The French term commonly used for Brazil’s New Year’s Eve celebration is “Réveillon.”
In Brazil, Réveillon refers to the New Year’s Eve festivities and, by extension, the parties, meals, concerts, fireworks, and rituals surrounding the arrival of the new year. The word comes from French and is also used in other countries for a festive evening meal or celebration, especially around Christmas or New Year’s.
Brazilian Réveillon is particularly associated with Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach, where enormous crowds gather for concerts and fireworks. Many participants wear white, a color associated with peace, and some follow customs connected with Afro-Brazilian religions, such as offerings to Yemanjá.
Réveillon should not be confused with Carnaval. Carnaval is a separate festival held before Lent, while Réveillon specifically concerns the New Year period. The spelling includes an accent on the first “e” in the French form.