Holidays of Brazil

Introduction

There is a wide variety of Brazilian holidays, festivals and events held all over Brazil annually. Most holidays are marked across the country. Some cities and regions also have their own festivals or holidays and carnivals. There are also holidays which are dedicated to certain festivities and events. Festivals typically feature local music, dancing, costumes, bands, alcohol and fireworks (Brazil My Country, 2014). Major holidays, their history, how they are celebrated and how it influences people will be discussed.

The Holidays

New Year's Day is celebrated on the first of January like the rest of the world. It is also referred to as Good Jesus of Navigators. In Salvador, port city on northeastern Brazil, a fleet of small boats which are decorated carry Jesus's statue. It is carried from the main harbor to the far off beach of Boa Viagem. Many spectators line up at Salvador's beaches to watch the fleet. This tradition was begun by sailors in mid-18th century who were seeking for divine protection at sea (Brazil My Country, 2014).

The carnival is the highly prevalent festival. It is celebrated annually for three days prior to Ash Wednesday. Samba schools' parades compete against each other to be the best each year. Ash Wednesday makes the start of lent, forty-day duration prior to Easter. Its start depends on the Easter's date. On specific days, Roman Catholics and other Christians traditionally avoid consuming meat and poultry hence the term "carnival" which originated form the term carnelevare. Carnival originated from Saturnalia's pagan festival which was adapted to Catholicism. It was made to bid farewell to goods things in a period of religious discipline of practicing repentance and preparing for Jesus's death and resurrection (A & E Television Networks, 2014). Participation, costumes and rhythms varies with the region. In southern cities, the enormous parades are steered by samba schools. These are meant to be observed by the public. Minor parades known as blocos allow the public to participate. In the northern cities of Olinda, Salvador and Recife, there are organized groups which parade through streets. The public can directly interact with them. The African culture influence is evident (Brazil My Country, 2014).

Independence Day is celebrated on 7th of September. It marks the declaration of Brazil as an independent nation on 7th September 1822. Dom Pedro of Portugal officially declared independence of Brazil from Portugal on this date. It's an important day for political awareness. Military parades are conducted in cities across the country. The major military parade is held at the Ministries Esplanade with President of Brazil attendance. Many Brazilians attend these celebrations. They fiercely display Brazil's flags during these parades. Their love for their country is evident