As the year comes to a close, Brazil becomes a great stage for celebrations. The magical combination of Christmas, New Year and the long-awaited Carnival makes this season the most vibrant in the Brazilian calendar. It is the time when the heat of summer mixes with human warmth, transforming the country into 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, warming hearts and inspiring moments of togetherness 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 ten seconds before midnight. And when the clock marks the arrival of the new year, the sky fills with fireworks as everyone toasts with joy.
But it is between February 28 and March 5, 2025, when the greatest and most vibrant show in Brazil will take place: Carnival, which extends - in each place with its own characteristics - throughout Brazil. The biggest popular festival on the national calendar is a contagious mix of music, dance, colors, costumes and lots of joy. 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 our country," says the president of Embratur, Marcelo Freixo.
Christmas: Lights and excitement in Gramado (Rio Grande do Sul)
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, which starts in October and ends on 19 January 2025 and features more than 300 attractions, including shows, parades, musical performances and much more. The lights-on show is a must-see, as is the Christmas Parade, the fairs, the "Fantástica Fábrica de Navidad" 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.
New Year's Eve: music, warmth and cultural richness
New Year's Eve in Brazil is a grand celebration that reflects the country's rich cultural diversity. From dazzling beaches to urban parties, every place offers a unique experience. And popular traditions come to life at this special time: wearing white clothes, jumping seven waves, toasting with sparkling wine, sending offerings to Lemanjá and eating lentils, pomegranate seeds or grapes are some of these meaningful traditions. New Year's Eve parties take place all over Brazil, but some destinations are especially known for their memorable celebrations:
Rio de Janeiro: The Réveillon on Copacabana Beach is world famous. Millions of people gather to watch the fireworks and take part in the celebrations by the sea. For those who prefer tranquility and glamorous parties, Búzios is the ideal destination and is just a few hours from the "Marvelous City"; the charm of the city and its dazzling beaches are the perfect combination for a sophisticated and intimate New Year's Eve.
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. Praia do Rosa, on the other hand, combines lush nature with a lively scene, and is a favorite among young people.
Bahia: Trancoso, Caraíva, Itacaré, Praia do Forte and Barra Grande are the perfect Bahian destinations 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.
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, which are part of a protected ecological zone. And if you are in Noronha, there is nothing better than taking advantage of the days to explore the trails, go diving and contemplate the beautiful beaches.
Carnival: Rhythms, colors and contagious joy
Carnival is the time when the streets are filled with colors, costumes and lots of excitement, with unforgettable experiences for those who enjoy popular festivals. 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, blocos de rua (street groups), dances and electric trios offer a variety of options to enjoy, dance, smile and celebrate life.
Rio de Janeiro: The Marvelous City is the epicentre of one of Brazil’s most iconic carnivals. The Marquês de Sapucaí sambadrome is the official stage for the annual parade of the carioca samba schools. With grandiose floats, lavish costumes, choreography and lots of music, the schools perform at Sapucaí, enchanting the public and the judges with the richness of their spectacle. And that’s not all! Rio de Janeiro’s street carnival is recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest in the world, attracting some two million people a day to accompany the countless blocos that invade the city.
Recife and Olinda: Recife’s Carnival draws crowds through the city streets to the sound of frevo, maracatú and forró. The highlight of the Pernambuco festival is the emblematic Galo da Madrugada, considered the largest carnival block in the world according to the Guinness Book, presided over by a mega statue of a rooster. Take the opportunity to also visit the iconic Olinda Carnival; on the historic slopes of the city, music animates the participants and the parades of the famous giant dolls.
Salvador: To the rhythm of the axé and Afro groups, such as Ilê Aiyê and Olodum, the percussion bands and electric trios of the Carnival of Salvador, the capital of Bahia, draw crowds through the streets. It is a unique experience of immersion in Brazilian musical diversity, an explosion of colors, dance and joy that reflects the vibrant cultural heritage of Bahia and the warmth of its people. For those who enjoy the hustle and bustle, follow the electric trios on foot. For those who prefer more comfort, the camarotes (exclusive and reserved areas within the parades and main events) are ideal for experiencing unforgettable moments.
Minas Gerais: The historic cities of Ouro Preto and Diamantina offer an authentic Carnival, with street bands winding their way through hillsides steeped in history. Parties include serenades and parades that attract participants looking for a more traditional celebration. Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, will host Brazil’s first carbon-free carnival in 2025.
In Brazil, every destination offers an unforgettable experience, whether it’s Christmas shows, paradisiacal beaches and New Year’s parties, or the joyous explosion of Carnival. Airlines from around the world have regular, direct flights to several Brazilian destinations. For travelers arriving from South America, land access is possible across borders with neighboring countries. Pack your bags and experience the unique energy of one of the most festive countries in the world!
Source: Visit Brasil.