Réveillon is the Brazilian New Year's Eve festival famous for white clothing and Copacabana fireworks.
In Brazil, “Réveillon” refers to New Year's Eve celebrations and the night-time festivities surrounding them. Rio de Janeiro's event on Copacabana Beach is especially famous for its enormous public gathering, live music, fireworks, and people dressed in white. White clothing is commonly associated with peace and renewal, although individuals also wear other colors for symbolic wishes.
Many celebrants make offerings or prayers connected with Afro-Brazilian and Brazilian coastal traditions. Some people go to the beach to honor Iemanjá, a deity associated with the sea in several religious traditions, while others simply enjoy the public party.
The Copacabana celebration has changed in scale and format over time, and fireworks may be launched from barges offshore. “Réveillon” is not the name of Brazil's Carnival; Carnival is a separate festival, usually held in February or March before Lent.