White is the traditional New Year’s Eve color worn for good luck in Brazil.
Many Brazilians wear white clothing on December 31, especially when celebrating on beaches or attending large public gatherings. White is commonly associated with peace, renewal, and protection, making it a fitting color for the transition into a new year.
The custom is strongly connected with Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, particularly practices associated with the sea and the goddess Iemanjá. In coastal cities, celebrants may offer flowers or other gifts to Iemanjá and make wishes for the coming year.
White is customary but not exclusive. Some people also choose colors linked to specific wishes, such as yellow for prosperity or red for romance. The best-known nationwide visual tradition, however, is the sea of white clothing seen at celebrations such as Rio de Janeiro’s Reveillon.