| Independence Day - Tuesday September 7, 2021 Secular holiday : In 1807, Napoleon's army marched on Lisbon. Two days before the invasion, the Portuguese Prince Regent set sail for Brazil. On arrival, he made Rio de Janeiro the capital of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarve; Brazil became the only New World colony to serve as the seat of a European monarch. In 1822 the Prince Regent's son, who had been left behind to rule the colony when his father returned to Portugal, pulled out his sword and yelled the battle cry 'Independência ou morte!' (independence or death). Portugal was too weak to fight its favourite son, so Brazil became an independent empire without spilling a drop of blood.
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| Our Lady of Aparecida - Monday October 12, 2020 Secular holiday : Our Lady who Appeared refers to a statue of the Virgin Mary located in the Basilica of Aparecida in Aparecida, and patroness of Brazil. One of the most visited places in the Catholic world.
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| Civil Servants holiday - Wednesday October 28, 2020 Secular holiday : Information: Some government agencies are closed; banks may close half-day or even the full day.
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| Defuncts' Day (All Souls Day) - Monday November 2, 2020 Secular holiday : This is an ancient festivity that has been much transformed through the years,but which was intended in prehispanic Mexico to celebrate children and the dead. This holiday is a time when Mexican families remember their dead and the continuity of life. The original celebration can be traced to the Aztec civilization, in the month of Miccailhuitontli, presided by the Lady of the Dead , goddess Mictecacihuatl and dedicated to children and the dead. This celebration is also observed in other countries in Latin América. Families visit the graves and engage in sprucing up the gravesite, decorating it with flowers, setting out and eating a festive picnic.
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| Republic Day - Sunday November 15, 2020 Secular holiday : When in 1822 Brazil became independent, Don Pedro was the emperor. In 1865 Brazil became involved in a bloody five-year war with Paraguay. In 1888 slavery was abolished and in 1889, the emperor was overthrown by the military. Republic was installed.
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| Christmas Eve (1/2 day) - Thursday December 24, 2020 Secular holiday :
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| Christmas Day - Friday December 25, 2020 Catholic or protestant : Since pre-historic times in Europe, festivities (bonfires, offrerings) were marking the beginning of longer hours of daylight with fires and ritual. The Roman festival of Saturnalia lasted several days in December (gambling and offerings). Germanic tribes also celebrated mid-winter (drinking and rituals). The Bulgarian (with Koleduvane) and the Polish (with Gwiazdka) perpetuate this tradition. Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in springtime (Reformists favour autumn). But in the 4th century, December 25th was chosen for the celebration of his birth by Pope Julius I (Bishop Liberus is also mentioned in 354 A.D.). Thus, a Christian element was introduced in the long-established mid-winter festivals. Before 1582, the Papal States and other Italian city states celebrated New Year’s Day on Christmas Day.
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| New Year's Eve (half day) - Thursday December 31, 2020 Secular holiday :
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