Rio Travel Info | Rio de Janeiro Events

Commemorating the birth of Brazilian statesman Rui Barbosa, Nov. 5 includes cultural events throughout the city and an exhibit at the Casa de Rui Barbosa Museum.

On Sept. 9, civic, cultural and sporting events take place throughout the nation to mark Brazil’s independence.

An integral part of Brazilian culture, the June Festival (Festa Juninia) sees children (and numerous adults) in country-style lumberjack shirts, straw hats, pigtails and painted freckles. You’ll also see folkloric games and dancing alongside fireworks and bonfires throughout Rio.

Venues in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana host music, dance, theatre and poetry for the Carnival of Cultures (Carnaval das Culturas). The event takes in art, gastronomy, environment and literary exhibitions before rounding off with a parade along Avenida Atlântica.

This April, Rio will celebrate the Martyr of Independence (“the tooth puller”), who was hung back in 1972 for confessing his role in a rebel group that called for Brazil’s independence. The 21st of the month will be marked with civic ceremonies at the Tiradentes Palace.