The midnight New Year's Eve celebration held at Copacabana Beach is called Réveillon.
Réveillon is the Portuguese term commonly used in Brazil for New Year's Eve festivities. Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana celebration is one of the world's largest annual beach gatherings, combining concerts, religious and cultural traditions, and a major fireworks display.
Millions of people may gather along the waterfront in especially large years, while boats offshore provide additional viewing points. Many attendees wear white, a custom associated with peace and renewal, and some make offerings to Iemanjá, a water deity revered in Afro-Brazilian traditions.
Réveillon is broader than the Copacabana event and can describe New Year's celebrations throughout Brazil. It should not be confused with Carnival, which is a separate festival held before Lent and is known for samba parades, costumes, and bloco street parties.