Festivals in BrazilThe festivals in Brazil are colorful and festive

and draw a great number of people including visitors from around the world.

Each festival holds meaning for the people of Brazil. Some festivals are purely

secular, whereas others have special spiritual or religious significance. Each is

unique and interesting in its own right and worth taking the time to experience!

Most Popular Festivals in Brazil Festa de Iemanjá Círio De Nazaré Carnival Rio

Festa de iemanjá

Festa de Iemanjá is celebrated on New Year's Day following the New Year's Eve celebration in Rio de Janeiro. This joyous festival takes place on the beach where the Goddess of the Water, Iemanja, is honored. There is singing along the beach and small boats are filled with offerings of rice, gifts, flowers, and perfume and then placed into the water. The offerings are to thank her for all she has done for the people in the past and for what she will do in the future.

Cirio de Nazaré Cirio de Nazare is an annual Catholic

festival that honors the Virgin of Nazareth. Nearly two million people travel to Belem to participate in this event on the second Sunday in October. This festival is known around the world as one of the largest and most popular Catholic festivals in the world and in the country of Brazil.

Carnival Rio The festival, Carnival Rio, is attended by a few million

people each year in Rio de Janeiro. It's one of the most secular festivals in Brazil, but always well attended. It takes place during the 5 days leading up to Ash Wednesday. There's dancing, music, amazing floats, food, and drink not only in the city of Rio, but throughout the country. Dance the Samba, listen to all kinds of Brazilian music, and enjoy the seemingly never-ending sights and sounds that is the Carnival. The days spent celebrating this festival are considered national holidays throughout Brazil, so plan ahead - shops won't be open for business.