In recent months, Brazilians have enjoyed well-deserved breaks, thanks to strategically placed holidays that have benefited both students and workers. In April, the combination of Good Friday, which occurred on April 18, and the Tiradentes holiday on April 21, created a long holiday weekend. The beginning of May, marked by Labor Day on May 1, also provided a welcome pause in the routine.
The calendar for the upcoming months is packed with opportunities for extended rest. The next national holiday will be Corpus Christi, celebrated on Thursday, June 19, 2025, a date that falls 60 days after Easter. Throughout 2025, nine more national holidays are scheduled, and some of these can turn into long weekends if companies adopt schedules that allow for the "patching" of days. Dates with potential for extension include Labor Day on May 1, Black Awareness Day on November 20, as well as Christmas and New Year's celebrations, which also fall on Thursdays.
However, not all dates offer this advantage. Holidays that coincide with Sundays, such as Brazil's Independence Day on September 7, Our Lady Aparecida on October 12, and All Souls' Day on November 2, or even those that fall on Saturday, like the Proclamation of the Republic on November 15, do not allow for the extension of the break.
As 2025 progresses, it becomes clear that these commemorative dates not only bring celebrations but also the possibility of enjoying prolonged moments of leisure and socializing, contributing to well-being and a balance between work and rest.
Following the long holidays in April, the next commemorative date that can provide more consecutive days off for Brazilians is Corpus Christi on June 19, 2025. This Christian holiday will fall on a Thursday, allowing those who can take the day off to enjoy four consecutive days of rest: Thursday, June 19, Friday, June 20, Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22.
While Corpus Christi is not a national holiday, it is widely recognized and celebrated as an optional holiday in many municipalities. This means that while it is not mandatory to work on this day, companies may require employees to work without paying double or providing a day off later.
In Jaraguá do Sul (SC), for instance, Corpus Christi is a municipal holiday, as outlined in Municipal Law No. 175 of July 4, 1967, which establishes religious holidays in the municipality. Therefore, public offices and various local businesses are expected to close, and it is advisable to check in advance the operating hours of specific services, such as banks and shops, as they may adopt different hours.
Corpus Christi is a significant celebration for the Catholic Church, dedicated to the Eucharist. This date commemorates the biblical moment when Jesus Christ shared bread and wine with his apostles during the Last Supper. The phrase “Take, eat; this is my body,” found in the Gospel of Matthew, is central to this religious rite. The origin of the celebration dates back to the 13th century when Sister Juliana of Mont Cornillon had visions calling for a specific date to honor the sacrament. The date was officially established under Pope Urban IV after a miracle in Bolsena, Italy, where a host reportedly bled during Mass.
In 2025, Corpus Christi will be celebrated on June 19, and many municipalities will recognize it as a holiday, often granting a day off on the following Friday, creating a long weekend. This period is frequently used for travel and relaxation.
The holiday of Corpus Christi impacts various sectors, including transportation, commerce, and tourism. Public agencies and private companies usually announce their operating plans in advance. Generally, banks and stock exchanges may operate on special hours or even suspend activities during the holiday. Additionally, the transportation sector may see changes in demand, with an increase in passenger traffic at bus stations and airports. The commerce sector may also adjust its hours based on local policies.
After Corpus Christi, the next national holiday in Brazil will be Independence Day on September 7. Until then, there are no other official breaks planned, making Corpus Christi a valuable opportunity for rest and leisure. During the interval between these holidays, many Brazilians take the chance to plan leisure activities and trips, especially in regions where the weather is milder during the winter months.
In many Brazilian cities, Corpus Christi is celebrated with processions and special masses. A notable tradition is the creation of colorful carpets in the streets, made from sawdust, sand, and other materials, forming religious images and symbols of the Catholic faith. These artistic and cultural expressions attract many faithful and tourists, turning the event into one of significant community importance.
Despite its religious significance, Corpus Christi raises questions about its status as a holiday or optional point in Brazil. The federal government typically decrees an optional point for Corpus Christi, but the final decision regarding the suspension of activities rests with each state and municipality. This local autonomy allows for diverse celebrations across the country.
As the calendar for 2025 unfolds, it reflects Brazil's cultural diversity. Significant dates include Labor Day on May 1, Independence Day on September 7, Our Lady Aparecida on October 12, All Souls' Day on November 2, and Christmas on December 25. Each of these holidays carries its own traditions and impacts on commerce, tourism, and community life.
In summary, the upcoming holidays in Brazil present not only opportunities for celebration but also for extended periods of rest and leisure. With the strategic placement of holidays, Brazilians can look forward to several long weekends throughout the year, allowing for a healthy balance between work and personal time.
