Many of the other Catholic events and holidays in Brazil have their roots in Portuguese celebrations, which Brazilians have injected with their own syncretic hue.

The most famous of these - the festival of são Jorge - has grown in popularity in Rio, and since 2002 it has been celebrated as a state holiday on the 23rd of april.

Rio's affinity with Saint George, who is commonly referred to as the Carioca Saint, is partly attributable to the fact that he is also revered by Afro-Brazilian religions, in the form of Ogun, the God of iron.