What do people traditionally wear for luck during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Brazil?

People traditionally wear white clothing for luck during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Brazil.

White is especially visible at large coastal celebrations, including the famous gathering at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The color is commonly associated with peace and renewal, making it a fitting choice for entering a new year.

Brazilian New Year customs also reflect Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, particularly in coastal areas. Some participants honor Iemanjá, a water deity associated with the sea, by making offerings or sending flowers and small boats into the water. Practices vary by region, faith, and family.

White clothing is a widespread custom, not a universal requirement. Other colors may be selected for symbolic wishes such as love, money, or health. The tradition is therefore best understood as a popular cultural practice rather than a formal national rule.