2025 Holidays - Brazil

Brazil Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- No nationwide “Monday replacement”: There is no federal rule mandating that a Sunday holiday be observed on the following Monday.

- Observed on the exact date: Most national holidays in Brazil are observed strictly on their calendar date, regardless of the day of the week.

- Possible local variations: Some municipalities or states may have specific regulations, but there is no universal, country-wide practice of moving Sunday holidays.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- No automatic day off in lieu: Public holidays falling on Saturday remain on Saturday, with no replacement day on the preceding Friday or following Monday.

- Employer policies: Some employers (especially in the private sector) may offer additional rest days or flexibility, but this is not mandated by law.

- Compensation for work: Employees who work on a Saturday holiday should receive overtime pay or compensatory time off, according to their collective bargaining agreements or individual contracts.

3. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- “Ponto Facultativo” for public sector: The federal or local governments sometimes declare “ponto facultativo” (optional holiday) on days bridging public holidays and weekends—especially for civil servants. However, this does not automatically apply to private sector employees.

- No automatic bridging: In the private sector, there is no legal obligation to grant a bridging day off. Employers may do so at their discretion to create a long weekend.

- Regional differences: Some states or municipalities may have their own rules, but bridging holidays are typically not mandated by national law.

4. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Carnival: Carnival Tuesday (and sometimes the preceding Monday) is often treated like a holiday, but it is technically “ponto facultativo” at the federal level and might be fully recognized as a holiday by some states or cities.

- Good Friday: Good Friday is not an official federal holiday, but many localities treat it as a public holiday or ponto facultativo.

- Regional/municipal holidays: There are additional local holidays (e.g., São Paulo’s anniversary on January 25). If these fall on weekends, they typically remain on those days without shifting.

5. Additional Notes

- Multiple levels of legislation: In Brazil, public holidays can be established at the federal, state, and municipal levels. Observance rules can vary widely.

- Compliance: Employers and employees should check collective bargaining agreements (CCT or ACT) for specific conditions regarding holiday pay or compensatory rest.

- Advance announcements: National public holidays are well-known and do not usually change. State and municipal holidays may be announced or confirmed by local decrees.

- Private sector discretion: Besides the statutory holidays, any additional days off (like bridging) are subject to employer policy.