The month of May brings many important celebrations that call people to reflect on different themes.
Check out the most celebrated dates in may, whose month has a holiday, May 1st - Work day:
- May 1st: Labor Day (National Holiday)
- May 13th: Abolition of slavery
- Mothers Day (2nd Sunday in May)
May 1st - Labor Day (National Holiday)
O Labor Day, or Labor Day, is the only public holiday in the month of May. The date recalls the struggle of workers, which began in 1886 in Chicago, for the reduction of working hours (from 13 to 8 hours a day).
In 1919, France was the first country to proclaim May 1 as a holiday dedicated to workers, followed by other countries. In Brazil, the date was recognized in 1925.
Abolition of Slavery, May 13
the day of abolition of slavery celebrates the date, in 1888, when the Lei Áurea was signed in Brazil by Princess Isabel (1846-1921), daughter of D. Peter II.
The commemoration is intended to make people aware of slavery, its criminalization and racial prejudice.
Mother's Day, 2nd Sunday in May
The commemoration of the Mothers Day it has its origins in Ancient Greece, when a festival was celebrated in honor of the Queen, the Mother of the Gods.
In Brazil, the first celebration of mothers took place on May 12, 1918, at the initiative of the Associação Cristã de Moços de Porto Alegre. Its officialization, however, dates back to 1932 by the then president Getúlio Vargas.
Other dates celebrated in May
Learn more about each of the dates celebrated in May:
Brazilian Literature Day, 1st May
The Day of Brazilian Literature, 1 of May, aims to honor great names in our literature. Therefore, the day of birth of José de Alencar was chosen.
José de Alencar (1829-1877) was a commendable Indianist novelist. Among his works, the following stand out: O Guarani, Iracema and Ubirajara.
International Press Freedom Day, 3 May
International Press Freedom Day, May 3, celebrates the freedom of professionals to disseminate uncensored news.
The date was created by UNESCO - United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture, according to Decision A/DEC/48/432 of 1993. Its aim is to make people aware of the existence of crimes against journalists within the scope of their work.
Redwood Day, May 3rd
Redwood Day, May 3, is a tribute to the official national tree that gave rise to the name of our country.
But the date is not just a tribute, but it proposes a day to raise awareness about its protection, as the pau-brasil is threatened with extinction.
Parliament Day, May 3rd
Established by Law No. 6,230, of July 27, 1975, the Day of Parliament, May 3, recalls the date on which the first Constituent Assembly was installed in 1823, in Rio de Janeiro.
The date also recalls the creation of the Legislative Power in Brazil, which historians understand began with the Assembly of May 3, 1823.
Portuguese Language Day, May 5th
O Portuguese language day, May 5th, is celebrated by the entire community whose mother tongue is Portuguese.
The initiative of its commemoration belongs to the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), of which it is part: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and East Timor.
National Community Leader Day, 5 May
National Community Leader Day, May 5th, was established by Law No. 11,287, of March 27, 2006.
The date aims to honor those people who have the role of looking out for the interests of a community.
National Communications Day, 5 May
In order to value the means of communication, the National Communications Day appears, May 5th, a date that is also known as the Day of Rondon, or Marshal Rondon's Day.
Marshal Rondon (1865-1958) was born on May 5th. A soldier and a great sertanista, Rondo was part of the Telegraph Line Construction Commission in Brazil.
National Expeditionary Day, May 5
National Expeditionary Day, May 5th, pays tribute to the expedition members, combatants of the extinct Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB).
This commemoration, in addition to being a way of valuing patriotism, recalls our country's participation in World War II.
World hand hygiene day, 5th of May
The creation of the World Hand Hygiene Day, May 5th, is an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The date is intended to remind people of the importance that something simple like handwashing is essential in reducing infections.
National Day on the Rational Use of Medicines, May 5
The National Day on the Rational Use of Medicines, May 5th, aims to make people aware of the risks of self-medication, which can lead to death.
The date originated in the URM - Rational Use of Medicines campaign, conceived by the student pharmacy movement.
Math Day, May 6th
At the math day, May 6th, the objective is to honor professionals who are dedicated to this area of knowledge.
