The next two national holidays in Brazil, in April, will directly impact bank operations, especially the clearing of 'boletos' (payment slips) which do not occur on these dates. The Good Friday holiday coincides with the Tiradentes holiday this year, a rare occurrence that has significant implications for various sectors.
Beginning Friday, April 18, 2025, and continuing through Monday, April 21, 2025, many public and private companies, including banks nationwide, will be closed. According to the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban), all bank branches will shut their doors, leaving only ATMs operational until 10 PM. While the call center will remain available, human service will be limited, with a focus on automated responses.
In Rio de Janeiro, the situation is a bit more complex. Here, banks will not reopen until April 24, 2025, due to an additional holiday on April 23 in celebration of Saint George. This means that bank services will be interrupted for an extended period, including essential functions like branch services, boleto payments, and TED transfers.
During this holiday span from April 18 to April 21, various banking services will be unavailable. Customers will not be able to access in-branch services, including management, payment at counters, or the contracting of new services. Payments of boletos will also be halted, with compensations resuming only on the next business day, April 22.
However, some services will continue to operate, ensuring a degree of financial stability for customers. Services such as PIX (an instant payment system), internet banking, mobile phone recharge, and the bank's call center will remain functional. This ensures that customers can still manage their finances, albeit with some limitations.
As for the boletos that are due during the holidays—specifically on April 18, 19, 20, or 21—they will not be processed until April 22, 2025. This is in line with national standards for holiday and weekend payment processing. Importantly, payments made on the next business day will not incur late fees, providing some relief to consumers who may have planned to pay on the holiday.
Looking ahead, the calendar for upcoming holidays in 2025 includes Labor Day on May 1, which will also be a holiday, with May 2 potentially serving as a day off in some cities. Other significant dates include Corpus Christi on June 19, Independence Day on September 7, Our Lady of Aparecida on October 12, All Souls' Day on November 2, Proclamation of the Republic on November 15, and Black Awareness Day on November 20. Additionally, Christmas Eve on December 24 will be a half-day, with businesses closing after 2 PM, and Christmas Day on December 25 will be a full holiday.
For businesses, particularly those in retail, the impact of these holidays can be significant. The opening of commerce varies widely by city and local union agreements. Shopping centers will operate on a special schedule, with stores opening from noon until 8 PM or 10 PM, depending on the state. In contrast, street commerce may operate on a facultative basis, with many shops in tourist areas remaining open.
Supermarkets and bakeries, however, typically close earlier or may not open at all during these holidays. Business owners must be aware of the current collective labor agreements; if no agreement exists allowing work on the holiday, employees cannot be called to work without compensation or additional pay, as mandated by labor laws.
The Brazilian stock exchange, B3, will also suspend operations from Friday, April 18, to Monday, April 21, resuming trading on Tuesday, April 22. Similarly, lottery houses and post offices will be closed on Good Friday, with normal operations resuming on the following Monday.
For consumers, planning ahead is crucial. As banks and many retail outlets will be closed, it is essential to consider timing for any necessary banking operations or purchases. This is particularly important in regions where businesses are more likely to observe a total closure during the holiday.
In summary, the upcoming holidays will bring about significant changes in banking operations and commercial activities across Brazil. With Good Friday and Tiradentes Day falling closely together, it is vital for both businesses and consumers to prepare adequately for these interruptions. Ensuring that financial needs are met ahead of time will help mitigate the impact of these national holidays.
