Our Lady of Aparecida / Children's Day 2025 in Brazil

Our Lady of Aparecida, celebrated on October 12, honors Brazil's patron saint and is a national public holiday marked by religious events and pilgrimages. The same day is also celebrated as Children's Day, a joyful occasion with gifts and activities dedicated to kids across the country.

Our Lady of Aparecida / Children's Day: A Public Holiday?

Our Lady of Aparecida / Children's Day is a public holiday in Brazil. Most businesses, offices, and schools close for the day, allowing people to participate in religious events or enjoy family celebrations.

Our Lady of Aparecida

October 12 holds great significance in Brazil as the day dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, the nation's patron saint. Known in Portuguese as Nossa Senhora Aparecida, her story dates back to 1717 when three fishermen in the Paraíba River miraculously pulled up a small statue of the Virgin Mary. Following this discovery, many locals began reporting miracles, and devotion to her quickly spread throughout the country. Over time, she became a powerful symbol of faith and hope for millions of Brazilians. In 1930, Pope Pius XI officially declared her the patron saint of Brazil, and her shrine in Aparecida, São Paulo, has since become one of the most visited religious sites in the world.

Children's Day

Also celebrated on October 12, Children's Day is a joyful occasion dedicated to the happiness and well-being of children across Brazil. It was first established in the 1920s but gained widespread popularity in the 1960s when businesses, especially toy companies, began promoting the date with gift-giving traditions. Since then, it has grown into one of the most eagerly awaited days for Brazilian children. While it may not have religious roots, the holiday is filled with affection, family time, and celebrations that bring joy to homes, schools, and communities. Sharing the date with Our Lady of Aparecida, the holiday beautifully combines spiritual reverence with the celebration of childhood.

Observance of Our Lady of Aparecida / Children's Day in Brazil

On October 12, many Brazilians take part in religious events honoring Our Lady of Aparecida. Pilgrimages to the National Sanctuary of Aparecida in São Paulo are common, with thousands of people attending Mass, offering prayers, and showing devotion. Churches across the country also hold special services. It is a day of faith and reflection for many Catholic families, and it holds deep spiritual meaning in Brazilian culture.

At the same time, Children's Day is celebrated with joy and excitement, especially by families with young kids. Parents often give gifts, such as toys, clothes, or sweets, and many plan fun activities like going to parks, restaurants, or family outings. Schools, communities, and businesses sometimes organize events for children with games, music, and treats. It is a day filled with laughter and love, creating happy memories for children across the country.

The combined celebration shows two important sides of Brazilian life: strong religious faith and the deep value placed on family. While one side of the day is about spiritual devotion, the other is about caring for and celebrating children. Together, they create a holiday that touches many parts of society. The day helps strengthen bonds within families and communities, while also honoring Brazil's cultural and religious roots. It is one of the most meaningful and widely observed dates in the country.

Our Lady of Aparecida / Children's Day Observances