Public Holidays in Brazil 2026
Understanding public holidays in Brazil is essential for employers, HR teams, and international companies operating in the country. In 2026, Brazil will observe a mix of national public holidays and optional observances (pontos facultativos) that directly affect payroll, working hours, and employee leave planning.
This guide covers all official public holidays in Brazil for 2026, explains how holidays are classified, and highlights what employers must consider for compliance.
Let’s explore the Brazil public holidays calendar for 2026 ⬇️
How Public Holidays Work in Brazil
Public holidays in Brazil are divided into three legal levels:
National holidays – Apply across the entire country and must be observed by all employers.
State holidays – Apply only within a specific state.
Municipal holidays – Apply only within a specific city.
In addition, Brazil recognizes pontos facultativos. These are optional days off for the public sector. Private companies may choose whether to observe them, unless otherwise agreed by collective bargaining agreements.
National Public Holidays in Brazil – 2026
The following dates are mandatory national holidays under Brazilian law.
| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day (Confraternização Universal) | National |
| April 3 | Good Friday (Paixão de Cristo) | National |
| April 21 | Tiradentes Day | National |
| May 1 | Labor Day (Dia Mundial do Trabalho) | National |
| September 7 | Independence Day | National |
| October 12 | Our Lady of Aparecida | National |
| November 2 | All Souls’ Day (Finados) | National |
| November 15 | Proclamation of the Republic | National |
| November 20 | Black Awareness Day (Zumbi dos Palmares) | National |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | National |
Employees who work on national holidays are generally entitled to double pay or compensatory time off, unless a collective agreement states otherwise.
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Optional Public Holidays (Pontos Facultativos) – 2026
The following dates are officially classified as optional holidays. They are commonly observed, but not mandatory for private employers.
| Date | Observance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| February 16 | Carnival | Optional |
| February 17 | Carnival | Optional |
| February 18 | Ash Wednesday | Optional until 2:00 PM |
| April 20 | Optional Day | Optional |
| June 4 | Corpus Christi | Optional |
| June 5 | Day after Corpus Christi | Optional |
| October 28 | Public Servant Day | Optional (federal) |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve | Optional after 1:00 PM |
| December 31 | New Year’s Eve | Optional after 1:00 PM |
Many companies choose to observe these dates for operational consistency. However, private employers are not legally required to do so unless local rules or agreements apply.
State and Municipal Holidays in Brazil
In addition to national holidays, states and municipalities may establish their own public holidays. These often include:
City anniversary days
Local patron saint celebrations
State foundation dates
Employers must verify local holiday calendars to ensure compliance, especially when operating across multiple cities or states.
Why Public Holidays Matter for Employers
Public holidays directly affect:
Payroll calculations
Overtime and premium pay
Time-off policies
Business continuity planning
Failing to observe mandatory holidays can expose employers to labor claims and penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are public holidays mandatory for private companies in Brazil?
National public holidays are mandatory for all employers. State and municipal holidays apply only within their jurisdictions. Pontos facultativos are optional unless a collective bargaining agreement states otherwise.
What happens if an employee works on a national public holiday?
Employees who work on national holidays are generally entitled to double pay or a compensatory day off, depending on the employment contract or collective agreement.
Are Carnival days official public holidays in Brazil?
Carnival days are classified as pontos facultativos, not national public holidays. Private companies may choose whether to grant time off.
Do public holidays affect payroll calculations?
Yes. Public holidays impact overtime rates, holiday premiums, and working hour calculations. Employers must apply the correct pay rules to remain compliant.
Manage Public Holidays and Payroll in Brazil with Europortage
Managing public holidays in Brazil requires local expertise, especially when dealing with national, state, and municipal rules. This becomes even more complex for international companies hiring Brazilian employees.
Europortage supports employers with:
Payroll and holiday compliance
Working time and overtime management
Employment contracts and local labor law guidance
Employer of Record (EOR) solutions
With a local team and deep regulatory knowledge, we help you stay compliant while focusing on business growth.
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