São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has signed a law that updates a 1990 rule requiring the National Anthem to be played in schools, while removing the requirement to raise the National Flag.
On July 17, 2025, São Paulo's Governor Tarcísio de Freitas of the Republicans sanctioned a significant update to a law from 1990 regarding the execution of the National Anthem in schools. This updated law mandates that public and private primary and secondary schools in the state must play the National Anthem once a week, maintaining a formal ceremony to honor the country's national identity. This marks an ongoing commitment to instilling national pride in students through customary practices.
The updated legislation, however, modifies certain aspects of the original 1990 law. It eliminates the requirement for schools to conduct flag-raising ceremonies, which some educators found logistically challenging or inappropriate for their institutional routines. Instead, the Anthem's performance has been encouraged to take place on Fridays before school starts, although schools have the flexibility to choose a day that best fits their schedule.
Additionally, the law stipulates the annual singing of the National Anthem in schools on the working day before September 7, Brazil's Independence Day, to reinforce its importance within the education system. This update reflects a broader focus on enhancing civic education and national symbols within Brazilian schools, aiming to engage students in their country's heritage while adapting to contemporary educational practices.
