The Carnaval of 2025 is expected to reshape the operating hours of banks and other services across Brazil as celebrations kick off from March 1st through March 4th. Traditional adherences to local customs influence this year's schedule, with various agencies closing up shop during the festive days.
Beginning with the bank operations, the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban) has announced significant adjustments to banking hours. On March 3rd and 4th—the core days of Carnaval—bank branches will be completely closed, adhering to resolutions from the National Monetary Council (CMN) which identifies these days as non-working for banking operations.
The ramifications of this closure extend throughout the weekend, as both Saturday, March 1st and Sunday, March 2nd, do not witness any banking activity. Consequently, when combined with the closures on March 3rd and 4th, this results in four consecutive days without access to branch services.
On Ash Wednesday, March 5th, operations resume but only for a reduced period, as banks will first open their doors at noon. Customers should expect some agencies to close earlier than normal due to earlier operating hours throughout the previous festive days, albeit each facility will maintain at least three hours of service.
Specific services will remain available, even as physical branches remain shuttered. For example, internet banking and mobile applications will continue to operate 24 hours daily. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) will also be accessible throughout the holidays.
Certain transactions, like using the PIX instant payment system, will be functioning as usual on these days, enabling transfers anytime. On the flip side, bank transfers via TED (Electronic Transfer Document) will not process on March 3rd or March 4th but will reinitiate by March 5th.
For individuals with upcoming due dates for utility bills or payment slips scheduled on these non-banking days, it’s significant to plan accordingly. Payments for such obligations can occur the following Wednesday without additional charges or penalties, as long as they are made on this first business day post-holiday.
The Febraban strongly advises its users to navigate their finances digitally during this festive period. This includes managing bank transactions electronically whenever feasible and avoiding any last-minute financial maneuvers due to increased demand, which could slow down online processing.
While many services pause or alter their schedules for the Carnaval, it’s also important to note the broader impacts on various utilities and governmental functions. For example, the Brazilian Social Security (INSS) agencies will also follow suit, remaining closed on March 3rd and 4th and reopening midday on March 5th with regular operational hours resuming thereafter.
Local postal agencies (Correios) are joining the trend, remaining closed during the celebratory days and resuming normal service hours on March 5th.
Various local authorities have designated March 4th not as a national holiday, but as optional for businesses, which means employers can elect to remain open. For example, the commercial sector may choose to either close or operate with adjusted hours based on local gauges of demand. Nevertheless, the overall pattern remains one of reduced accessibility to services across the board.
For those seeking information or service during the bank holiday hours, various online customer support channels remain active. While the physical infrastructure takes a backseat, digital services persist without interruption.
For consumers, planning to pay taxes and tributes with deadlines aligning with the Carnaval break is wise. Any taxpayer with obligations due during the celebratory span should get these bills settled beforehand to avoid any extra fees.
Understanding the operational limits of banks and related services during the Carnaval season is pivotal, as many can be caught off-guard by the sudden closures. With smart preparation, consumer inconvenience can be minimized during these exciting yet tumultuous days.