Brazil Public Holidays & Carnival 2026: Dates, Long Weekends & Travel Planning

Brazil’s public holidays in 2026 are closely tied to culture, religion, and large-scale celebrations, especially Carnival. From nationally observed feriados nacionais (national public holidays) to regionally significant festivities, these dates shape how Brazilians travel, work, and celebrate throughout the year.

Beyond its calendar, Brazil is also home to global icons like the Amazon Rainforest and Rio de Janeiro’s coastline, and it hosts the highest number of Carnival street parties in the world.

Brazil Public Holidays 2026

Below is the official Calendário de feriados de 2026 (2026 public holiday calendar). Some dates are marked as ponto facultativo (optional public holiday), meaning businesses may close depending on the region or employer.

These dates form the backbone of Brazil national holidays 2026 and strongly influence domestic travel patterns.

Carnival Season and Travel Impact in Brazil

Carnival is Brazil’s most important annual celebration, and its scale differs significantly by city. In 2026, Carnival falls in February, with the main celebration period running from Friday, 13 February to Saturday, 21 February 2026, including pre-Carnival events and post-Carnival festivities.

Although Carnival days are officially listed as ponto facultativo (optional holidays), the event functions as a nationwide holiday in practice. Schools close, offices operate on limited schedules, and domestic travel peaks across the country.

Major Carnival Destinations in Brazil

Brazil does not have a single Carnival. Instead, each major city hosts its own version, often attracting different types of travelers:

Rio de Janeiro Carnival (Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro)

Rio hosts the world-famous samba school parades at the Sambadrome, alongside hundreds of street parties (blocos). In 2026, Rio Carnival celebrations peak between Friday, 13 February and Tuesday, 17 February, with parades and events continuing before and after these dates.

Salvador Carnival (Carnaval de Salvador)

Salvador’s Carnival is known for massive street parties rather than stadium parades. Music trucks (trios elétricos) lead crowds through the city for several consecutive days. In 2026, Salvador Carnival runs through the same mid-February period, often starting earlier and lasting longer than in other cities.

São Paulo Carnival (Carnaval de São Paulo)

São Paulo has become one of Brazil’s fastest-growing Carnival destinations. It combines organized samba parades with extensive neighborhood street celebrations. Events take place mainly between mid-February and Carnival Tuesday, with large crowds across the city.

How Carnival Affects Travel in Brazil

Because Carnival is celebrated nationwide, travel disruption extends well beyond the official dates.

• Flights, buses, and domestic travel routes sell out quickly weeks in advance
• Hotel prices surge in Carnival cities, especially Rio, Salvador, and São Paulo
• Smaller towns may feel quieter as locals travel to major Carnival destinations

For travelers, Carnival season can be either the highlight of a Brazil trip or a period to avoid, depending on travel style and budget.

Long Weekends and Travel Culture in Brazil

Brazilian travel culture heavily revolves around feriados (public holidays) and pontes (bridged days taken off to extend weekends).

In 2026, several long weekends stand out:

• Labour Day (1 May) falling on a Friday creates a natural three-day weekend.
• Independence Day (7 September) on Monday encourages domestic flights and road trips.
• Nossa Senhora Aparecida (12 October) on Monday often marks a peak travel weekend.

In Brazil, long weekends are often treated as mini vacations. When public holidays fall on Mondays or Fridays, many people extend their time off, creating what locals call fin de semana longo (long weekend). Periods like fin de semana largo de maio (long weekend in May) or extended breaks around national holidays frequently lead to packed airports, sold-out buses, and higher accommodation prices across popular destinations.

Travelers visiting Brazil in 2026 should be aware that these extended weekends can feel just as busy as major holidays, even when the official holiday lasts only one day.

Seasonal Travel Considerations in Brazil

Brazil’s size means seasons vary, but public holidays still shape nationwide movement.

• February–March: Peak travel due to Carnival. Flights and accommodation sell out quickly.
• April–June: Quieter period, aside from Easter and Corpus Christi.
• July–August: School holidays increase domestic travel, especially to beaches.
• September–November: Frequent long weekends with moderate crowds.
• December: Christmas and New Year drive both domestic and international travel.

Knowing how Brazil’s public holidays fall throughout the year makes a real difference when planning a trip. Dates on the Brazil public holidays 2026 calendar often align with peak travel demand, especially during Carnival season and national long weekends. Checking the Brazil holiday calendar in advance helps travelers avoid unexpected crowds, higher prices, and limited availability during popular travel periods.

Staying Connected While Traveling in Brazil

Traveling during Carnival or long weekends means navigating crowds, transport changes, and last-minute bookings. Reliable mobile data becomes essential. Using a Brazil eSIM simplifies connectivity without relying on local SIM shops.

With Eskimo, travelers heading to Brazil can stay connected using a regional or Global eSIM, especially useful when moving between cities during Carnival or public holidays.

Across all plans, travelers can:

• Try 500 MB of free global data before purchasing
• Keep unused data when topping up
• Share data with friends or family traveling together

This approach works well during busy periods like Carnival Brazil 2026 or extended long weekends.

FAQs

When is Carnival in Brazil in 2026?

Carnival in Brazil runs from February 13 to February 21, 2026, with the main celebration days on February 16 and 17.

Is Carnival a public holiday in Brazil?

Carnival is officially an optional holiday (ponto facultativo), but most businesses close, and it functions like a nationwide holiday.

Which Carnival city is the most famous?

Rio de Janeiro is the most internationally famous, while Salvador and São Paulo attract massive crowds with different styles of celebration.

How many public holidays are there in Brazil?

Brazil has 12 federal public holidays, with additional optional and municipal holidays depending on location.

What is Brazil’s most important public holiday?

Independence Day on 7 September is Brazil’s most significant national holiday, celebrated across the country.