New Year's Day, known as 'Ano Novo' in Portugal or 'Réveillon' in Brazil, is one of the most celebrated holidays in Brazil. Traditionally, it is a time for family meetings, parties, and religious events. As the world's fifth largest country, Brazilian New Year's traditions are as diverse as its people, with celebrations ranging from beach festivals to exclusive hotel parties. The New Year's Eve celebration, or Réveillon, is considered one of the biggest events of the year, especially in coastal cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
One of the most popular New Year's Day celebration traditions involves wearing white clothes for good luck in the upcoming year. The belief is that the color white symbolizes peace and will drive away bad spirits. Many Brazilians will adorn themselves with accessories in colors that indicate their wishes for the new year, such as green for health, yellow for wealth, and red for passion. Moreover, Brazilians view the first day of the year as an opportunity to make resolutions and offer a fresh start, analogous to other nations worldwide.
Another significant tradition is the ritual of jumping seven waves while making seven wishes at the beach on New Year's Eve, which is said to honour and gain favor from Lemanjá, the sea goddess. The João Pessoa, the easternmost point of the Americas where the sun rises first, is a popular choice for this tradition. Fireworks displays, festive street parties, and music concerts are also common highlights that mark the celebration throughout the country. No matter how Brazilians choose to celebrate, New Year's Day in Brazil is a festive occasion full of joy, renewal, and hope for the future.