The Brazilian government has officially released the holiday calendar for 2025, which includes ten national holidays and eight optional public holidays. Published by the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services (MGI) on December 30, 2024, the new calendar is set to govern the observance of holidays by federal public administration entities and organizations across the country.
According to the ministry, there will be ten national holidays: January 1st (New Year's Day), April 18th (Good Friday), April 21st (Tiradentes Day), May 1st (Labor Day), September 7th (Independence Day), October 12th (Our Lady of Aparecida), November 2nd (All Souls’ Day), November 15th (Proclamation of the Republic), November 20th (National Day of Zumbi and Black Consciousness), and December 25th (Christmas). Alongside these, the calendar also recognizes eight public observance points.
"Em 2025, serão 10 feriados nacionais e oito pontos facultativos" noted the Ministry of Management, emphasizing the structured approach to managing holidays within public services.
One of the highlights of the 2025 holiday calendar is the opportunity for extended weekends. The first long holiday falls from April 18th (Good Friday) to April 21st (the following Monday, Tiradentes Day), allowing for four consecutive days of rest. "O primeiro feriado prolongado acontece a partir de 18 de abril," reiterated the ministry, drawing attention to the significance of these extended breaks for workers.
Further opportunities for extended leave arise on other significant holidays, particularly those falling on Thursdays such as May 1st, November 20th, and December 25th—each of which can be paired with Fridays for even longer breaks. These arrangements cater to the needs of workers who wish to take advantage of holidays for travel or leisure.
Another aspect of the calendar to note is the four national holidays set to fall on weekends: Independence Day on September 7th, Our Lady of Aparecida on October 12th, All Souls' Day on November 2nd, and Proclamation of the Republic on November 15th, which lands on a Saturday. Such placements inevitably limit the potential for extended breaks around these holidays.
Despite the absence of long weekends for several holidays, citizens are encouraged to plan vacations around the longer breaks provided by public holidays and optional points. "Os feriados prolongados são de grande importância para quem deseja descansar e viajar," adds the ministry, reflecting the cultural significance of holiday breaks in Brazil.
The calendar is not just about days off; it's also about maintaining Essential Public Service operations. Activities deemed necessary must continue even during these celebrated days. The holiday calendar seeks to balance the needs of the workforce with the imperative of service delivery.
This elaborate holiday structuring extends beyond just federal observance as local municipalities have the option to implement their holidays as per municipal laws. By combining national and local observances, Brazilians can expect diverse celebrations throughout the year, making 2025 not only structured but culturally rich.
For those eager to seize the holiday opportunities, planning is already well underway. Many Brazilians are likely to start considering their travel plans around long weekends and public holidays to maximize their leisure time.
With the release of the full calendar, 2025 promises to be filled with anticipation as families, friends, and communities prepare to celebrate and enjoy their time off together, embracing the cultural diversity and leisure opportunities available at their fingertips.