What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'good festivities' or 'good parties'.
Which one should you use?
While boas festas is a general greeting for the season, you should use Feliz Natal if you want to specifically wish someone a Merry Christmas. Similarly, use Feliz Ano Novo for a specific New Year greeting rather than the broader term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, you may hear Feliz Natal e Próspero Ano Novo!, meaning 'Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!' or Boas Festas e um Feliz Ano Novo!, meaning 'Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!' In European Portuguese, the phrase Feliz Natal e Boas Festas! is used to mean 'Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!'
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is always used in the plural form festas when used as a general holiday greeting.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbo(w).ɐs ˈfɛs.tɐs/
Did you know?
- In Brazil, people may say boas festas to someone they are leaving for the last time in the year, even if it is only December 1st.
- If you use the singular boa festa instead of the plural boas festas, you are no longer wishing someone happy holidays, but rather a 'good party' for a specific event like a birthday.
- Because festas refers to celebrations or parties, saying boas festas can feel more like wishing someone 'have good parties' than a solemn religious blessing.
Examples in context
- Boas festas.Happy holidays.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase boas festas.Tatoeba #4771823 by bill, translation #2044389 by CK
- Desejo-lhe Boas Festas e um ano novo repleto de alegria e sucesso!I wish you Happy Holidays and a new year filled with joy and success!
- Felizes Festas, pessoal!Happy Holidays, everyone!
- Boas Festas!Happy Holidays!
- Desejo boas festas para toda a família.I wish happy holidays to the whole family.
- Boas festas e um ótimo ano novo!Happy holidays and a great new year!
Example conversation
Camila and Rodrigo are saying goodbye at an end-of-year office party.
- CamilaTchau, Rodrigo! Boas festas!Bye, Rodrigo! Happy holidays!
- RodrigoObrigado, Camila. Boas festas para você também.Thank you, Camila. Happy holidays to you too.
- CamilaAproveite muito o seu descanso.Enjoy your rest very much.
- RodrigoCom certeza, até o ano que vem!For sure, see you next year!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy holidays” translations and entries boas festas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
