In Brazil, Christmas is one of the most significant celebrations of the year. I can tell you that Brazillian very eagerly anticipates it because this is a chance to spend quality time with family, enjoying delicious food and drinks together.
I have a Brazilian friend and he said that they often count down to Christmas not only for the presents but also for the incredible food – Brazilian cuisine is truly something special.
Brazil Christmas traditions are rich, vibrant, and deeply intertwined with culture. One unique fact about Christmas in Brazil is that it falls at the start of summer, so people would celebrate in warm weather.
Sounds great, right? So what are you waiting for? Let’s explore the Brazil Christmas traditions with nationalparkshops’s team!
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When is Christmas in Brazil?
Christmas in Brazil is celebrated on December 25, known as Dia de Festas. The festivities typically begin on Christmas Eve (Véspera de Natal), when families gather for a late-night feast and often attend Midnight Mass, called Missa do Galo.
On the evening of December 24, many Brazilians enjoy a festive meal that features a variety of dishes, including pork, turkey, and regional specialties, along with popular desserts like panettone.
The Brazil Christmas traditions are heavily influenced by Portuguese culture, with nativity scenes (presépios) being a common decoration in homes and public spaces. The celebrations continue until January 6, known as the Epiphany or Folia de Reis, which marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
Overall, Christmas in Brazil is a vibrant blend of religious observance and festive family gatherings, enriched by unique cultural traditions.
Christmas weather in Brazil
Christmas in Brazil which falls in December, the weather is typically warm and humid, as it coincides with the country’s summer season. Daytime temperatures generally reach around 28°C (82°F), with some regions experiencing even higher temperatures, often exceeding 30°C (86°F). In major cities like Rio de Janeiro, the average temperature ranges from 20°C (68°F) at night to 28°C (82°F) during the day, with about 5 hours of sunshine daily.
December is also characterized by significant rainfall, particularly in the southeastern and central regions. For instance, Rio de Janeiro can expect around 21 days of rain, accumulating approximately 207 mm of precipitation throughout the month. In São Paulo, the weather is slightly cooler, with average daytime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and frequent rain.
How to say Merry Christmas in Brazil?
In Brazil, Christmas is called “Natal,” the Portuguese term for the holiday, as Portuguese is the country’s official and most commonly spoken language. To wish someone a “Merry Christmas,” you would say “Feliz Natal.”
Between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, it’s common to hear “Feliz Ano Novo,” meaning “Happy New Year.”
While the phrase “boas festas” (meaning “happy holidays”) isn’t used as frequently, some Brazilians may say it to expatriates or people of non – Christian backgrounds.
>> Read More: How to Say Merry Christmas in Different Languages
How Christmas is celebrated in Brazil
Brazil Christmas tradition is a public holiday, so schools and most businesses close for the day. Since the holiday falls during the summer in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s also a popular time for vacation. Many Brazilians, who receive four weeks of paid leave, often choose to start their time off right after Christmas, making it an ideal period for family gatherings and festive relaxation. Here are some popular ways to celebrate Christmas in Brazil:
Christmas Gifts
Gift-giving is an essential part of Brazil Christmas tradition, with consumer spending spiking in December. Even in challenging times, like during the 2020 pandemic, retail sales reached R$37.5 billion. Many Brazilians buy gifts not only for immediate family but also for extended relatives, including aunts, uncles, and distant cousins, making shopping malls lively and crowded during the holiday season.
To manage expenses while still exchanging gifts, some families enjoy a Secret Santa tradition, known as “Amigo Secreto” (secret friend) or “Amigo Oculto” (hidden friend). In this exchange, each participant draws a name and buys a gift specifically for that person.
On Christmas Eve, the group gathers, and each person takes turns describing their chosen gift recipient without revealing their name. The group tries to guess who the recipient is before the gift is finally presented and opened, adding a layer of excitement and fun to the holiday gathering.
