Brazil's Independence Day 2025, Rio de Janeiro

Brazilians really value their independence from Portugal and celebrate it with a lot of enthusiasm. Brazil's Independence Day is on the 7th of September and is a national holiday. Cariocas know how to celebrate something and Independence Day is no exception. They come out to the streets, put Brazilian flags on everything they can reach and, of course, they party. Balloons and banners are everywhere, parades are held in the square of Cinelândia, there are fireworks, and the city is filled with joy. Sometimes this day is marked with protests in the streets, that can also be an interesting thing to experience.

Civic-Military Parade (Desfile Civico-Militar)

The most prominent celebration of Brazil's Independence Day is the annual civic-military parade. Comprised of thousands of military personnel marching down along Avenida Presidente Vargas, the procession is a sight to behold. Military vehicles, tanks, and regular passenger vehicles with public officials complete the parade. This year, the event will take place at 9 am and is completed by the symbolic lighting of a pyre fire. A similar event, on a much bigger scale and with Brazil's president present, is also held in the capital, Brasilia