Brazil's New Year's Eve celebration is commonly called Réveillon, including Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana event.
Réveillon is the Portuguese term widely used in Brazil for New Year's Eve celebrations and the associated midnight festivities. In Rio de Janeiro, the word often refers to the enormous public celebration on Copacabana Beach, but parties and ceremonies using the name take place throughout the country.
The term comes from French réveillon, which originally referred to a late evening meal or celebration. In Brazil, Réveillon can include family dinners, live music, fireworks, white clothing, and traditions connected with hopes for prosperity and protection in the coming year.
Réveillon should not be confused with Carnaval, Brazil's famous pre-Lenten festival. Carnaval is generally held weeks later and has its own calendar, parades, samba-school competitions, and historical traditions. The same city may host both events, but they are separate celebrations.