The upcoming Carnival holiday in 2026 raises questions for many workers in Belém, Brazil, regarding whether the festive days are recognized as a holiday or just another regular workweek. Carnival will be celebrated on February 16, 17, and 18, coinciding with the weekend. Despite the festivity's cultural significance in Brazil, it is not considered a national holiday unless a specific state or municipal law is in place, which does not apply in Belém or the state of Pará.

As there are no national, state, or municipal laws regarding Carnival, local governments often declare the festive days as optional for public servants. Both the State Government of Pará and the Belém City Hall have announced that they will observe optional points on February 16, 17, and 18, with public services resuming by noon on February 18. This means that while many public employees may have the day off, essential services like health, security, and public transportation will still operate on a limited basis during the festivities.

This decision reflects ongoing traditions and the management of public resources during the Carnival period. As Belém prepares for the celebrations—including various events in local areas like Mosqueiro Island—understanding the legal status of these days is crucial for workers in the region to align their plans and ensure they are aware of their work commitments during the festivities.