The 2023 Carnival will take place on Monday and Tuesday (February 20th and 21st). Soon after, on Wednesday, we will have “Ash Wednesday”. The big problem on that date is the confusion people make about the date being a national holiday or an optional point.
When the commemorative date is a national holiday, companies are obliged to offer time off to their employees. However, when it is optional, the company may choose to open or not. That is, on optional dates it will be easier to find establishments open to receive the public.
Is Carnival a holiday or an optional point?
Carnival is an optional point in most of the country. As a result, as explained above, companies can gain by whether or not they open their doors. In addition, as the worker stopped working during the 20th and 21st of February, the company may ask him to compensate through overtime during the working days.
There is only one exception to the rule, because in the capital of Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday (21) is considered an official holiday, thanks to law 5243/2008. That is, in this case workers are entitled to take time off work. If the company refuses to let the employee rest, it will have to pay double the day’s pay.
What is the definition of optional point for commemorative dates?
Any commemorative date that is not considered a national holiday is classified as an optional point, according to the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT). The optional point is established by the state or municipal government, which may have a law that makes the commemorative date a city or state holiday. If there is no government determination, it is up to the company to decide whether or not to open on the day considered as an optional point, determining whether or not its employees can take time off.
Complete calendar of holidays and optional points for 2023
Commemorative dates considered as national holidays in 2023
- January 1st: Universal Fraternization;
- April 7: Passion of Christ;
- April 21: Tiradentes;
- May 1st: World Labor Day;
- September 7: Independence of Brazil;
- October 12: Our Lady of Aparecida;
- November 2: All Souls;
- November 15: Proclamation of the Republic;
- December 25: Christmas.
Commemorative dates considered as optional points in 2023
- February 20: Carnival;
- February 21: Carnival;
- February 22: Carnival;
- June 8: Corpus Christi;
- October 28: Public Servant Day.
About Carnival
Considered a festival of Western Christianity, Carnival takes place before Lent. Carnival normally has a public party and/or a parade combined with circus elements, masks, etc., which can take place on street one in a place dedicated to the parade. People use very varied costumes during this celebration.
What did you think of this article? Comment below and share your opinion with us!
