Feliz Natal!
standard
In Brazil you say Feliz Natal! for "Merry Christmas". Many people add the New Year, as in Feliz Natal e um próspero Ano Novo! It is also called Boas festas! and Feliz Natal e próspero Ano Novo!
Meaning: Christmas greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Feliz Natal! | standard |
| Boas festas! | holiday season |
| Feliz Natal e próspero Ano Novo! | full wish |
Feliz Natal! is used on 24 and 25 December, and also in cards and messages in the weeks before. Boas festas! covers the whole holiday season.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Christmas happens in the summer in Brazil, so there are beach trips and hot-weather dishes beside traditional foods like turkey, farofa and panetone.
When do people say it?
Brazilian families usually have the main Christmas dinner, the ceia de Natal, on the night of 24 December and open gifts at midnight. Santa Claus is called Papai Noel.
Did you know?
- The Christmas bread panetone arrived with Italian immigrants and is now one of the most typical Christmas foods in Brazil.
Examples in context
- Feliz Natal para você!Merry Christmas to you!
- Feliz Natal e um próspero Ano Novo!Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
- Papai Noel chegou!Santa Claus has arrived!
Example conversation
The Almeida family gathers for the Christmas Eve dinner at the home of grandmother Dona Célia in Belo Horizonte, with her grandson Rafael.
- CéliaFeliz Natal, minha família!Merry Christmas, my family!
- RafaelFeliz Natal, vó!Merry Christmas, grandma!
- CéliaA ceia está pronta.Dinner is ready.
