Source: nateClicks
Whether enjoying their culture and cuisine, celebrating the anniversary of holy date or wearing fancy costumes, the Brazilians know how to party hard. There are a number of exciting festivals and events held throughout the year in all over Brazil. These festivals are celebrated not only by the locals but also draw a large number of people from all over the world each year. Each festival is unique from other and offers many activities to the people. We are providing you the list of 15 most fascinating festivals held in Brazil.
1. Lavagem do Bonfim, Salvador
Source: John Harwood
Lavagem do Bonfim is a biggest festival held in Salvador in Brazil. It is attended by thousands of people and features lots of dancing, singing, drumming and many other activities. Although it is the religious festival, but it is also a huge street party with a large number of party-goers enjoying all day and night.
Information
- Name: Lavagem do Bonfim
- Location: Salvador, Brazil
- Date: Jan 2017
2. Festa de Lemanja
Source: Clarissa Pacheco
Festa de Lemanja is celebrated in Salvador in February every year. This colorful festival takes place on the beach where Lemanja, The Goddess of the Water is honored. During the festival, a large number of small boats are filled with gifts, perfumes, flowers and many other offerings which are put into the water. This is done in order to thank The Goddess for everything she has done for the people in past and for all she will do for them in future. The festival also take place in other cities on different dates.
Information
- Name: Festa de Lemanja
- Location: Rio Vermelho Beach, Salvador
- Date: Feb 2, 2017
3. Salvador Carnival
Source: Carnaval.com Studios
Salvador Carnival or takes place every year at the end of February and continues until early March. Each year a specific theme is designated for the Carnival and city is decorated accordingly. Carnival is attended by thousands of people who dance, drink, sing and do other activities for about a week.
Information
- Name: Salvador Carnival
- Location: Multiple Locations in Bahia (Mainly Salvador)
- Date: February 23 – March 1, 2017
4. Rio de Janeiro Carnival
Source: nateClicks
The Rio Carnival is one of the most popular festivals of Brazil that is held in Rio de Janeiro every year. The carnival takes place for five days and is attended by millions of people from all over the world. The Rio Carnival features many performances, people wearing colorful costumes and dancers walking through the streets. You will also get to eat a variety of delicious food and drinks in the carnival.
Information
- Name: The Rio de Janeiro Carnival
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Date: Feb 24 – 28, 2017
5. Lollapalooza, Sao Paulo
Source: Gustavo Paques
Lollapalooza is the biggest music festival held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The event takes place every year featuring various hip hop, alternative rock, punk rock, heavy metal and many other bands and artists. Dances and comedy performances are also carried out in the festival. You can book the tickets in advance and enjoy this musical event with your loved ones.
Information
- Name: Lollapalooza
- Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Date: March 2017
6. The Brazilian Beer Festival
Source: Christian Benseler
The Brazilian Beer Festival is held in the Blumenau, Brazil every year. The festival features beers of every taste, smell and style. Thousands of people attend this popular festival and enjoy the variety of beers from all over Brazil. Not only beers, the event also offers many performances, food and other artistic attractions.
Information
- Name: The Brazilian Beer Festival
- Location: Blumenau, Brazil
- Date: March 2017
7. Brasil Sabor
Source: Manoel Petry
Brasil Sabor is the biggest food festival that is held every year throughout Brazil. In the festival, a variety of traditional dishes is served. Each restaurant comes up with a new food item of local origin. The festival takes place for few weeks in May. Each year a new theme is designated for the festival which is followed by all. Enjoy the local delicacies of the country such as cheese, acai fruit, coalho sticks and much more.
Information
- Name: Brasil Sabor
- Location: Multiple Locations, Brazil
- Date: May 2017
8. Festa Junina
Source: Daniel Fucs
Festa Junina is celebrated at the starting of winter in Brazil. The festival takes place in order to commemorate some famous Catholic saints including John the Baptist, Saint Peter and Saint Anthony. People dress up like the farmers in the festival and enjoy the dances, bonfires and delicious food.
Information
- Name: Festa Junina
- Location: Multiple Locations, Brazil
- Date: Mid June – August
9. Parintins Folklore Festival
Source: Marco Gomes
Festival do Boi-Bumba also known as Parintins Folklore Festival is held in Amazonas State of Brazil and is considered as the second biggest festival of the country. The festival takes place for three days at the end of June. The festival celebrates the event of a bride and resurrection of an ox. The competition takes place between two teams who have to tell the story using dance, songs and costumes to defeat the competitor. The show lasts for about 3 hours. This festival is one of the most loved events by the locals and international visitors.
Information
- Name: Parintins Folklore Festival
- Location: Multiple locations in Parintins, Amazonas
- Date: June 2017
10. Bauernfest
Source: Rodrigo Soldon
Bauernfest is a traditional festival that takes place in order to honor the German people immigrated to Brazil. It is held every year in July in the Petropolis Municipality of Rio de Janeiro, where the majority of Germans reside. The festival features various folk dances, traditional German bands, delicious food, desserts and beers.
Information
- Name: Bauernfest
- Location: Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro
- Date: June End – Early July
11. Festa do Peao
Source: Gerardo Lazzari
Festa do Peao which means ‘cowboy festival’ takes place across the Brazil every year. The festival features horses and bulls supported by the country style music. The most famous and biggest Festa do Peao is held in Barretos in the State of Sao Paulo every year in August. The festival takes place in a large stadium with a capacity to attend over 35,000 people.
Information
- Name: Festa do Peao
- Location: Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Date: Aug 18 – 28, 2016
12. Oktoberfest of Blumenau
Source: Emanuel De Costa
Oktoberfest is a traditional German festival held in October in the city of Blumenau. It is considered as one of the biggest German festivals and one of largest October celebrations. The festival is held at Parque Vila Germanica and lasts for about 17 days. It is attended by thousands of people which not only include locals but also many international visitors.
Information
- Name: Oktoberfest
- Location: Parque Vila Germanica, Blumenau
- Date: Oct 5 – 23, 2016
13. Cirio de Nazare
Source: Celso Abreu
Cirio de Nazare is one of the best religious festivals of the world held in Belem along the Amazon River. The festival is held in the devotion of the Lady of Nazareth about which is believed to have attempted miracles. It was then found and taken to home by a farmer. Today, the statue is carried in the festival accompanied by colorful boats, dancing and singing.
Information
- Name: Cirio de Nazare
- Location: Belem, Brazil
- Date: Oct 9, 2016
14. Christmas of Light or Natal Luz
Source: Rosanetur
It is the largest Christmas festival that is celebrated in Gramado in the Rio Grande do Sul. In 1986, Eleazar de Carvalho carried out a biggest Christmas concert in Gramado. Since than, this event is held in the city that continues for 60 days and attended by thousands of people. You will enjoy the delicious native food, drinks accompanied by the beautiful Christmas lightening and decorations.
Information
- Name: Natal Luz
- Location: Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul
- Date: Oct 28, 2016 – Jan 15, 2017
15. Reveillon de Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Source: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo
This is another grand New Year’s Eve festival takes place at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Every year about 2 million people from all over the world gets together at the beach to celebrate New Year. There are fireworks, dancing, singing, delicious food, drinks and many more activities to enjoy. A stage is also set on the beach featuring various performances.
Information
- Name: Reveillon
- Location: Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
- Date: Dec, 2016
Are you planning a trip to Brazil? Then make sure there are any of these festivals going on so you can enjoy the true Brazilian experience with your friends and family.
Have a good trip and travel!
