On April 21, 2025, Brazil will celebrate Tiradentes Day, a national holiday commemorating one of the most significant figures in Brazilian history. The holiday, which honors Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes, is not optional for companies or state and municipal governments, meaning that workers across the nation are guaranteed a day off. This year, the holiday coincides with the long weekend that began on Good Friday, April 18, creating an extended break for many.
Tiradentes Day has been recognized as a national holiday since 1890, following a decree from the provisional government of Deodoro da Fonseca. It was officially consolidated under Law No. 10.607/2002. The day is marked by a mix of closures and adjusted hours for various services across the country, reflecting the significance of the occasion.
In Campo Grande, supermarkets and hypermarkets will operate normally on April 21. The local commerce is authorized to open from 9 AM to 6 PM, while the Mercadão Municipal will be open from 6:30 AM to noon. However, the Feira Central will remain closed, as it does every Monday. Shopping centers in Campo Grande, including Shopping Campo Grande, Norte Sul Plaza, and Bosque dos Ipês, will have regular hours from 10 AM to 10 PM, while Pátio Central Shopping will open from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Bank branches will not be open on Tiradentes Day, and public offices will also be closed, except for essential services such as health and safety, which will operate on a call basis. The Detran will not provide services during the holiday, resuming operations on Tuesday, April 22. Lottery houses may open at the discretion of their owners, while the Correios agencies will remain closed.
In Belo Horizonte, essential services will function normally on this holiday. The extended holiday period has altered operating hours for public agencies and businesses. The Zoobotânica (Zoo and Botanical Garden) and the Aquarium of the Rio São Francisco will not be open. Many parks, including Parque das Mangabeiras and Parque da Serra do Curral, will also be closed. However, several other parks, such as Parque Carlos de Faria Tavares and Parque do Bairro Havaí, will welcome visitors.
Cemeteries in Belo Horizonte will operate from 7 AM to 5 PM, exclusively for wakes and burials. Social assistance services, including shelters and street outreach, will be available, but regional assistance centers will not be open. Health services, including emergency units and hospitals, will operate 24 hours, while health centers will be closed. The Conselho Tutelar will provide 24-hour service, but other human rights centers will be closed.
In Curitiba, the holiday marks the end of a long weekend. Many shops and services will have adjusted hours, but pharmacy chains, supermarkets, gas stations, and shopping malls will operate normally. Notable supermarket chains, such as Condor and Angeloni, will be open from 8 AM to 10 PM, while Max Atacadista, Festval, and Assaí will serve from 7 AM to 10 PM. The Capão Raso Municipal Market will be open from 10 AM to 7 PM, while the Curitiba Municipal Market will remain closed on Mondays.
Shopping malls in Curitiba will have special hours: Shopping Palladium will be open from 11 AM to 11 PM, while ParkShoppingBarigüi will operate from 2 PM to 8 PM for shops and kiosks, and from 12 PM to 8 PM for the food court. Other malls, such as Jockey Plaza and Shopping Mueller, will also have adjusted hours to accommodate holiday shoppers.
Public transportation in Curitiba will follow a Sunday schedule on Tiradentes Day, with buses on the Tourist Line running from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, departing every 15 minutes. Ten Basic Health Units (UBSs) will be open from 8 AM to 5 PM, as determined by the city’s administration, while Emergency Care Units (UPAs) will continue to provide regular service throughout the holiday.
Tiradentes, who was executed on this day in 1792, is celebrated as a martyr of the Inconfidência Mineira, a movement that sought independence from Portuguese rule. His commitment to the cause of liberty and justice has made him a national symbol, and this holiday serves as a reminder of the ideals he fought for. The day is marked by civic and patriotic ceremonies, honoring his legacy and the struggle for Brazil's independence.
Following Tiradentes Day, Brazil will observe several more national holidays in 2025, including Labor Day on May 1, Independence Day on September 7, and Christmas on December 25. Each of these holidays carries its own significance and traditions, contributing to the rich tapestry of Brazilian culture and history.
As people across Brazil prepare to commemorate Tiradentes Day, they are reminded not only of the historical significance of the day but also of the varied services and operations that will be available. Whether enjoying a day off with family or participating in civic observances, the holiday offers a moment to reflect on the values of freedom and justice that Tiradentes embodied.
