Republic Day in 2025

When is Brazilian Republic Day?

Republic Day is celebrated in Brazil to commemorate November 15th 1889 when Brazil's second Emperor, Dom Pedro II, was removed from power and the United States of Brazil was declared.

History of Brazilian Republic Day

Brazil, officially known as the Federative Republic of Brazil is the biggest country in South America in terms of landmass and population.

Brazil is the fifth-largest in the world both in terms of area and population. Spanning an area between central South America and the Atlantic Ocean, it is the Easternmost country of America. Brazil borders every other South American country apart from Ecuador and Chile.

During the expansion by Europe into the new world, Brazil was colonised by Portugal, and as a result, it is the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas. It has the largest Roman Catholic population in the world.

In September 1822, the Prince Regent of Portugal (the son of the Portuguese King) proclaimed himself to be Emperor of Brazil; declaring independence from Portugal and establishing the independent Empire of Brazil. He took the name Dom Pedro I. A treaty between Britain and Portugal recognised the new Empire's independence was signed on August 29th 1825.

Pedro I abdicated in 1831 and was succeeded by his son, Pedro II, who was five years old at the time.

Pedro II was deposed from the throne on November 15th 1889 by a coup d'etat, which had been fuelled by the continuation of a war with Paraguay and resentment from the upper classes over the abolition of slavery in 1888. The federal republic was established by Field Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca.

Did you know?

The revolution that transformed Brazil into a republic was so uneventful that the few witnesses present didn't know it happened and the dethroned Emperor didn't even care.

Did you know?

The 27 stars on the blue globe represent the 27 states of Brazil. Though several stars have been added over the years, the stars are arranged to match the night sky over Rio de Janeiro on the evening of November 15th 1889.

November 15th has now become a symbol of the struggle for democracy and a reminder of the importance of citizen participation in the political process. Over the years, the date has been used to reflect on the advances and challenges of Brazilian democracy.

The celebration of the Proclamation of the Republic holiday is marked by various events throughout the country, including civic ceremonies, parades and educational activities, emphasizing the importance of this day for national civic awareness.