New Year's Eve is called Réveillon in Brazil, where millions celebrate on beaches including Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach.
The Brazilian Réveillon is especially famous for large public gatherings, music, fireworks, and white clothing. In Rio, the main celebration takes place along Copacabana, where fireworks are launched over the water and crowds gather on the shoreline and nearby boats.
The word Réveillon is borrowed from French, where it refers to a celebratory evening meal or party. In Brazil it has become the standard name for the New Year's Eve celebration itself, rather than only for a formal dinner.
White clothing is widely associated with peace and renewal, while some celebrants also make offerings connected with Afro-Brazilian religious traditions. Réveillon should not be confused with Carnaval: Carnaval is a separate festival season, usually held before Lent, even though both feature music, costumes, and large crowds.