Many Brazilians traditionally wear white for New Year's Eve celebrations.
The custom is especially prominent during Réveillon, Brazil's New Year's celebration. White clothing is commonly associated with peace and renewal, making it a fitting choice for the transition into a new year. Some celebrants also wear specific colors to express additional wishes, such as prosperity, love, or health.
The tradition has been connected with Afro-Brazilian religious practices and became highly visible at large coastal celebrations, especially in Rio de Janeiro. People dressed in white often gather on beaches, where they may watch fireworks and make offerings associated with the sea goddess Iemanjá.
White is a custom rather than a legal requirement, and Brazilian celebrations vary by region and family. It should not be confused with Brazil's national colors, green and yellow, which are not the defining New Year's Eve clothing tradition.