Calendar of Events

January

New Year's Celebration. In Rio de Janeiro close to two million people gather for one of the most spectacular New Year's celebrations in the world. Starting on the evening of December 31 and continuing well into the morning of January 1, the main event takes place on Copacabana beach with live music and fireworks, as well as Candomblé religious ceremonies. For details contact Riotur (tel. 021/2541-7522; www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br) or Alô Rio (tel. 021/2542-8080). January 1.

Three Kings Festival in Salvador. Salvador celebrates the Three Kings Festival with a procession and events around the Praça da Sé in the old town. Contact Bahiatursa (tel. 071/3321-2463; www.bahiatursa.ba.gov.br) for details. January 6.

Washing of the Steps of Bonfim Church. This is one of the most important religious ceremonies in Salvador when hundreds of women in traditional Bahian dress form a procession and carry perfumed water to wash the church steps, accompanied by 800,000 onlookers and revelers. Contact Bahiatursa (tel. 071/3321-2463; www.bahiatursa.ba.gov.br) for details. Third Thursday of January.

Saint Sebastian Day. The patron saint of Rio de Janeiro is honored in this regional holiday. The highlight is a procession to the city's modern cathedral. For details contact Riotur (tel. 021/2541-7522; www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br) or Alô Rio (tel. 021/2542-8080). January 20.

February

Celebration of Yemanjá, the Goddess of the Sea. Devotees throughout Brazil offer flowers, perfumes, and jewelry to the sea. Celebrations take place on the beach with music and food. The largest celebration takes place in Salvador on Praia Vermelha. Contact Bahiatursa (tel. 071/3321-2463; www.bahiatursa.ba.gov.br) for details. February 2.

Carnaval. This event can take place anywhere from early February to mid-March. Carnaval begins the weekend before Ash Wednesday and ends on the morning of Ash Wednesday. For the next 3 years, the dates are as follows: Feb 2-5, 2008; Feb 21-24, 2009; Feb 13-16, 2010. The largest celebrations take place in Rio, Salvador, and Recife/Olinda. For details contact Riotur (tel. 021/2541-7522; www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br) or Alô Rio at tel. 021/2542-8080. In Salvador contact Bahiatursa (tel. 071/3321-2463; www.bahiatursa.ba.gov.br) for details. Contact the Recife tourist office Empetur at (tel. 081/3232-8409, and for information on Olinda call tel. 081/3305-1048. Book ahead if you plan on attending this event.

March

Easter Weekend (Semana Santa). This important Catholic holiday is celebrated with processions and concerts. Ouro Prêto, with its 13 baroque churches, is a popular destination during Easter. Contact Ouro Prêto Tourist Information (tel. 031/3551-2655) for details. (Upcoming Easter dates: Mar 21, 2008; and Apr 10, 2009.)

Passion Play, Nova Jerusalem. South America's largest Passion Play takes place in Nova Jerusalem, just outside of Recife in Brazil's Northeast. Daily performances. For more information contact Recife Tourist Information (tel. 081/3232-8409 or 081/3341-6090). Ten days preceding Easter.

Grand Prix, São Paulo. Brazilians are car-racing fanatics; watching a big race in the company of Brazilian fans is an event in itself. The Grand Prix at Interlagos (a suburb of São Paulo) is the prime event in the country. Contact www.gpbrasil.com.br for more information, or call the tourist office in São Paulo (tel. 011/3231-2922 or 011/3251-0970). Third week of October. Check website for exact dates.

April

Week of the Inconfidencia. Tiradentes Day on April 21 is a national holiday, but only Ouro Prêto has made it into a large event with celebrations, plays, and cultural events taking place. Contact Ouro Prêto Tourist Information (tel. 031/3551-2655) for details. Week of April 16 to April 21.

June

Bumba-meu-boi. In São Luis in Maranhão, the peasant folklore festival Bumba-meu-boi begins June 1 with the baptizing of the bull, and continues throughout the month, culminating with a large street party on June 30, the feast day of São Marçal. In São Luis, contact the State Tourism Agency (tel. 098/3231-2000; www.turismo.ma.gov.br).

Festas Juninas. Folklore event in honor of saints Anthony, John, and Peter. Celebrated throughout Brazil, this harvest festival offers country music, bonfires, hot-air balloons, and fun fairs. In Rio contact Riotur (tel. 021/2541-7522; www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br) or Alô Rio (tel. 021/2542-8080). June 13 to June 14.

Bauernfest, Petrópolis. Petrópolis celebrates the German heritage of its many settlers with a week of German food, folklore, and music. Contact Petrotur (tel. 0800/241-516 or 024/2243-9300; www.petropolis.rj.gov.br) for details. Last weekend of June and first week of July.

July

Sailing Festival, Ilhabela. Yachties don't want to miss Brazil's largest sailing event, which takes place on Ilhabela, off of São Paulo. For details call tel. 012/3472-2300 in Ilhabela, or 011/3151-3616 (www.ilhabela.com.br) in São Paulo. Third week of July.

September

Independence Day. This is Brazil's national holiday. Most cities hold military parades. In Rio de Janeiro this impressive event takes place around Avenida Rio Branco.

Film Festival Rio BR, Rio de Janeiro. Rio's film festival showcases Brazilian and international films (www.festivaldorio.com.br). Subtitles are in Portuguese, but there is usually a good selection of international movies. In Rio contact Riotur at tel. 021/2541-7522; www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br or Alô Rio at tel. 021/2542-8080. Late September to the first week of October.

October

Free Jazz Festival, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. A 3-day jazz festival with national and international acts. In Rio contact Riotur (tel. 021/2541-7522; www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br) or Alô Rio (tel. 021/2542-8080). In São Paulo contact the CIT (Central de Informações Turisticas) at tel. 011/3231-2922 or 011/251-0970. Mid- to late October.

Cirio of Nazaré, Belém. Hundreds of thousands of the faithful parade an icon of the Virgin of Nazaré through the streets and harbor of Belém. Second Sunday of October (upcoming dates are Oct 11, 2008; and Oct 12, 2009). Contact Belémtur (tel. 091/3242-0900).

International Film Festival, São Paulo. The festival presents the best films of Brazil, Latin America, and the world. Most venues concentrate around the Avenida Paulista. Contact tel. 011/3141-0413, or check www.mostra.org. Last 2 weeks of October.

São Paulo Bienal. Art, theater, music, and architecture -- the biggest arts event in Latin America takes place every even year in Ibirapuera Park. For schedules and information contact the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo (tel. 011/5574-5922; www.bienalsaopaulo.org.br).

November

Aleijadinho Week, Ouro Prêto. Special exhibits and presentations about the beloved sculptor. Contact Ouro Prêto Tourist Information at tel. 031/3551-2655 for details. November 14 to November 21.

December

Santa Barbara, Salvador. This festival is celebrated with processions, music, and dance. Santa Barbara is the Candomblé equivalent of Iansã, the goddess of wind. Contact Bahiatursa (tel. 071/3321-2463; www.bahiatursa.ba.gov.br) for details. December 4.

Christmas Eve. Brazilians go to midnight Mass to celebrate Christmas. Mass is usually followed by a late-night supper with family. December 24.

Reveillon (New Year's Eve), Rio de Janeiro. December 31.