Procession of Bom Jesus dos Navegantes, January 1. Boat processions in Salvador and other towns of the Northeast in honor of Our Lord of the Sailors.

Festival of Kings, January 6. A special Ephiphany celebration at the Lapinha Church in Salvador, Bahia.

Bom Jesus dos Navegantes, second Sunday of January. A four day festival in Penedo, Alagoas, culminating on the second Sunday of January. Celebrated with music, sports, and religious events.

Lavagem do Bonfim, second Thursday after Epiphany. One of the most popular festivals in Salvador, Bahia. In a celebration that has its origins in Candomblé, the steps of the church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim is washed by baianas (women in traditional clothing). The church will be closed—originally (in the 19th century) to protest the Candomblé ritual at the foot of a Catholic church, but now perhaps simply because the huge crowd would overwhelm the small church.

São Lazaro Festival, last Sunday in January. Salvador, Bahia.

Festa de Iemanjá, February 2. Iemanjá is the vain goddess of the sea in the Candomblé faith. Celebrated Salvador.

Carnival week begins in Salvador, the week preceeding Lent. The Carnival celebration in Salvador officially starts on the Thursday six days before Ash Wednesday, and the preparations can be seen long before that. The Mayor of Salvador starts the Carnival festivities by giving the key to the city to the "Fat King" who will be making guest appearances throughout the week. Some stores may be open for a few hours in the morning.

Dia de São João, June 24. Saint John's Day. Celebrated all week with traditional foods and forró music.

Festa de Iemanjá, August 15. Celebrated in Fortaleza, Ceará.

Círio de Nazaré, second Sunday in October. A festival in Belém.

Festa de Iemanjá, December 8. Celebrated in several cities and towns of the Northeast.