Our Lady of Aparecida Day honors Nossa Senhora Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil. The day commemorates the 1717 discovery of a small clay statue of the Virgin Mary by fishermen in the Paraíba River, which became a symbol of hope and faith. Over centuries, devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida grew into one of Brazil’s most cherished traditions. Millions of pilgrims visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Aparecida, one of the largest churches in the world, to pay tribute.

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the end of the pre-Lenten season known as Shrovetide. It is traditionally a day of feasting, confession and preparation for the 40-day Lenten season.

Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a vibrant and festive celebration that takes place the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent in the Christian calendar. It’s a day of indulgence, feasting, and revelry before the solemnity of the Lenten season.