since the new millennium brazil has experienced a stable long term democracy, including one of the fastest growing economies in the world - this is what is really celebrated as the 'new' republic day. 

novermber 15th is a national holiday, with banks and state institutions closed for the day - commercial venues and restaurants operate according to individual schedules, with many being closed.

the republic museum (museu da república) offers great guided tours following the chronology of the republic - also interesting on these dates is the expo at the national historical museum (museu histórico nacional).