Papai Noel and His Reindeer Sleigh
Each year, Brazilian children eagerly await a visit from Papai Noel, Brazil’s version of Santa Claus. Similar to Santa in North America, Papai Noel hails from the North Pole, dons a red and white fur-trimmed outfit, and rides a sleigh pulled by reindeer. However, in Brazil’s warm summer climate, Papai Noel sometimes wears a cooler, red-and-white silk outfit.
In anticipation, the children leave out socks for Papai Noel, hoping he will fill them with gifts as a holiday surprise. This is one of the Brazil Christmas traditions.
Christmas Decorations
In Brazil, decorating homes is a key part of Brazil Christmas traditions, helping everyone get into the festive spirit. Across cities and towns, light posts are adorned with holiday lights, bringing communities together in holiday cheer. Public and private decorations are often similar to those in the U.S. and Canada, featuring Santa Claus, jingle bells, candy canes, and holly.
While some may wonder if palm trees are decorated for Christmas, Brazilians actually prefer traditional Christmas trees. Because evergreen trees are scarce, most families choose artificial ones. These trees are often decorated with string lights and ornaments, and many add a layer of artificial snow to give a wintry feel.
>> Read More: What is the Christmas Pickle Tradition: Story Behind Ornament
Common Brazil Christmas Traditions
Christmas celebrations in Brazil have many forms, but some stand out.
Midnight Mass
Most Brazilian Catholics view Christmas Eve Midnight Mass as a cherished custom. This service is known as “Missa do Galo,” meaning “Rooster Mass.” The title refers to a rooster’s crow signaling the dawn, similar to how Midnight Mass signifies the beginning of Christmas Day.
Presépio
A cherished Brazil Christmas tradition is setting up a presépio, or Nativity scene, which many families display annually. Some people use their artistic skills to paint or craft their own scenes, though store-bought options are also popular. Unpacking and carefully arranging the figurines becomes a meaningful event, bringing families together as they recreate the story of the Nativity.
Champion’s Lunch
On Christmas Day afternoon, Brazilian families come together for a relaxed meal, enjoying the leftovers from the festive feast prepared the night before. This casual gathering allows everyone to continue celebrating in a warm and familiar atmosphere, savoring the flavors of Brazil Christmas tradition once again.
Beach Trips
In Brazil’s coastal regions, Christmas afternoon and evening on the 25th are often spent at the beach, where families gather to bask in the sun and swim in the ocean. Large family groups, including extended relatives, may travel to their favorite beaches to relax and celebrate together, making the most of the warm summer weather for a few days.
Paycheck Bonuses
During the holiday season, many Brazilian employers provide employees with a significant bonus. In some cases, this bonus is equivalent to an entire extra month’s salary, known as the “13th salary,” given in celebration of Christmas.ư
>> Read More: 13 Unique Christmas Traditions Around The World
Christmas Activities in Brazil
If you’re in Brazil during the Christmas season, there are many ways to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Here are some places that are called must-try places during the Brazil Christmas tradition.
Visit a Nativity Scene
Numerous churches create sizable outdoor displays of the Christmas story. Sometimes, live performers and animals replace stationary figures, accompanied by carolers. Often, churches offer food and drinks to visitors during these live portrayals.
Watch a Fireworks Display
Many municipalities present fireworks shows on December 24th. Crowds frequently assemble for viewing. Choirs occasionally sing before or after the pyrotechnics. This is a popular Brazil Christmas tradition that takes place every year.
Festive Mood with Music
Christmas in Brazil is heavily influenced by music, particularly Marlon’s favorite, Simone’s “Então é Natal.” Locally produced Christmas music is as popular as international classics, filling public spaces throughout the holiday season. Many familiar carols are adapted with Brazilian lyrics, like “Sino de Belém” (based on “Jingle Bells”) and the Portuguese “Noite Feliz” (equivalent to “Silent Night”).
Attend a Christmas Play
Some towns perform a Christmas nativity play titled “Os Pastores” or “The Shepherds.” This play recounts the birth of Jesus but includes a surprising element: a shepherdess often attempts to kidnap the infant Jesus during her visit.
See the Christmas Tree
During the holidays in Rio de Janeiro, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon features a massive illuminated centerpiece. This 278-foot display holds the record for the world’s tallest floating Christmas tree.
