Brazil’s Holiday Week Culture: ‘Viva Mauricio’ Opens in Rio as Cities Fill Calendars With Concerts and Free Events

Overview

• CCBB Rio’s free retrospective “Viva Mauricio” showcases rare originals, recreated character homes and exclusive audio narration by Mauricio de Sousa, with the exhibition running through April 2026.
• Rio de Janeiro’s Dec 18–24 lineup features Veigh’s EVOM Tour on Friday, Barão Vermelho on Saturday and a sold-out Dominguinho project, alongside free programs such as Pici Jazz Fest, Orla Festival, Botafogo beach shows and tours of Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior.
• In Brasília, Michel Teló performs free at Nosso Natal on the Esplanada dos Ministérios on Friday, with additional offerings including the CCBB exhibition “Uma história da arte brasileira,” the Space Today Experience and the Printer Chef showcase with no-cost entry.
• Natal highlights include Raimundo Fagner’s 50-year career shows on Friday and Saturday and a free Orquestra Sinfônica do Rio Grande do Norte concert at the Papódromo, plus Babado Novo at Sunday’s LGBTQIAPN+ parade.
• Regional agendas span Chitãozinho & Xororó, Péricles and multiple exhibitions in Campinas, Pelourinho’s week of shows and major concerts in Salvador, and Juiz de Fora’s concerts and free nativity exhibit, with many events free or accepting symbolic 1 kg food donations.