Brazil is renowned for its vibrant culture, music, and lively festivals that attract visitors from all over the world. Though the most famous festival is undoubtedly Carnival, each year Brazil hosts a wide variety of festivals that showcase its diverse heritage, musical talent, and love for dance and celebration.
Here is a calendar of some of the best annual festivals in Brazil - make sure not to miss these if you're lucky enough to have them fall during your trip to Brazil.
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January: Lavagem do Bonfim
16 January 2025
History and Cultural Significance
The Lavagem do Bonfim, or "Washing of Bonfim," takes place in Salvador, Bahia, on the second Thursday of January. This festival is a unique blend of Catholic and Afro-Brazilian traditions. It honors Senhor do Bonfim, a representation of Jesus Christ, and is deeply rooted in the syncretic practices of Candomblé.
Festival Activities
Participants, dressed in white, walk from the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia to the Church of Bonfim, a distance of about 8 kilometers. They carry vases of scented water and flowers to wash the church steps in a symbolic act of purification and blessing. The procession is accompanied by traditional Bahian music, including samba de roda and axé, which create a joyful atmosphere. Street vendors sell local delicacies, and there are various cultural performances along the route.
Tips for Visitors
Wear white to blend in with the locals and show respect for the tradition. Arrive early to secure a good spot and be prepared for a long, but rewarding, walk. Don't forget to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes.
February-March: Carnival
28 February to 8 March 2025
History and Cultural Significance
Carnival is Brazil's most famous festival, celebrated nationwide in the days leading up to Lent. Its origins trace back to European pre-Lenten festivals, but it has evolved into a uniquely Brazilian event, heavily influenced by African, Portuguese, and indigenous cultures.
Festival Activities
Carnival features parades, street parties (blocos), and elaborate costumes. The most famous celebrations are in Rio de Janeiro, Olinda, and Salvador da Bahia. In Rio, the Sambadrome hosts samba school parades, where schools compete with intricate floats, costumes, and dance routines. Salvador's Carnival is known for its trio elétrico (music trucks) and lively street parties. Samba is the heart of Carnival, especially in Rio and São Paulo. In Salvador, axé music and samba-reggae dominate, while Recife and Olinda feature frevo and maracatu music with fast-paced rhythms and acrobatic dance moves.
Tips for Visitors
Book accommodation well in advance, as Air B&Bs, hotels, and hostels fill up quickly. Secure tickets for the Sambadrome early if attending in Rio. Stay aware of your belongings in crowded areas and make sure to pace yourself to fully enjoy this two-week long party.
See detailed schedules and tickets for Rio Carnival here, or see alternative places to celebrate Carnival here.
April: Festival de Tiradentes
21 April 2025
History and Cultural Significance
Held in Tiradentes, Minas Gerais, this film festival celebrates Brazilian cinema and honors Joaquim José da Silva Xavier (Tiradentes), a national hero who fought for independence from Portuguese rule. It takes place around April 21, Brazil's national holiday commemorating Tiradentes' execution in 1792.
Festival Activities
The festival features film screenings, workshops, and discussions with filmmakers and actors. It highlights independent Brazilian films and provides a platform for emerging talent. While the focus is on cinema, the festival also includes musical performances, often featuring traditional Brazilian genres like MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) and regional folk music.
Tips for Visitors
Explore the historic town of Tiradentes, with its cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial architecture. Sample local cuisine, particularly dishes made with Minas Gerais' famous cheeses and meats.
June: Festa Junina
1-30 June 2025
History and Cultural Significance
Festa Junina, or June Festival, celebrates the nativity of Saint John the Baptist. It has roots in European Midsummer celebrations but has been adapted to reflect Brazilian rural traditions and Catholic beliefs. It’s celebrated throughout June, especially in the northeast.
Festival Activities
The festival features traditional folk dances like quadrilha, a type of square dance, performed in colorful, country-style costumes. Forró, a genre of music from the northeast, dominates Festa Junina. Other music styles include baião and xote, which are also popular during the festivities. Bonfires are lit, fireworks are set off, and traditional games and activities, such as the "pau de sebo" (a greasy pole climb), are enjoyed.
Tips for Visitors
Visit northern cities like Campina Grande or Caruaru, which host some of the largest Festa Junina celebrations. Enjoy traditional foods like canjica (corn pudding), pamonha (sweet corn cake), and quentão (a hot mulled wine).
June: Festival de Parintins (Parintins Folklore Festival)
27-29 June 2025
History and Cultural Significance
The Festival de Parintins (Parintins Folkore Festival), also known as the Boi-Bumbá Festival is held in Parintins, Amazonas. Despite being lesser known, it is one of Brazil's largest festivals. It celebrates the legend of the resurrection of an ox, blending indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences.
Festival Activities
The festival is a theatrical competition between two teams, Garantido and Caprichoso, who each present a spectacular show featuring elaborate floats, costumes, and dances. Boi-bumbá music, characterized by its rhythmic drums and traditional instruments, sets the pace for the performances. The dances and narratives depict Amazonian folklore and legends.
