The two most predominant influences on the population's faith are European Christianity, and the sacraments and customs that migrated to the country along with the African slaves. Until the mid-20th Century over 90% of Brazilians were Catholic, making the country the largest Catholic country in the world, with a rapid growth in Evangelical Protestantism over the last 50 years.

Religious holidays and festivities take place throughout the year in homage to saints and sacred dates of great importance in Brazilian folkloric and Catholic history. All throughout June, July and parts of August, Rio plays host to a wide range of outdoor and indoor parties in honor of important saints, imbuing the Catholic celebrations with traditional Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian music and cuisine, such as Forró music and a variety of traditional national dishes.