The tree’s immense size requires over three million lights, powered by five barge-based generators.
Its lights change colors, representing the sunrise (orange), the moon (blue), Brazil Christmas tradition (green and gold), and a multicolored sequence.
The city typically illuminates the tree in early December, and it floats around the bay until January 6th.
Rio de Janeiro also boasts the Saara market, an 11-block open-air marketplace. For the holidays, it becomes a Christmas market offering decorations and gifts from local vendors.
What’s for Brazil Christmas Tradition Dinner?
Brazilian food is influenced by Portugal and Spain because of Brazil’s colonial history. Nineteenth-century immigration introduced Italian and German food customs to the country. Consequently, Brazil Christmas tradition dinners often feature European dishes.
Christmas Dinner
Christmas in Brazil, unlike New Year’s Eve, is a deeply family-focused celebration, where relatives gather together to enjoy each other’s company and indulge in an abundance of food. The Christmas dinner, or “Ceia de Natal,” takes place on the evening of December 24, accompanied by festive music and laughter.
While regional variations exist, most Brazil Christmas tradition dinners revolve around Chester – a large chicken, known for its disproportionate weight in the thighs and chest, which gives it its name. In some households, slow-roasted marinated pork leg (pernil) or turkey might take center stage. These main dishes are typically served alongside a range of salads, including popular options like Brazilian potato salad and chicken salad, or “salpicão.” White rice sautéed with garlic and onion also accompanies the meal.
Farofa, a beloved dish made from dried cassava flour mixed with salt, butter, spices, and crispy bacon, is a staple on the table, while kale sautéed with garlic and onion replaces cabbage. As unusual as it may seem, double starch – rice with potatoes or farofa – is a common and comforting feature of Brazil Christmas tradition meals, making the food hearty, rich, and utterly delicious.
Christmas Desserts
Brazil Christmas tradition meal typically concludes with an array of delightful desserts. One of the favorites is stollen, a German bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, offering a festive and flavorful treat. Another beloved option is panettone, the classic Italian dessert bread made with candied fruits and boasting its signature domed top.
In addition to these international treats, Brazilians have their own festive desserts. Cabanada, a Brazilian take on French toast, is often served with syrup or sugar, adding a sweet touch to the holiday spread. Another popular choice is pavê, a layered dessert made with biscuits and cream, reminiscent of tiramisu but with its own unique twist. These desserts round off the Christmas feast, offering something for every sweet tooth to enjoy.
FAQs
What colors does Brazil use for Christmas?
Brazil favors bright Christmas colors, especially red for warmth and joy, green for nature, and gold/silver for elegance. White adds a peaceful touch. Rio’s lagoon display features changing lights, from sunrise orange and moonlit blue to Christmas green and gold, plus a rainbow of other colors.
What is Santa called in Brazil?
American Christmas traditions, especially the concept of Santa Claus, have impacted Brazilian celebrations. Every year, Brazilian kids eagerly await a visit from their version of Santa, known as Papai Noel or Bom Velhinho (the good old man). The gift-giving game of Secret Santa is also common, referred to as “amigo secreto” (secret friend) or “amigo oculto” (hidden friend). Similar to his North American counterpart, the Brazilian Papai Noel resides at the North Pole, dons a red and white fur-trimmed suit, and travels by reindeer-drawn sleigh. However, to cope with Brazil’s summer temperatures, he often opts for silk clothing in the same colors.
What are some unique Christmas traditions in Brazil?
Brazilians celebrate Christmas, which they call “Natal,” with elaborate outdoor nativity scenes featuring live actors and animals accompanied by carolers. Churches offer food and drinks to attendees.
A popular Christmas play, “Os Pastores” (“The Shepherds”), retells the nativity story with a unique addition: a shepherdess attempts to kidnap the infant Jesus.
Catholics typically attend a midnight mass, “Missa do Gallo,” on Christmas Eve. Fireworks displays light up the night sky in many locations, including São Paulo, following the service. Streets are decorated with festive lights and ornaments.
Brazil Christmas traditions showcase the country’s multicultural background.
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