On the 20th of January of each year cariocas remember Saint Sebastian, a dedicated third century Italian missionary who was finally flogged to death for daring to challenge the emperor's unethical behavior - He is the patron Saint of Rio, hence the city's original name, and legend has it that he 'appeared' at the final battle that drove the French out of the city on the 20th of January, protecting the country against, famine, war and sickness.

Two of the most talented and well-loved Brazilian musicians, Gilberto Gil and Milton Nascimento, wrote a song entitled 'Sebastiăo', which allied the suffering and martyrdom of the Saint with the travails of the city's land and people in contemporary society.

Beyond these key historical and religious milestones, Rio also celebrates personal joy in modern-day society with personal and commercial holidays like Mother's Day and 'Dia dos Namorados'.