Christmas and New Year in Brazil
What with it being summer in Brazil, and winter in the UK of course, the South American country offers a chance to get away from the cold and into the heat during the festive period. For those with property in Brazil already, it can be the ideal retreat for a hot Christmas.
This year, celebrations are already seemingly in full swing. Many recently gathered in Rio de Janeiro to see the biggest floating Christmas tree in the world light up. At 85 metres tall, the tree is decorated with 2.9 million lights.
Christmas is actually held on December 24th, not 25th as in the UK. As marketing manager at Journey Latin America Laura Rendell-Dunn points out, people stay up until midnight and then open presents, tending to keep going most of the night.
She pointed out this period of the year is "massively popular" with travellers, partly because of the warmer weather and also for the party atmosphere.
Ms Rendell-Dunn commented: "It is party country and it is the season to be going out and having fun. What better place to do it than in Rio?"
The festivities around the New Year are especially enthralling and are why many travellers head over to Brazil at this time of year. One of the most famous celebrations, perhaps on the face of the planet, is the one held on Copacabana beach, when thousands gather to see the musical performances and fireworks.
Ms Rendell-Dunn is particularly fond of the event, saying that it is simply "incredible". While there are various New Year celebrations across Brazil, Rio’s "ginormous" fireworks display is quite spectacular, she explained.
Fireworks are set up along the beach for the impressive visual treat, while the reflection in the sea makes it even more special, Ms Rendell-Dunn commented. There are also street parties as well as plenty of partying and drinking in the warm temperatures, she noted, while those that keep going will get to see the sun rise.
December 31st is also the saint’s day of Iemanja, when many Brazilians dress up in white and go down to the sea, normally to Copacobana, as this is where everyone congregates for the fireworks display, the travel expert explained.
People give an offering to Iemanja, Ms Rendell-Dunn said, and will throw things like white flowers into the sea and ask for things like good health and fortune for the New Year. "That is quite a special event," she added.
There is plenty going on in areas away from Rio as well. Natal, for instance, has much on offer throughout December. Carnatal is a huge event, involving a parade of carnival groups as well as live music from local bands.
Festa do Cajueiro, also in the Natal area, sees Christmas lights going on the largest cashew tree in the world. During this time, the contest for the Queen of the Cajueiro, the name of the tree, is held.
Natal em Natal, meanwhile, is held in December in honour of the city’s anniversary, with a number of folkloric presentations of the Christmas story and a fireworks display put on.
So, with all this on, those heading over to South America to stay in their Brazilian property for Christmas can enjoy a truly different festive experience. Whether in the north or the south, there is plenty to please those with different tastes.
