Fun for the whole family

In Europe, Christmas is spent in the traditional spirit. Family, Christmas movies and eating sweets. Brazilians, however, spend the days after Christmas Eve in a more leisurely and lazy style. Activities in the following days are influenced by the tropical climate, so they head to the beaches.

For Brazilians, the night of 24-25 December is the most important. In the company of family and friends, they hold lavish feasts that usually last until the early hours of the morning. The atmosphere is characterised by fun, laughter and lots of food. And what do the people who live here have to say about one of the most wonderful days of the year?

“Brazilians get together on the night of December 24 and it’s a big celebration! We have a big dinner and spend time together – drinking, talking and partying until midnight. That’s when we all wish each other a Merry Christmas and open presents!” Ingrid Reichertdescribed the Christmas traditions.

The following days, however, lack such a big wave of merriment; after the exuberant celebrations, they calm down and prepare for the end-of-year celebrations in peace. They don’t stay at home, with temperatures soaring, tempting them to laze on the beaches where they spend time with family and close friends.

Family fun on the beaches

Going to the beach is a bit like moving nations. Packing up the kids is much easier than preparing the necessary utensils to cook and play together. In fact, a day at the beach equals family fun, and therefore plenty of picnics and sporting activities. Some of the most popular beaches are Copacabana, Ipanema, Baia do Sancho or Barra da Tijuca, which are not overrun by the tourist rush at this time. Although hundreds of thousands of Brazilians move to the sandy beaches to laze around, the atmosphere tends to be lively but in a relaxed and peaceful style.

Christmas in motion and sand between the toes

Brazilians love to swap watching TV for light exercise and sunshine. As summer peaks here during the Christmas holidays and the children are on holiday, sporting activities are popular with all members of the family and there are more than enough opportunities on the beaches. Besides swimming, popular activities include various sports games such as beach volleyball and football, frisbee, and frescobol, a type of beach tennis with wooden rackets, is also very popular. Children like to play sandcastle building. When it comes to water sports, Brazilians prefer diving, pedal boats, banana boats, surfing and bodyboarding. Beach culture is considered a way of life in Brazil and is a common part of life for locals, even for those who live inland. “I love everything about the beaches. The scenery, the people, the food. Everything,” notes Luiza, a native.

What makes beach locations stand out

Brazil has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as confirmed not only by the locals but also by the tourists who head here throughout the year. They stretch for some seven thousand kilometres. It is no wonder that Brazilians spend almost the entire summer on them, except for the Christmas holidays.

Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro: The world’s most famous and sought-after beaches are bustling with life, offering a plethora of beach bars and restaurants.

Itacaré in Bahia: The beaches in this location stand out for their emerald green waters and the opportunity to swim under the Tijuípe Falls.

Praia da Joaquina and Praia Mole in Florianópolis: Popular beaches for surfing, swimming and beach parties. The city of Florianópolis also offers an eye-catching historic centre with colonial architecture.