roman catholicism is the predominant religion in brazil so, as a result, christmas in rio de janeiro is a most important and traditional holiday. cariocas put much importance on family, tradition, and religion, and this is very apparent on christmas eve and on christmas day. mass is held in just about every church in rio de janeiro, with the msot important one being the mass at the cathedral. catedral metropolitana do rio de janeiro, also known as the catedral metropolitana de são sebastião and the new cathedral, brings together hundreds of people for midnight mass each year on christmas eve. the cathedral is located in the centro district of the city and its modern structure, designed by edgar fonceca and completed in 1979, is completely unique.