Tips for Visitors
Book your trip well in advance, as Parintins is only accessible by boat or plane. Engage with local crafts and enjoy the unique Amazonian cuisine, including dishes made from fresh river fish and tropical fruits.
August: Festa do Peão de Barretos (Cowboy Festival of Barretos)
15-25 August 2025
History and Cultural Significance
The Festa do Peão de Barretos, held annually in Barretos, São Paulo, is Brazil's largest and most famous rodeo festival. Originating in 1956, the event celebrates Brazil's cowboy culture and the traditions of the Brazilian hinterlands. The festival has grown into a major event, attracting millions of visitors and featuring top rodeo performers from around the world.
Festival Activities
The festival showcases a variety of rodeo events, including bull riding, barrel racing, and roping competitions. Beyond the rodeo, there are concerts featuring famous Brazilian country music (sertanejo) artists, as well as international acts. The festival also includes traditional food stalls, cowboy parades, and a bustling fairground with rides and games. Visitors can experience the rich cultural heritage of Brazil's cowboy lifestyle through exhibitions, crafts, and regional cuisine.
Tips for Visitors
Book tickets and accommodations early, as the festival attracts large crowds. Dress comfortably for both hot days and cooler nights. Explore the various food stalls to taste traditional Brazilian dishes, such as barbecue (churrasco) and paçoca (a sweet treat made from ground peanuts).
September: Rock in Rio
13-22 September 2024
History and Cultural Significance
Rock in Rio, one of the largest music festivals in the world, was first held in 1985 in Rio de Janeiro. It has since become a global event with editions in Lisbon, Madrid, and Las Vegas. The festival is a major cultural phenomenon, showcasing international and Brazilian music acts across various genres.
Festival Activities
Rock in Rio spans several days, featuring performances by world-renowned artists, themed stages, and interactive exhibits. The City of Rock, a purpose-built venue, hosts the event and offers food courts, merchandise stalls, and amusement park rides. While rock music is the festival's mainstay, the event also includes pop, metal, electronic, and Brazilian music. Attendees can enjoy a diverse lineup, making it a must-visit for music lovers.
Tips for Visitors
Purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale, as they sell out quickly. Plan your accommodation and transportation in advance well in advance.
October: Oktoberfest Blumenau
9-27 October 2024
History and Cultural Significance
Oktoberfest Blumenau, held in Santa Catarina, is the largest Oktoberfest in South America, and the second largest outside of Germany. Established in 1984, it celebrates the region's strong German heritage and traditions.
Festival Activities
The festival features parades, traditional German music and dance, and plenty of beer. Visitors can sample a wide variety of German and Brazilian beers, enjoy hearty German cuisine, and participate in folk dances and games. Traditional German bands, playing polkas and waltzes, set the festive tone. Visitors can join in the traditional dances or simply enjoy the lively performances.
Tips for Visitors
Wear traditional German attire, such as lederhosen or dirndls, to fully immerse yourself in the experience. While you're there, take the time to explore the charming town of Blumenau, known for its well-preserved German architecture and scenic surroundings.
December: The Brasilia Film Festival
Dates not yet released - Likely mid-December
History and Cultural Significance
The Festival de Brasília do Cinema Brasileiro, also known as the Brasilia Film Festival, is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in Brazil. It was first held in 1965 and focuses on promoting Brazilian cinema. This year will be the the 57th annual festival.
Festival Activities
The festival showcases a wide range of Brazilian films, including feature films, documentaries, and short films. Screenings are held at various venues, followed by Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors. While the main focus is on cinema, the festival often includes musical performances and cultural activities that reflect the diverse artistic landscape of Brazil.
Tips for Visitors
Take advantage of the opportunity to explore Brasília, a city renowned for its modernist architecture and design by Oscar Niemeyer. Attend as many screenings and discussions as possible to gain a deeper understanding of Brazilian cinema. More information on this year's films and the festival schedule will be be released here.
December: Reveillon
31 December 2024
History and Cultural Significance
Reveillon, Brazil's New Year's Eve celebration, is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It is celebrated nationwide, with the most famous festivities taking place on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.
Festival Activities
Millions of people, dressed in white for good luck, gather on the beaches to celebrate with music, dance, and spectacular fireworks displays. The night is filled with live concerts, beach parties, and various rituals, such as jumping over seven waves and making offerings to Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea. The celebration features a mix of musical genres, including samba, forró, and axé. Live performances by famous Brazilian artists add to the festive atmosphere, and spontaneous dancing erupts all along the beaches.
Tips for Visitors
If attending a party organized in clubs or on Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao do Acucar), you must get tickets in advance. However, the largest and best parties are free and take place on the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leme. Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach and bring plenty of water and snacks. Be mindful of your belongings, as the large crowds can attract pickpockets.
Tips for Attending a Festival in Brazil
Plan Ahead: Book accommodations and transportation well in advance, especially for popular festivals including Carnival and Rock in Rio. Accommodation does book out, and will be more expensive around the time of major events.
Embrace Local Culture: Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases to help you mingle with locals and enhance your experience.
Stay Safe: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Leave your valuables at home.
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