Figure 1.-- Here we see Brzilian children in Ubaporanga participating in the annual Corpus Christi procession during 1955. Ubaporanga is a smll town in Minas Geraisa state in southeast Brazil. |
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Most Brazilian holidays are observed nationwide, but each state and city can and do establish their own holidays. Most are holidays celebrated in Portugal, mostly Christian. Some of the Christian celebrationse not narional hoidays. There are also several Brazilian secular national holidays. The Brazilian holidays are noted for their small number. The most famous Brazilian holiday is of course Carnival. As in most Christian countries, Christmas is a favorite with the children.
New Year's Day is called no Novo or Confraternização Universal in Brazil. It celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. The festivities in Brazil are fairly standard, including counting down to midnight on the preceding night. It is the traditional end of the holiday season beginning with the run up to Christmas.
Brazil is especially known for Carnival. It is celebrated throughout Latin America, but no whre is it more popular than Brazil. The date varies, falling 46 days before Easter. Carnival is derived from the Portuguese word word carnelevare, which literally translates as “removing meat”. The festival is believed to have developed from the of Roman Catholic tradition of abstained from meat and alcohol on certain days as a means of driving away evil spirits. Brazilian Carnival thus developed during the Portuguese colonial period. Catholic at the time indulged in last day of dance, fun, alcohol and sex just before the start of Lent, which is a period of abstinence from alcohol and other sensual endulgences. People would exchange clothes and engage in wild dancing. Sometimes there was even exchange of slaves. Different cities have their own Carnival traditions. There are week-long festivals of revelry, endulgence, and fun. By far the most famous carnival is that celebrated in Rio De Janeiro. People throng the Sambodromo stadium in the city wearing masks and colorful costumes. They dance to the beats of drums and music, Samba being the most prevalent form of dancing. A long parade with teams of beautifully dressed samba dancers atop a decorated moving vehicle goes through the stadium as masses of people keep join the parade as it moves along.
Brazil which represents half of South Anetica is the largest Catholic country in the world. Holy Week - Semana Santa is observed throughout Brazil with the same colorful processions and rituals that are common in other largely Catholic countries. Easter is a little different in Brzil than Europe and America. The famous and splashy Rio Carnival precedes Easter. The Carnival takes place during the days, preceding 'Ash Wednesday', the first of 40 days of the Lent season. The riotous excesses of Carinival sets the syage for the reflctive Easter celebration. Easter developed in Christianity as a kind spring festival, the annual renewal of like which fit in with the story of Jesus' crusifiction and resurection. Rather than Spring, Brazil in the southern hemisphere celebrates the holiday in autumn, because of its geographical location. And as the Equator crosses across the coujntry, the seasonal pattern is not as pronounced as in the northern hemisphere. Some of the best known Easter events in Brazil include: the Procissão do Fogaréu in Goiás Velho, GO, the Passion Play in Nova Jerusalém, and the Recife Passion Play. Many seek out traditional Holy Week Catholicism, including historic cities where processions are staged on stone-paved or cobblestone streets and the Mass is conducted in beautiful old churches. There is also a secular aspect to Easter in Brazil.
Brazil is largely Catholics, but this includes huge numbers who are culturaly Catholic, but do not practive their faith. Many Brazilians use the Easter holiday to go to the beach or other popular vacation spots. Schools usually have a week long holiday. Others make it a family event, seeking to be with their families.
Tiradentes' Day is called Dia de Tiradentes. It is the anniversary of the death of Tiradentes (1792). Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier (1748-1792) was a part-time dentist, thus known as Tiradentes (Tooth Puller)> He led the first organized movement against Portuguese rule in Brasil (1789). As in the United States, it was preciatated by taxes. He became a national martyr for being part of the Inconfidência Mineira, a rebellion aimed to create an independent Brazilian republic.
Labor Day is known as Dia do Trabalhador (Dia do Trabalho). It has none of the rites of Spring celebration common in northern Europe and the United States. It celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement.
Corpus Christi is not a ntional holiday. It is is a widely celebrated Christian observance that honors the Holy Eucharist. It is also known as the Feast of the Most Holy Body of Christ as well as the Day of Wreaths. It is usually celebrated in June, but sometimes in late-May. Corpus Cristyb is one of the main religious holidays in Brazil. Many cities and towns put up special decorations. We note colorful carpets made from wood shavings and other materials.
Brazilian independence Day is known as Dia da Independência. It celebrates the Declaration of Independence from Portugal (September 7, 1822). Brazilian indeopendence was different than in the United States and Hispano-America. The son of the King of Portugal was made regent when the king after the Napoleonic Wars returned to Portugal. And the Prince Refent simply declared himself emperor of a an indeoendent Brazil.
Our Lady of Aparecida is called Nossa Senhora Aparecida. This commemorates the Virgin Mary as Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida, Patron Saint of Brazil. Children's Day (Dia das Crianças) is also celebrated on the same day.
The Day of the Dead is the Dia de Finados. It is another Christian holiday, it commemorates the faithful departed. It is also widely celebrated in Hispano-America.
Republic Day is Proclamação da República. It commemorates the overthrow of the Emperor and the proclamation of the Brazilian Republic (November 15, 1889).
Christmas is known as Natal in Brazil meaning birth. It celebrates the nativity of Jesus. Portugal was a Portuguese colony. Portugal introduced Christianity to Brazil and thus the Christmas traditions are strongly influenced by Portugal. Christmas in Brazil, however, comes at the beginning of their summer season. It is a time for boating, picnicking and other summer festivities. The red and green of Christmas decorations are provided eucalyptus leaves and brilliant red flowers of many sorts. The "pesebre", or manger scene is important and there is also a Christmas tree decorated with candles. On Christmas Eve the "cena", or meal, is set out before the family goes to Midnight Mass so that the Holy Family can have some if they wish while everyone is out. A popular menu would include turkey, fish and champagne. Before going to bed, the children set out their shoes for Papa Noel. On Christmas morning the children fix breakfast, then get their presents from their shoes and look for gifts that are hidden around the house. Christmas evening can be spent outdoors in the balmy weather and is a great time for fireworks.
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