Final answer:
The major holiday in Brazil is Carnival, a vibrant and colorful festival that precedes Lent and features music, dance, and costumes. It is celebrated nationwide, with Rio de Janeiro's festivities being particularly renowned. Salvador's Carnival uniquely reflects African heritage and issues of racial politics and commercialization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major holiday in Brazil is Carnival. It is an annual festival celebrated with music, dance, and parades of costumed dancers that take to the streets in many cities. Starting before Lent, Carnival's colorful traditions, including its parades and samba, are a testament to Brazil's rich cultural heritage. The festivities in Rio de Janeiro are particularly famous, drawing tourists from all over the world to witness the exuberant celebrations and the vibrant atmosphere.
Although Carnival is a nationwide event, its expression can vary significantly across Brazil's diverse regions. For example, in Salvador, Bahia, Carnival has a distinctive character, heavily influenced by the politics of race and the area's African heritage. The event incorporates aspects of Black culture such as capoeira and African-influenced music, reflecting forms of resistance and survival. Despite this, there are concerns regarding commercialization and cultural appropriation, with the benefits of increased tourism often not reaching the local Black communities.
Beyond Carnival, Brazil is known for its contribution to world sports, having hosted major events like the 2007 Pan American Games, the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the 2016 Summer Olympics. Cities like Rio de Janeiro, with its famous beaches and landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain, are major centers for tourism and international business. This demonstrates the country's commitment to development and global engagement, further evidenced by the creation of the forward capital, Brasília.