Which annual New Year's Eve race takes runners through the streets of São Paulo, Brazil?

The São Silvestre Road Race takes runners through São Paulo on New Year’s Eve.

The race is named for Saint Sylvester, whose feast day falls on December 31. It was created in São Paulo in 1925 by journalist Cásper Líbero, who was inspired by night races reported from Europe. The first edition was held on December 31 of that year and has since become one of Brazil’s best-known road races.

The course and distance have changed over time. The modern event is an international road race through central São Paulo, traditionally finishing near Avenida Paulista. Elite athletes and mass-participation runners compete in the same broad celebration, making it both a sporting event and a New Year’s Eve tradition.

The race should not be confused with Rio de Janeiro’s Reveillon celebrations, which center on beach gatherings and fireworks. “São Silvestre” identifies the São Paulo race specifically, not a general Brazilian New Year custom.