Brazil Senate Approves National Day for Congado and Reinado Celebrations

The Federal Senate’s Education and Culture Commission approved Bill No. 2.379/2023, which establishes October 7 as the National Day of Congadeiros and Reinadeiros. The proposal, authored by Deputy Dandara (PT‑MG), received a favorable report from Senator Paulo Paim and will now proceed to presidential sanction by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The new holiday recognises Afro‑Brazilian cultural and religious traditions that trace back to the slavery era, honouring Nossa Senhora do Rosário. Groups across Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Goiás, Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo and Bahia take part in drums, dances, processions and rituals that preserve collective memory and community bonds. Deputy Dandara said, “Creating this date affirms values, elevates the self‑esteem of congadeiros and makes Brazil increasingly multicultural,” while Senator Paim stressed the need to protect and promote these historic expressions of Black heritage.