The Brazilian New Year's Eve event celebrated with fireworks and a midnight kiss at Copacabana Beach is called Réveillon.
Réveillon is the Portuguese term commonly used in Brazil for New Year's Eve celebrations. Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Réveillon is especially famous for its huge beach gathering, musical performances, white clothing, and fireworks launched over the water. Couples and friends often mark midnight with embraces or kisses as the new year begins.
The celebration combines secular entertainment with cultural and religious practices. Some people make offerings to Iemanjá, associated with the sea, while others observe personal rituals such as jumping seven waves or making wishes. These customs can vary by family, region, and religious background.
Réveillon is not the same event as Carnaval. Brazilian Carnaval generally occurs before Lent and is known for samba parades and street celebrations, whereas Réveillon specifically welcomes the calendar new year. Festa Junina is another separate Brazilian festival, traditionally held in June.