Corpus Christi is a religious celebration that always takes place 60 days after Easter, traditionally on a Thursday in June. Until this year, the date was considered a federal public holiday in Rio de Janeiro. But as of 2026, it will be a public holiday throughout the state. See what changes !
Rio de Janeiro is the first state to make the holiday official
Corpus Christi was only considered an optional point in Rio de Janeiro until then. However, on October 30, the proposal to make it a public holiday was approved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
On Thursday, October 23rd, Governor Cláudio Castro signed the law and, with that, Corpus Christi officially joins the calendar of holidays in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
It’s worth remembering that in other parts of Brazil, such as São Paulo, the date is already a municipal holiday. However, Rio de Janeiro is the first state in the country to officially make the celebration a state holiday.
What changes with the Corpus Christi holiday in Rio?
As it was only a federal public holiday, it was up to governments and city halls to decide what would or wouldn’t work on the day.
Now, as a state holiday, the closure of companies and businesses, for example, becomes the rule.
In addition, according to the law, those who need to work must receive double pay or compensatory time off.
When is the Corpus Christi holiday?
There is no fixed date for the Corpus Christi holiday, as the Catholic celebration always takes place 60 days after Easter Sunday. However, it traditionally falls in June, always on a Thursday.
So, following the official calendar for 2026, next year’s Corpus Christi holiday will be on June 4th.