The government of Santa Catarina has submitted a bill to the Legislative Assembly proposing November 25th as a state holiday in honor of Santa Catarina of Alexandria, after whom the state is named. This proposal, delivered on February 2, has sparked significant backlash from various business associations, including the Federation of Business Associations of Santa Catarina (Facisc) and the Business Association of the Metropolitan Region of Florianópolis (AEMFLO). These organizations have expressed concerns that the new holiday would adversely affect the productive sector and lead to negative economic repercussions.

If commemorated, this new holiday would add to an already crowded month of November, which features three existing holidays: All Souls’ Day (November 2), Republic Day (November 15), and Black Consciousness Day (November 20). The pressure from business leaders underscores a broader worry about the impact of additional holidays on productivity and the overall economy, particularly in a time of recovery post-pandemic where businesses are still striving to regain footing.

Despite the criticisms, the government defends the holiday as more than a religious observance, stating that the date represents an important historical and cultural milestone for the state. The discussion around the proposal does not yet have a timeline for when it will be debated or voted on, leaving stakeholders concerned about the potential changes and their implications for the state's economic health.