
- November 15 (Saturday) - Republic Day
- November 20 (Thursday) - National Day of Zumbi and Black Consciousness
- December 25 (Thursday) - Christmas
On the other hand, the optional days, which allow more flexibility for public employees, include:
- March 3 (Monday) - Carnival
- March 4 (Tuesday) - Carnival
- March 5 (Wednesday) - Ash Wednesday
- April 17 (Thursday) - Holy Week
- October 28 (Tuesday) - State Public Servant's Day
- December 8 (Monday) - Day of Our Lady of Conceição
- December 24 (Wednesday) - Christmas Eve
- December 31 (Wednesday) - New Year’s Eve
It’s important to note the decree retains the operation of public services during these holidays to avoid disruption, particularly for health and safety services. The maintainance of these services will be overseen by the respective leaders within these agencies.
Expanding beyond Piauí, the Mayor of Rio Branco, Tião Bocalom, has also released the holiday calendar for 2025, which aligns with the state’s decree. This decree details not only national holidays but also municipal obligations, with public offices required to adhere to these prescribed days of rest.
Interestingly, the municipality of Ribeirão Preto will encounter its own unique challenges, losing the distinct celebration day for one of its holidays. Both Corpus Christi and the city's anniversary fall on June 19, necessitating residents to pick priorities for their time off. Ribeirão Preto's calendar indicates 14 holidays and 12 optional days, providing ample opportunity for leisure and planning potential getaway trips.
Residents are reminded to watch for adjustments around the Ash Wednesday holiday, as public offices will operate from 12 pm to 6 pm, and should anticipate earlier closures on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
For Bahia's residents, expectations are high with the announcement of two extended weekends or 'super holidays' around key cultural celebrations, marking significant observances like Easter and the traditional São João festival.
Several regions are experiencing shifts and adjustments to holiday schedules, and the expectation for citizens is to adapt their plans for the unique characteristics of their local calendars.
With each state crafting its approach to public holidays, these announcements not only facilitate holiday travel planning for residents but also for businesses, as they tweak their operations accordingly to maintain productivity and services throughout the year. It is clear from these declarations how pivotal holiday management remains for the well-being and efficiency of Brazilian public and private sectors alike.