Brazi’s Folklore Day is annually observed on August 22. This holiday, known as ‘Dia do Folclore,’ is an annual celebration of Brazil’s rich heritage and traditional traditions. Countries around the globe chose the date of this holiday to honour their national traditions. The day functions to raise awareness of the country’s folkloric traditions through dances and stories. There are similarities between Brazilian folklore and the folklore of Africa, Asia, and Europe. On this day, people gather for ethnic celebrations to honour Brazil’s distinctive culture.
The background of Folklore Day
William John Thoms coined the term ‘folklore’ on August 22, 1846, by combining the phrases ‘folk’ and ‘lore.’ The author defined the term as the “traditional knowledge of a people.” As a result, nations worldwide have chosen to commemorate their folklore and folk traditions annually on August 22.
In 1965, then-military commander Humberto de Alencar Castello Branco promulgated a decree establishing the Brazilian Folklore Day. The decree emphasised the significance of folklore education to the nation’s culture. Folklore Day was thus instituted to preserve the cultural traditions of the Latin American nation and promote the study of Brazilian folklore. Folklore is considered an important topic in education, particularly during a child’s early years of instruction.
On this day, Brazilians recall various aspects of their folklore, from dance to characters. Traditional Brazilian folklore legends include the ‘Saci’ and ‘Curupira.’ Brazilian folklore is a complex tradition that evolved from the cultures of indigenous, African, and Asian peoples, with some European influences. Folklore’s significance has been enshrined in the Brazilian constitution. Articles 215 and 216 of the Brazilian Federal Constitution protect the right of all Brazilians to “exercise cultural manifestations and define that Brazilian popular culture must be encouraged and its preservation must be defended.”
DAY OF FOLKLORE ACTIVITIES
Read Brazilian folklore and mythology.
The purpose of Brazilian Folklore Day is to honour the country’s folktales and legends. Spend the day perusing Brazilian folklore and legends.
Search for Brazilian folk art
Brazil has a diverse culture of folklore. Perform some investigation on the Brazilian folk art that is an integral part of the culture.
Draw and depict characters from folklore
If you have read the legends and are so inclined, depict your favourite scenes or characters in a painting. We guarantee you’ll have a great time!
5 FACTS REGARDING BRAZIL
Recent archaeological findings indicate that the earliest human settlements in Brazil date back approximately 30,000 years.
The Brazil tree is the origin of the country’s name.
Brazil ranks fifth in the globe in terms of land area.
Brazil abolished slavery as the final nation in North and South America.
The ‘Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro,’ held annually in March, is the largest funfair in the globe.
FOLKLORE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 22 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | August 22 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August 22 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 22 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 22 | Sunday |
