Our Lady of Conception Day is celebrated; Religious date is a municipal holiday in 13 Brazilian capitals
In several cities across the country, this Monday (Dec 8, 2025) is a public holiday due to the celebrations of Our Lady of Conception Day, a traditional date on the Catholic calendar that honors the belief in the sinless conception of the Virgin Mary. As it is not a national holiday, it is up to States and municipalities to decide whether or not the date is included in the local calendar.
Of the 27 Brazilian capitals, 13 declared a holiday on December 8, which allows workers to take time off — except in cases of essential activities or when there is a collective agreement providing for operation. Anyone who works in these cities is entitled to double pay or compensatory time off, according to labor legislation.
Here are the capitals that have a holiday on December 8th:
- Aracaju (SE);
- Belém (PA);
- Belo Horizonte (MG);
- Boa Vista (RR);
- Cuiabá (MT);
- João Pessoa (PB);
- Macapá (AP);
- Maceió (AL);
- Manaus (AM);
- Reefs (PE);
- Salvador (BA);
- São Luís (MA);
- Teasina (PI).
In Manaus (AM), the saint is the patron saint of the capital. In Salvador (BA), the day marks the celebration of Our Lady of Conceição da Praia, a traditional figure of Bahian devotion.
Even in municipalities where the holiday has been declared, some activities can operate:
- essential services (health, security, transport, among others);
- opening authorized by collective agreement.
In these cases, the employee is entitled to double pay or compensatory rest in the same week or the following.
HOLIDAYS IN 2025
After the holiday this December 8th, there is only one national date left on the calendar: the Natalon December 25th, which this year falls on a Thursday.
