Brazil’s traditional name for its large New Year’s Eve celebrations, including Rio de Janeiro’s beach festivities, is Réveillon.
In Brazil, Réveillon refers to the celebration marking the transition from December 31 to January 1. The word comes from French réveillon, a late-night festive meal or celebration. Brazilian Réveillon events can include concerts, fireworks, dancing, special meals, and religious or spiritual customs.
Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana celebration is the country’s best-known example. Other Brazilian cities also stage their own Réveillon events, so the word does not identify only one beach or one city. The capital R of Réveillon is often used in formal event names, while lowercase usage also appears in ordinary Portuguese writing.
Réveillon is sometimes mistaken for Carnaval because both involve large public celebrations and music. Carnaval, however, is held before Lent, while Réveillon specifically marks the New Year. Festa Junina is another separate Brazilian festival associated with June.