The date, established by Law No. 12,835, of June 26, 2013, corresponds to the day of Julio's birth César de Mello e Souza (1895-1974), Brazilian professor, mathematician and writer who used the pseudonym Malba Tahan.
National Tourism Day, 8 May
The National Day of Tourism, May 8th, was established by Law No. 12,625, of May 9, 2012.
The date recalls May 8, 1916, when the State of Paraná requested the expropriation of land near the Iguaçu Falls. This act was intended to create the Iguaçu National Park, which became a Natural Heritage of Humanity.
Artist's Day, May 8th
The celebration of the plastic artist's day, May 8th, is a tribute to all Brazilian artists, especially the painter Almeida Júnior, who was born on May 8, 1850.
José Ferraz de Almeida Júnior (1850-1899) was one of the most important Brazilian plastic artists of the 19th century.
International Red Cross Day, 8 May
The International Day of the Red Cross, May 8th, honors the founder of the organization working in humanitarian assistance, Henry Dunant, born on May 8, 1828.
Founded in 1863, the Red Cross is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has the collaboration of 16,000 people in 80 countries around the world.
Victory Day, 8th of May
Europe Day, May 8th, celebrates the end of the Second World War. The biggest conflict in history ended with the German surrender on May 8, 1945.
In addition to recalling this important chapter of history, the date pays tribute to all combatants of World War II.
Cavalry Day, May 10th
The celebration of the Day of Chivalry, May 10th, recognizes the importance of the Brazilian Cavalry and pays tribute to its soldiers.
The origin of the date translates the tribute to Marshal Manuel Luís Osório, Patron of Cavalry in Brazil, who became known as “O Legendário”.
Fraternity Day, May 13th
The day of brotherhood, May 13th, celebrates values that characterize the good relationship between men. The fraternity advocates equality among all, regardless of economic class, sexual orientation, race and religion.
The date was created in 1961 on the initiative of three priests in the context of the Fraternity Campaign.
Social Worker Day, May 15th
Social Worker's Day, 15th May, aims to value and honor professionals who work to improve people's living conditions.
The origin of the commemoration is based on the date of the Decree of the Council of Ministers No. 994, of May 15, 1962, which regulates Law No. 3.252, of August 27, 1957, which deals with the profession of Assistant Social.
International Family Day, May 15
The important institution of the family is celebrated on International Family Day in 15th May, as a way of valuing the family context in the formation of people.
The institution of the commemoration dates back to 1993, at the initiative of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
National Day for the Control of Hospital Infections, May 15
The National Day for the Control of Hospital Infections, 15th May, has as its main objective to make people aware of the number of people infected annually in Brazil and what can be done to prevent it.
The date was established by the Ministry of Health in 2008. The preventive measure recommended as the most effective is the simple care with correct hand hygiene.
World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, May 17
World day for telecommunications and the information society, may 17, was celebrated for the first time in 2006. It was from that year that the World Information Society Day joined the already existing Telecommunications Day.
The origin of the date of the Day of Telecommunications is related to the founding day of the International Telecommunications Union, which took place on May 17, 1865.
International Day against Homophobia, May 17
The aim of the International Day against Homophobia, may 17, is to make people aware of the importance of respecting homosexuals, transsexuals and transgenders.
The date chosen for this celebration commemorates the exclusion of homosexuality from the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), on May 17, 1990.
International Museum Day, May 18
The importance of museums and the need to visit them is the aim of creating the International Day of Museums, May 18th.
The date was created in 1977 by ICOM - International Council of Museums, which is part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
National Day to Combat Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, May 18
In order to make people aware of the seriousness of the problem, the National Day to Combat Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation was created, May 18th.
The date was established by Law No. 9,970, of May 17, 2000, but the choice of the day refers to the “Caso Araceli”, an 8-year-old girl who was raped and murdered on May 18, 1973.
Public Defender Day, May 19
The creation of Public Defender Day, May 19th, is a way of valuing the work of professionals who are dedicated to guaranteeing the right of people who are unable to have a lawyer.
The date was established by Law Decree No. 10,448, of May 9, 2002, as the National Day of the Public Defender's Office.
