White is traditionally worn for good luck during Brazil’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The custom is especially visible during Réveillon, Brazil’s major New Year celebration. People commonly dress in white as a symbol of peace, renewal, and hopes for a harmonious year ahead. The tradition is strongly associated with celebrations on beaches and in large cities.
Brazilian New Year customs also reflect Afro-Brazilian religious traditions. Many celebrants make offerings to Iemanjá, a sea-associated deity, and some wear additional colors to express particular wishes. White, however, remains the most widely recognized clothing color for the occasion.
The practice is not the same as Brazil’s Carnival costume traditions. New Year’s Eve clothing is generally linked to symbolic wishes for the coming year, while Carnival is associated with parades, music, dance, and elaborate costumes.