This Wednesday, April 23, 2025, several cities across Brazil are celebrating various municipal holidays, including the significant Day of Saint George. This day, while not a national holiday, holds special importance in the state of Rio de Janeiro, where it is recognized as a state holiday.
According to Law 9.093 of 1995, states have the authority to establish their own state holidays. This same law allows municipalities to designate up to four municipal holidays, one of which is Good Friday. As per the calendar from the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban), April 23, 2025, is indeed a holiday in certain cities.
The Day of Saint George commemorates the death of the saint on April 23, 303 AD. Although many may assume it is a national holiday, this is not the case. In Rio de Janeiro, where Saint George is the patron saint, the day has been recognized as a state holiday since 2008, following the enactment of Law 5.198. For the rest of Brazil, however, the day is considered optional, meaning employers can decide whether to grant time off.
In 2025, the calendar reveals that six holidays will fall on weekdays. The year kicks off with Universal Brotherhood on January 1, which is a Wednesday, followed by Good Friday on April 18 and Tiradentes' Day on April 21, a Monday. Labor Day will be celebrated on May 1, which is also a Thursday, and the National Day of Zumbi and Black Consciousness will occur on November 20, falling on another Thursday. Finally, Christmas will be observed on December 25, also a Thursday.
The upcoming holidays are as follows:
- January 1, 2025: Universal Brotherhood (Wednesday)
- April 18, 2025: Passion of Christ (Good Friday)
- April 21, 2025: Tiradentes (Monday)
- May 1, 2025: Labor Day (Thursday)
- September 7, 2025: Independence Day (Sunday)
- October 12, 2025: Nossa Senhora Aparecida (Sunday)
- November 2, 2025: All Souls' Day (Sunday)
- November 15, 2025: Proclamation of the Republic (Saturday)
- November 20, 2025: National Day of Zumbi and Black Consciousness (Thursday)
- December 25, 2025: Christmas (Thursday)
The Brazilian labor laws, as outlined in the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT), generally mandate time off on national and religious holidays, as well as Sundays, to ensure workers have leisure time. However, in recent years, there has been a trend toward greater flexibility in these regulations, often facilitated by agreements between unions and employers. Each union can negotiate these agreements in various ways, making it crucial for workers to understand their rights and the stipulations of their specific unions.
In Rio de Janeiro, the Day of Saint George is celebrated with great enthusiasm, marking it as a day of festivities and cultural significance for the local population. The celebrations often include parades, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions associated with this day.
As the country prepares for the upcoming holidays, many are already planning their schedules to accommodate these breaks. The recognition of holidays can vary significantly across different regions, making it essential for residents to stay informed about local laws and regulations.
For those in Rio de Janeiro, the Day of Saint George is a time for community and celebration, while for others in Brazil, it may simply be another day of work unless otherwise decided by their employers. The contrast between state and national recognition of holidays illustrates the diversity of cultural observances across the country.
In summary, whether it's the Day of Saint George or the upcoming Labor Day, holidays play a vital role in Brazilian culture, offering opportunities for rest, reflection, and celebration. As 2025 unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these holidays continue to shape the social landscape of Brazil.
