Wearing white is an especially associated New Year's Eve tradition on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.
Millions of people have gathered in Rio for Réveillon, the Brazilian New Year's celebration, where white clothing is commonly worn. White is widely associated with peace, renewal, and good wishes for the year ahead.
The beach celebration also includes music, ceremonies, and fireworks launched over the water. Many participants make offerings or prayers connected with Afro-Brazilian and other Brazilian religious traditions, although individual practices vary.
White clothing is not a rule that every attendee must follow, and it is not exclusive to Rio. The color appears in New Year's customs in other parts of Brazil as well, while Copacabana provides the internationally recognizable setting.