Brazil Timeline

  • 1500

    Catholicism came to Brazil by the Portuguese

  • 1549

    Portuguese King João III sent the first Jesuit mission to Brazil

  • The portuguese tradition of festa junia was brought to Brazil

  • Catholicism blended with the afro-brazilian culture

  • Jesuits were expelled by the Portuguese crown from Brazil

  • Catholicism became the official religion in Brazil

  • Protestant missionary groups from the U.S. and European countries increased their presence and population in Brazil, building schools and churches

    This lasted from the 1910-1930's
  • The first two Pentecostal churches, the Congregação Cristã no Brasil and the Assembléia de Deus, were established in Brazil.

  • First Evangelical church in Brazil opened

  • Pentecostal christianity began spreading fast in Brazil, especially among urban working class communities. Protestant missionary groups from the U.S. and Europe continued establishing schools and churches

    This lasted from the 1940-1950's
  • The rise of the liberation theology connecting catholic teachings and social justice, led to growth of the “comunidades Eclesias de Base”, increased political and cultural influence and protestant movements during Brazil’s military dictatorship

    This lasted between the 1960-1980's
  • The number of evangelical congregations had surged to over 7,000

  • Data shows the declining Catholic majority and rapid rise of Evangelical and Pentecostal christians. Christaianity in Brazil became more diverse with cultural influence in holidays, music and public platforms.

    This lasted from the 2010-2020's