Rio de Janeiro’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration on Copacabana Beach is called Réveillon.
In Brazil, “Réveillon” commonly refers to New Year’s Eve celebrations, especially the large public event held along Rio’s Copacabana Beach. Millions of people may gather there for concerts, ceremonies, and a major fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. The word is also used more broadly in Portuguese-speaking contexts for New Year’s Eve festivities.
A distinctive Rio custom is wearing white clothing, often associated with peace and renewal. Many participants also make offerings or gestures connected with Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, including honoring Iemanjá, a sea-associated deity in Candomblé and Umbanda. Some people jump seven waves or make wishes as part of the night’s rituals.
Réveillon is not the same as Carnaval, which is a separate festival held before Lent and is famous for samba schools and parades. Copacabana’s event is specifically a New Year celebration, although it also features music, elaborate staging, and enormous crowds.