The most emblematic celebrations represent the festive and welcoming spirit of Brazilians, offering visitors unique and unforgettable experiences
With 2024 coming to an end, Brazil transforms itself into a great stage for celebrations. The magical combination of Christmas, New Year and the long-awaited Carnival makes this season the most vibrant of the Brazilian calendar. It is the time when the heat of summer mixes with human warmth, making the country the perfect destination for those seeking fun, culture and unforgettable moments.
The charm begins with the Christmas lights and traditions that illuminate cities from North to South of the country, warming hearts and inspiring moments of union between families and friends.
A week later, the New Year takes over the country with parties full of traditions. Most Brazilians dress in white and eagerly await the traditional countdown of 10 seconds before midnight. And when the clock rings in the new year, the sky is filled with fireworks as everyone toasts with joy.
However, it is between February 28th and March 5th, 2025 that Brazil’s greatest and most vibrant spectacle will take place: Carnival. The biggest popular party on the planet is a contagious mix of music, dance, colours, costumes and lots of happiness.
Carnival attracts people from all over the world who want to live a unique experience, celebrating the culture, diversity and passion that beats in the heart of Brazil.
“Brazilian parties represent the best we have, our joy and our diversity. Carnival is the most internationally known expression of popular culture, it is a unique celebration, an incredible opportunity to get to know Brazil”, says Embratur’s president Marcelo Freixo.
Are you ready to experience this unique energy of Brazilian parties? So pack your bags up, choose your destination and go and celebrate the best Brazil has to offer this season!
Christmas: Lights and excitement in Gramado
At the end of the year, Gramado is the place where the magic of Christmas comes to life, and the beautiful Serra Gaúcha is transformed into an enchanted setting. The city is adorned with lights and colours to welcome one of the most anticipated holidays of the year: “Natal Luz”. The season lasts until January 19th, 2025 and features more than 300 attractions including shows, parades, musical performances, and much more.
The lights show is a must-see, as is the Christmas Parade, the Reindeer Exhibition, the ‘Fantastic Christmas Factory’ and ‘Nativitaten’ shows, and the Grand Christmas Parade, with allegorical floats and the arrival of Santa Claus. All with lots of technology, an abundance of details and excitement everywhere. It is an experience to remember!
New Year: The perfect occasion in several destinations
The turn of the year in Brazil is a great celebration that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the country. From the dazzling beaches to the parties in the urban cities, each place offers a unique experience for the New Year. And popular traditions come to life at this special time. Wearing white clothes, jumping seven waves, eating lentils, toasting with champagne, eating pomegranate seeds, sending offerings to Iemanjá and eating grapes are some of these traditions full of meaning.
New Year parties happen all over Brazil, but some destinations are especially known for their memorable celebrations. Here they are:
Rio de Janeiro: The iconic New Year on Copacabana Beach is world famous. Millions of people gather to watch the fireworks and participate in the festivities by the sea. For those who prefer tranquility and glamorous parties, Búzios is the ideal destination and is just a few hours from Rio. The charm of the city and its dazzling beaches are the perfect combination for a sophisticated and intimate New Year.
Santa Catarina: Florianópolis is the meeting point for those looking for fun on popular beaches such as Jurerê Internacional or parties in bars and restaurants overlooking the sea. On the other hand, Praia do Rosa combines lush nature with a lively scene, being a favourite among young people.
Bahia: Trancoso, Caraíva, Itacaré, Praia do Forte and Barra Grande are the perfect destinations in Bahia for those looking for sophisticated parties or relaxed celebrations, always accompanied by live music and paradisiacal beaches. Trancoso stands out for its luxurious parties, while Caraíva captivates with its rustic charm. The capital of Bahia, Salvador, is known for its lively parties throughout the year, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Music, dance, and cultural traditions mark celebrations in the city.
Pernambuco: Recognized by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site, the island of Fernando de Noronha is synonymous with exclusivity and beauty. New Year’s parties are very popular and are celebrated in paradisiacal settings. And since you are in Noronha, explore the trails, go diving and admire the beautiful beaches.
São Paulo: Many Brazilian artists perform on Avenida Paulista, one of the city’s financial centers and most famous avenues, where millions of people await the arrival of the new year.
Carnival: Rhythms, colours and contagious joy
Carnival is the time when the streets are filled with colours, costumes and lots of excitement, offering unforgettable experiences for party-goers. Each region of the country reveals its own carnival identity, embracing a diversity of rhythms, from the iconic samba to the vibrant axé, frevo and maracatú. Samba schools, street parties, dances and “trios elétricos” offer a variety of options for party-goers to enjoy the days of celebration. It is an irresistible invitation to dance, smile and celebrate life!
Rio de Janeiro: The Marvellous City is the epicenter of one of the most iconic carnivals in Brazil. The Sambadrome of the Marquês de Sapucaí is the official stage for the annual parade of Rio’s samba schools. With grandious floats, luxurious costumes, choreographies and lots of music, the schools perform at Sapucaí, delighting the public and the judges with the richness of this spectacle. And that’s not all! The Rio de Janeiro Street Carnival is recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest in the world, attracting some two million party-goers a day to accompany the countless “blocos” that invade the city.
Recife and Olinda: The Recife Carnival draws crowds through the streets of the city to the sound of frevo, maracatú and forró. The highlight of this party is the emblematic Galo da Madrugada, considered the largest carnival “bloco” in the world according to the Guinness Book.
Take the opportunity to also visit the iconic Olinda Carnival. On the historic slopes of the city, music animates the party-goers and the parades of the famous giant dolls.
Salvador: To the rhythm of axé and Afro groups such as Ilê Aiyê and Olodum, the “trios elétricos” of the Salvador Carnival draw crowds through the streets of Bahia’s capital. It is a unique experience of immersion in Brazilian musical diversity, an explosion of colours, dance and joy that reflects the vibrant cultural heritage of Bahia and its welcoming people. For those who enjoy the hustle and bustle, follow the “trios elétricos” on foot. For those who prefer more comfort, the “camarotes”, or VIP areas, are ideal for experiencing unforgettable moments.
Minas Gerais: The historic cities of Ouro Preto and Diamantina offer an authentic Carnival, with street bands that run along hillsides full of history. The parties include serenades and parades that attract revellers looking for a more traditional celebration.
Ready for the holiday season?
In Brazil, every destination offers an unforgettable experience, whether it is Christmas shows, paradisiacal beaches and New Year parties, or the joyous explosion of Carnival. Airlines from around the world offer regular, direct flights to many Brazilian destinations. Pack your bags up and experience the unique energy of one of the most festive countries in the world!
