Independence Day in Brazil marks the country's declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822. Known as Sete de Setembro, the day commemorates Prince Dom Pedro's historic cry of "Independence or Death!" along the banks of the Ipiranga River in São Paulo. The holiday stands as a proud expression of Brazilian unity, freedom and national identity, honoring the nation's journey toward sovereignty and democracy.

When is Independence Day?

Independence Day in Brazil is celebrated on September 7 every year.

The following is the list of Independence Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Independence Day?

For over three centuries, Brazil was a colony of Portugal, beginning in 1500 when Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral claimed the territory. The colony provided Portugal with immense wealth through sugar, gold, and later coffee, but it was tightly controlled politically and economically from Lisbon.

In 1808, a major shift occurred when the Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil following Napoleon's invasion of Portugal. King Dom João VI relocated the Portuguese court to Rio de Janeiro, transforming the colony into the seat of the Portuguese Empire. This unprecedented move elevated Brazil's status and fueled the growth of local culture, commerce and political institutions.

When Napoleon was defeated, Dom João VI returned to Portugal in 1821, leaving his son, Dom Pedro de Alcântara, as regent in Brazil. However, Portuguese leaders sought to reduce Brazil back to colonial status, revoking many of the freedoms it had gained.

Faced with growing unrest and pressure from nationalist groups, Dom Pedro sided with Brazilian reformists. On September 7, 1822, while traveling near the Ipiranga River in São Paulo, he received orders from Lisbon demanding his return and Brazil's subjugation. In response, he drew his sword and declared "Independence or Death!".

This event, known as Cry of Ipiranga, symbolized Brazil's break from Portugal. Rather than descending into widespread warfare as in other Latin American independence movements, Brazil's transition was relatively peaceful.

Following the declaration, Dom Pedro was proclaimed Emperor Pedro I of Brazil on October 12, 1822, establishing the Empire of Brazil, a constitutional monarchy. Portugal officially recognized Brazilian independence in 1825, after diplomatic negotiations mediated by Great Britain.

Brazil remained an empire for 67 years until 1889, when the monarchy was overthrown and the Republic of Brazil was proclaimed. Nonetheless, September 7 continued to be celebrated as the nation's official Independence Day, symbolizing both freedom and continuity.

Independence Day remains a powerful symbol of national pride, unity and sovereignty. It celebrates not only the political break from colonial rule but also the enduring spirit of a diverse nation that forged its identity through resilience, cultural richness, and the pursuit of liberty.