Many Brazilians traditionally wear white on New Year’s Eve to symbolize peace. The custom is especially visible in coastal celebrations, where large crowds gather in white clothing for fireworks, music and rituals at midnight.
White clothing is also connected with Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, including practices associated with Candomblé and Umbanda. On New Year’s Eve, some people make offerings or pay respect to Iemanjá, a sea-associated orisha, particularly in coastal cities. These religious and cultural meanings overlap with the broader popular idea of beginning the year peacefully.
White is customary but not mandatory, and other colors can carry different wishes in Brazilian popular belief. For example, red may be associated with love and yellow with prosperity in some modern interpretations. Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana celebration is the best-known example, but white clothing and New Year customs occur throughout Brazil.