always celebrated 50 days after easter and falling in either may or june - pentecost sunday or day of the holy spirit (pentecostes, dia do espírito santo) is the holiday that recognizes the holy spirit's descent from heaven in the form of tongues of fire onto the apostles and other important followers of the early church - because of this, it is often also called the 'birthday of the church'.

the devotion of the holy spirit is part of traditional roman catholic belief and it brings the combination of architecture, iconography and religious practices to one special day.

festivities range from weeklong celebrations and parades, firework displays and religious masses, and always have the prominent display of the white dove.