Children's Day in Brazil: history and traditions (incl. gastronomic)

If you were wondering, “Our Lady of Aparecida” means “Our Lady of the Appeared Conception,” and there’s a story behind this holiday. It actually celebrates the miraculous appropriation of the statue of the Virgin Mary in the Paraíba River near the town of Guaratinguetá. Three fishermen had to catch fish for the nobleman's banquet, but each cast of the net returned empty. Having prayed to the Lady, they first pulled out the statue, then its head, and after that, enough fish to feed the entire town.

That happened on October 12, 1717; in 1923, Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro hosted the South American Congress for Children, after which the country decided to establish the Children’s Day (Dia das Crianças) so that all the problems discussed at the forum – safety of the younger ones, their education, health, etc. – remained at the forefront of the public’s attention. Brazilians are quite religious; they aligned the new holiday with the feast honoring Brazil’s patron saint (since 1930) to reinforce the importance of both faith and childhood in Brazilian life.

Lots of gifts for children

What every child on the planet loves unconditionally, no matter what? Gifts! So, the first tradition of Brazilian Children’s day is giving them. The typical choice is quite common – toys, video game consoles and games per se, books, and clothes – but there’s a local twist: football equipment! The country is crazy about this sport, and there are numerous players who've made it big that inspire the vast majority of kids in Brazil, boys and girls alike. So, if you’re vacationing with your children in the Land of the Holy Cross in October, which is a good idea (the weather is the nicest here October through April), consider football gear as a Children’s Day gift for them.

Authorities of all levels tend to organize events marking the occasion that are designed with children in mind. In cities like Rio de Janeiro, large gatherings take place in public parks where the younger part of the crowd enjoys rides, stage performances, massive multiplayer games in real life, and, of course, tons of assorted sweets and other party food (we elaborate on this subject below). The differences in the quality of life between strata of the Brazilian society are very noticeable, with about 32 million children (that’s roughly 60% of the country’s population under 17) living in poverty, so such events often have a charity component, collecting toys, clothes, textbooks, etc. for underprivileged kids.

A week around October 12 is typically a no-school period in Brazil, which, for families, translates into an opportunity to travel and/or engage in leisure activities together. Most of them make good use of this chance, with amusement parks being on top of the list of the associated family trip destinations. Next section gives you 6 best theme parks of Brazil.

Here are some of the top hotspots of rides and assorted entertainment that get crowded during the week of October 12. All of them have some catering on the grounds, but if you’re looking for more dining options, we give you a well-rated restaurant that operates nearby the respective park.

Located in Penha, Santa Catarina, Beto Carrero World is the largest theme park in Latin America, featuring over 100 attractions, including thrill rides, a zoo, and live shows. If you’re ready for a very long line, don’t miss the Fire Whip, a ride for the daring.

Oscar Burger, as the name implies, is a burger joint. Considering that it is not the only one in the area, its Google Maps score of 4.9 at over 1,100 assessments confirms high quality of food served here and the overall ambience. Drop in after the rides, catch a breath, and enjoy dishes for the entire family.

Hopi Hari opens its doors every day in São Paulo’s Vinhedo. Being one of Brazil's largest, it offers guests five themed areas to explore, and numerous attractions, including the famous Montezum roller coaster.

The nearby Applebee's brands itself as a neighborhood grill house, and justly so. It’s a part of a national chain of American cuisine restaurants known for perfectly cooked ribs, draft beer, apple pies, and nachos. A good spot to hit after a day in Hopi Hari.

Beach Park was built right next to the ocean in Aquiraz, Ceará. It is a major water park known for its thrilling water rides for all ages, and assorted pools to relax in and by with a nice cocktail in hand. The hallmark attraction here is the Insano waterslide, one of the tallest in the world.

Birô Beach, a restaurant located within a several-minute walk from the park, specializes in seafood and perfect sunset views, and, judging by the reviews, excels in both. The menu, of course, goes beyond fish and crawling underwater creatures; the younger ones will be happy to find their all-time favorites like French fries and chicken nuggets.

Brazil is Latin America’s largest country, and fifth state in the world by territory. Still, the most populated areas are those by the ocean, and this nation knows how to have fun in water. Thus, there are many water parks here, including Thermas dos Laranjais in the municipality of Olímpia, São Paulo. This one is, arguably, the most family friendly of them all.

Restaurante Tarzan is a kilometer or so south of the water park; this is a great local cuisine restaurant that can give you a taste of grilled picanha, yuca in various forms, farofa, and many other Brazilian dishes. The portions here are as generous as to feed two in a single go, but, if you’ve spent your time in Thermas dos Laranjais properly, ordering one for each member of the party may be a good idea.

Located in Canela, Rio Grande do Sul, Florybal Magic Park Land is the place you go to for various themed areas (the land of the dinosaurs, a goblin mine, a medieval castle) and a 7D theater. It’s not big, but the target audience – younger children – love this park immensely.

Serramanna - Autentica Cucina Italiana is a spot you definitely want to visit if your younger ones love pizza (who doesn’t?), and you don’t mind a hearty plate of pasta with assorted fillings. Sauces and all other components revolving around vegetables are said to be made from locally sourced fresh produce, adding to the taste and a little bit to the price.

Yes, the word “Dinossauros” in the name of this amusement park describes its essence perfectly. This gateway to a prehistoric adventure lies in Santa Catarina’s Pomerode, and, like the aforementioned Floryball Magic Park Land, caters to younger guests, who thoroughly enjoy everything it has to offer.

Restaurante e Pizzaria Bierwein is a perfect spot for the entire family. As the name suggests, there’s beer, and there’s pizza here, plus many other dishes on the menu, from filet mignon through grilled picanha to tilapia cooked the special way. Oh, and they’ve also got a kids area full of toys and everything needed to keep them busy while you sink your teeth into the meat. Enjoy!

Brazilians do love a party, and their annual Carnival is probably the brightest confirmation of this statement. Children’s Day is less of an occasion, or at least not the one triggering a dancing frenzy; the food, on the other hand, is crucial to the success of any party staged for the holiday.

Traditional Brazilian party dishes are vibrant and diverse, reflecting the country's rich culinary heritage. At children’s parties, the limelight is usually taken by salgadinhos, assorted savory snacks that are essential at any Brazilian party, including:

– coxinhas, deep-fried dough filled with shredded chicken, shaped like a chicken thigh;

– Pão de Queijo, cheesy bread rolls made from tapioca flour, known for their chewy texture;

– empadinhas, small pies filled with various ingredients like chicken or cheese;

– bolinho de bacalhau, codfish fritters that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

– pastéis, fried pastries filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meat, or vegetables, a classic example of finger food;

– enroladinho de salsicha, hotdog sausage rolls wrapped in dough and either baked or deep-fried.

The sweet side of the party brings to the table docinhos, treats crucial to Brazilian celebrations:

– brigadeiros, chocolate truffles made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, and chocolate sprinkles;

– beijinhos, similar to brigadeiros but made with grated coconut instead of cocoa;

– cajuzinhos, peanut-flavored sweets shaped like cashew fruits.

– a big, bright, decorated, and delicious cake, of course!

Thus, if you are invited to a party on Children's Day in Brazil, come with a bag full of gifts (there will be many young partygoers), an empty stomach, and an intention to have a great time!

Brazilians, being very fond of children in general, always make Children's Day a special occasion, and, being a hospitable people, they welcome everyone to participate in the festivities. Theme parks, in particular, put on new colors, offer discounts and shows for the holiday. If you have a trip to Brazil planned for October, consider taking your children with you and, come October, 12, spend a day to remember with them there!