Brazil's Independence Day — Dia da Independência, also called Sete de Setembro — is celebrated every 7 September, a Monday in 2026. It marks the dramatic moment Brazil broke from Portugal. Here's the history behind the date.
See the Brazil Independence Day holiday page or Brazil's holiday calendar.
Why is Brazil Independence Day on September 7?
It marks 7 September 1822, the day Dom Pedro — son of the Portuguese king — declared Brazil independent from Portugal with the famous cry known as the "Grito do Ipiranga" ("Cry of Ipiranga"), reportedly shouting "Independência ou Morte!" ("Independence or Death!") near the Ipiranga brook in São Paulo.
Brazil's unusual path: an empire first
Brazil's independence was different from most of the Americas. Instead of becoming a republic, it became the Empire of Brazil, with Dom Pedro crowned Emperor Pedro I. This made for a relatively peaceful transition compared with the wars elsewhere in South America.
Brazil remained a monarchy until 1889, when it became a republic — which is why you'll also see Brazilians mark Proclamação da República on 15 November.
How Sete de Setembro is celebrated
- A large military parade (Desfile de Sete de Setembro) in the capital, Brasília, and parades in cities across the country.
- Flag ceremonies, civic events, and patriotic displays in green and yellow.
- It is a national public holiday.
Quick answers
Why is Brazil Independence Day on September 7? It marks the Grito do Ipiranga on 7 September 1822, when Dom Pedro declared Brazil independent from Portugal.
What is the "Grito do Ipiranga"? The cry "Independência ou Morte!" said to have been proclaimed by Dom Pedro by the Ipiranga brook in São Paulo on 7 September 1822.
Did Brazil become a republic right away? No — it first became the Empire of Brazil under Pedro I, and only became a republic in 1889.
When is Brazil Independence Day 2026? Monday, 7 September 2026 — it is always 7 September.