National Human Milk Donation Day, May 19
The National Day of Human Milk Donation, May 19th, aims to make people aware of the importance of donating a valuable drink, breast milk.
The date was established by Law No. 13,227, of December 28, 2015.
National Teacher's Day, May 20
Established by Law No. 13,083 of January 8, 2015, the National Day of the Educator, in 20 of May, is a tribute to education experts.
In addition to showing appreciation for the dedication of this professional, the date also aims to make known the work of a pedagogue.
National Generic Drug Day, May 20
The National Day of Generic Medicine, 20 of May, is an important way to make people aware of its existence and meaning.
With the same active ingredient, generic drugs are more accessible to the population thanks to the fact that they do not have associated research costs. Its sale was authorized in 1999, in accordance with Law No. 9,787, of February 10th.
National Language Day, May 21
This is the day for each one to pay homage to the language of their country. In Brazil, the National Language Day, May 21st, recalls the importance of the Portuguese language, which among more than 6 thousand existing languages, is among the 10 most spoken in the world.
In addition to this date, there is also the National Day of the Portuguese Language, which is celebrated on November 5th
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, 21 May
The date was included in the calendar of the UN - United Nations Organization, to be commemorated on the day May 21st.
The purpose of the celebration is to encourage people to value cultural diversity so that it is respected by everyone.
International Biodiversity Day, May 22
Created by the UN in 1992, the date is intended to make people aware of the need to protect biodiversity.
International Biodiversity Day is celebrated on the day May 22nd recalling the date of approval of the Convention on Biological Diversity, or Biodiversity Treaty.
Constitutionalist Youth Day, May 23
celebrated in May 23, Constitutionalist Youth Day commemorates the date of the death of four students who became a symbol of the Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932, M.M.D.C. (from Martins, Miragaia, Dráusio and Camargo).
The date is a tribute not only to young students, but to all constitutionalist soldiers who fought for Brazilian democracy.
Infantry Day, May 24th
Infantry Day, May 24th, pays tribute to all soldiers of Infantry Weapons of the Brazilian Army.
The date was chosen because Antônio de Sampaio (1810-1866), Patron of the Brazilian Army's Infantry Weapon, was born on May 24, 1810.
National Coffee Day, 24th of May
National Coffee Day, May 24th, appeared in 2005 at the suggestion of ABIC - Brazilian Coffee Industry Association.
The date aims to recall the outstanding historical importance of coffee in Brazil, which is its largest producer in the world.
Industry Day, May 25
As a way to recognize the importance of industries, the day may 25th is dedicated to them.
The date was chosen to honor Roberto Simonsen (1889-1948), who was given the title of Patron of National Industry.
National Adoption Day, May 25
Established by Law No. 10,447, of May 9, 2002, the National Adoption Day, in may 25th, contributes to providing information to people about adoption processes in Brazil.
In addition to being sensitive, adoption in Brazil is a challenging topic, hence the importance of having a date dedicated to it. The suggestion emerged at the 1st National Meeting of Adoption Support Groups and Associations held in 1996.
International Missing Children's Day, 25 May
International Missing Children's Day, may 25th, serves as a warning to people, so that they are aware of the number of disappearances and their circumstances.
The date, made official by the then president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, comes in honor of Etan Patz, a 6-year-old boy who disappeared from the American country on May 25, 1979.
National Day of the Atlantic Forest, May 27
The National Day of the Atlantic Forest, may, 27, is a date that calls people to reflect on the importance of protecting the Atlantic Forest, a gigantic Brazilian biome, which is under serious threat.
The commemoration was instituted by the Decree of September 21, 1999 and recalls the Letter of Saint Vincent, written by Father José de Anchieta. It contains a detailed description of the Atlantic Forest.
Health Service Day, May 27
João Severiano da Fonseca, born on May 27, 1836, is the Patron of the Brazilian Army Health Service. As a tribute, it is the date of his birth that gives rise to the celebration of the Day of the Health Service in may, 27.
The celebration is extended to all professionals in the Brazilian health service.
World Energy Day, May 29
World Energy Day, May 29th, its mission is to make people aware of energy savings.
In addition to tips on how to save energy, the date also proposes to encourage the use of renewable energy.
