Carnaval is King of the Brazilian festival calendar - and rightly so. But there are plenty of other festive events to enjoy during your trip to Brazil, as the list below attests...
Festa de Iemanjá: (Festival of Iemanjá) Celebrated in Rio on January 1, and in Salvador on February 2.
Procissão do Senhor Bom Jesus dos Navegantes: (Procession of the Lord Jesus of Boatmen) In Salvador, Bahia on New Year's Day.
Lavagem do Bonfim: (Washing of Bonfim church) Second Thursday in January. A Candomblé festival culminating in the ritual cleansing of Bonfim church in Salvador, Bahia.
Carnaval: Friday to Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday. Carnaval celebrations usually start well before the official holiday.
Semana Santa: (Holy Week) The week before Easter. Festival in Congonhas, Ouro Prêto, Goiás Velho.
Dia do Indio: (Indian Day) April 19.
Festas Juninas: (June Festivals) Throughout June. Celebrated throughout in Rio state and much of the rest of the country.
Boi-Bumba: June 28-30. Celebrated in Parintins, Amazonas.
Bumba Meu Boi: Late June to second week of August. Festival in São Luis.
Fortal: (out-of-season Carnaval) Last week of July. Celebrated in Fortaleza.
Jubileu do Senhor Bom Jesus do Matosinhos: (Jubilee of the Savior of Matosinhos) September 7-14. Celebrated in Congonhas.
Cirio de Nazaré: (Festival of the Virgin of Nazaré) Starts second Sunday in October. Festival in Belém.
Carnatal: (Carnaval in Natal) First week of December. Natal's answer to Brazil's big celebration comes in December (Natalese simply can't wait for the other Carnaval).
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