In Brazil, Carnival is not considered a national holiday due to the absence of federal legislation declaring it as such. The Tuesday of Carnival is usually treated as an optional leave, referred to as 'ponto facultativo', which is often decreed by state and municipal governments. Additionally, Ash Wednesday is also recognized in a similar manner, with the time off typically extending until 14:00, but it's not mandatory by law. This gives employers certain liberties in deciding whether to grant their employees time off or not.

In various regions, the observance of Ash Wednesday can vary significantly; some workplaces may suspend operations for the entire day, while others resume at different times throughout the afternoon, such as 14:00, 13:00, or even noon. Essential services like hospitals, supermarkets, and industries maintain their regular work schedules on Carnival Tuesday, while many offices and service companies engage in negotiations regarding hours worked and potential day-off arrangements for their staff.

It's crucial for employees to be aware that taking a day off without prior authorization to enjoy the Carnival festivities could result in deductions in their pay. According to labor lawyer Henrique Abrantes, this can have financial implications for workers who expect to attend celebrations without proper communication with their employers. In São Paulo, Brazil's wealthiest municipality, the city and state governments have officially declared optional leave for their workers, emphasizing the localized nature of these decisions regarding Carnival time-off.