United Nations International Day of Peacekeepers, 29 May
The United Nations International Day of Peacekeepers, May 29th it is on the UN Calendar and is a tribute to all soldiers who put their lives at risk in peace missions.
This military force has its origins in the 60s and its soldiers are called blue helmets, thanks to the color of the helmets that were used, which differentiated them from the green helmets of other soldiers.
World Anti-Smoking Day, May 31
World Day to Combat Tobacco, or World No Tobacco Day, may 31st, is a date dedicated to sensitizing the population about the risk of smoking.
Created by the World Health Organization, the date aims to encourage smokers to stop smoking.
National Ex-Combatant Day, 1st Sunday in May
National ex-combatant day, mobile date celebrated on the 1st Sunday in May, is a tribute to all those who were in combat in Safe World War.
The commemoration was instituted by Law nº 4.623, of May 6, 1965.
Celebrations for each day of May
1st May: Labor Day and Brazilian Literature Day
May 3: International Press Freedom Day, Sertanejo Day, Brazilwood Day, Parliament Day and National Shorthand Day
may 4th: Star Wars Day
May 5th: Portuguese Language Day, National Community Leader Day, National Communications Day or Marshal Rondon Day, National Expeditionary Day, World Hand Hygiene Day and National Day on the Rational Use of Medicines
May 6th: Math Day, Cartographer Day and Courage Day
May 7th: Day of Silence and Day of the Ophthalmologist
May 8th: National Tourism Day, Plastic Artist Day, International Red Cross Day, Marketing Professional Day, Victory Day, Thalassemia Day and National Hemoglobinopathies Day
May 9th: Europe day
May 10th: Tour Guide Day, Cook Day, Cavalry Day, Camp Day, International Lupus Person Care Day and Shakyamuni Buddha's Birthday Day
may 11: National Reggae Day
may 12: International Day of Nursing and Nurses and Day of Military Engineers
May 13th: Automobile Day, Abolition of Slavery, Zootechnician Day, Fraternity Day and National Chef's Day
May 14th: Continental Insurance Day
15th May: Bank Manager Day, Social Worker Day, International Family Day and National Hospital Infection Control Day
May 16th: Gari's day
may 17: World day for telecommunications and the information society and International day against homophobia
May 18th: Glaziers' Day, International Museums Day, National Cocktail Day, National Day to Combat Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation and National Anti-Asylum Day
May 19th: Physicist Day, Law Student Day, Public Defender Day and National Human Milk Donation Day
20 of May: National Day of Educators, National Day of Nursing Technicians and Auxiliary Nurses, World Bee Day, National Day of Generic Medicine, Anniversary of Palms and Children's Commissioner Day
May 21st: National Language Day, Godson Day and World Cultural Diversity Day for Dialogue and Development
May 22nd: Beekeeper's Day, International Biodiversity Day and Embrace Day
May 23: Turtle Day and Constitutional Youth Day
May 24th: Infantry Day, Typist Day, Telegrapher Day, Entrance Exam Day, Detainee Day, National Coffee Day, National Agricultural Limestone Day and National Gypsy Day
may 25th: Industry Day, Massage Therapist Day, Towel Day, National Adoption Day, Farm Worker Day, International Tap Day, Day Missing Children's Day, Geek Pride Day, Seamstress Day, National Taxpayer Respect Day and International Day of thyroid
May 26th: National Glaucoma Day and Lottery Dealer Day
may, 27: National Atlantic Forest Day, Liberal Professional Day, Health Service Day and Army Health Service Day
May 28th: Ceramicist Day, National Day for the Reduction of Maternal Mortality, Hamburger Day and International Day for the Fight for Women's Health
May 29th: Statistician's Day, Geographer's Day, World Energy Day, United Nations International Day of Peacekeepers, World Digestive Health Day and Ibgean Day
May 30th: Geologist's Day and Decorator's Day
may 31st: Flight Attendant Day, World Anti-Smoking Day and Airport Day
Moving dates: National Ex-Combatant Day (first Sunday in May), Mother's Day (second Sunday in May) and World Asthma Day (first Tuesday in May)
Read too:
- March commemorative dates
- April commemorative dates
- June commemorative dates