Holidays in Brazil this April are lining up in a rare way, potentially creating an extended break for millions nationwide.
With Good Friday (April 18), Easter Sunday (April 20), Tiradentes Day (April 21), and Indigenous Peoples Day (April 19) packed into a four-day window, the nation could see up to six consecutive days off, depending on how employers and schools manage the calendar.
For travelers, families, businesses, and public institutions, April 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful holiday clusters of the year.
April 18 โ Good Friday (Sexta-feira Santa)
Good Friday is a deeply religious day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, widely observed across Brazil. It’s also a national public holiday, meaning government offices, banks, schools, and many private businesses will be shut.
It kicks off a long weekend โ and sets the stage for extended time off that many Brazilians may stretch into the following week.
Traditions: Religious processions, church services, and traditional dishes like bacalhau (salt cod) dominate the day.
April 19 โ Indigenous Peoples Day (Dia dos Povos Indรญgenas)
Aย regional commemorative date honoring Brazil’s indigenous communities, their cultural contributions, and ongoing struggles.
Events typically take place in states like Amazonas, Parรก, Bahia, and the Federal District, with cultural festivals, parades, and school activities.
Note: While not a federal holiday, many schools and cultural institutions mark the day with special programming.
Significance: The date is especially important amid growing national conversations around environmental protection and indigenous land rights.
April 20 โ Easter Sunday (Domingo de Pรกscoa)
Celebrated two days after Good Friday, Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Christ and is not one of the national holidays in Brazil โ but it is a major cultural event.
How itโs celebrated
- Church services
- Family lunches with chocolate eggs and traditional desserts
- Packed supermarkets and bakeries in the days before
Fun fact: Brazil is one of the largest chocolate egg markets in the world. You’ll see them hanging from ceilings in every grocery store.
April 21 โ Tiradentes Day (Dia de Tiradentes)
A full national holiday, Tiradentes Day honors Joaquim Josรฉ da Silva Xavier, a revolutionary hero who fought for Brazilian independence from Portuguese rule.
What to expect
- Parades and flag ceremonies, especially in Minas Gerais
- Most government offices and schools closed
- Some museums offer free entry or host special exhibitions
Why itโs important: Tiradentes is seen as a symbol of courage and sacrifice โ a kind of Brazilian Paul Revere meets Che Guevara.
Extended Breaks from April 18โ23?
| Date | Event | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 18 | Good Friday | National Holiday |
| Saturday, April 19 | Indigenous Peoples Day | Regional Observance |
| Sunday, April 20 | Easter Sunday | Religious (non-official) |
| Monday, April 21 | Tiradentes Day | National Holiday |
| TuesโWed, April 22โ23 | Optional Vacation Days | Employer-discretionary |
With just two workdays between official holidays in Brazil, many companies are expected to offer bridge days (enforcados), effectively giving employees a six-day break.
- Airports, highways, and hotels will be packed. If you’re planning to travel, book now or expect higher prices.
- Retail, logistics, and government services may operate on limited hours or pause entirely during this period.
What This Means for You
| If you’re a… | Hereโs what to expect |
|---|---|
| Traveler | Limited availability on flights and hotels โ book early! |
| Business owner | Expect decreased traffic; consider adjusting hours or running holiday promos |
| Government employee | Likely to have time off April 18โ21, with April 22โ23 possibly granted as bridge days |
| Parent or student | School holidays may stretch into a full week depending on your state or institution |
FAQs
Will everything be closed from April 18โ21?
Most government offices and many businesses will close on Good Friday and Tiradentes Day. Easter Sunday sees closures mainly for family and religious observance.
Whatโs the chance of a six-day break?
Very likely. With Good Friday on a Friday and Tiradentes Day the following Monday, employers may offer the Tuesday and Wednesday off as bridge days.
Is it a good time to travel in Brazil?
Yes โ if you plan ahead. Popular destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and the coast will be crowded and pricey, but rural escapes may offer serenity.
Are there events for Indigenous Peoples Day?
Yes! Look for events in Brasรญlia, Manaus, and parts of Bahia. These include cultural showcases, talks, and school-led programs.
Last Words
April 2025 brings a rare combination of holidays in Brazil. Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Tiradentes Day, and Indigenous Peoples Day fall within just a few days.
For many, this means a long break from work. For others, it means travel, closed businesses, or schedule changes. The impact will be national.
Everything points to a slow week. If you need to move, plan ahead. If you donโt, settle in.
