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Visiting Brazil is a great experience year-round, but the country is among the best destinations to celebrate New Year's Eve. As the Brazilian summer starts in December, a great decision is to plan something at the beach. To enjoy the holiday at its fullest (known as Réveillon in the country), travelers should be aware that Brazilians can be superstitious people, and they tend to believe that how they spend the last day of the year and the first minutes after midnight can impact the coming months.
For example, merrymakers choose carefully the color they wear and what they eat. It's interesting to see that almost every family carries their rituals for having a prosperous year, and they are always willing to teach visitors. Here is an essential guide to blending with Brazilians during the holiday.
Each Color Has A Meaning
The first thing anyone will notice when spending New Year's Eve in Brazil is that most people wear white. This tradition is linked to the Afro religions and became popular in the country in the 1970s, even among followers of other faiths.
For Brazilians, the color means peace and will attract good luck for the next twelve months. Therefore, most shops display white clothes in December, but it's not the only color that has a meaning.
In Brazil, people choose wisely the color they wear for New Year's Eve based on their needs. It's unlikely to see Brazilians wearing black as it can bring bad luck — those rules also apply to underwear.
- Pink: Love
- Red: Passion
- Yellow or Gold: Money
- Green: Hope
Avoid Dishes That Bring Bad Luck
Even the most skeptical person in Brazil might have their traditions for New Year's Eve. The menu for the evening is also based on their superstitions, and the main dishes are often pork and fish.
Brazilians explain that those animals "move forward," so they are considered a symbol of luck.
On the other hand, most people avoid eating chicken or turkey, as those animals walk backward, representing a regression in life.
But what else can you eat? They also believe that eating grapes, pomegranate seeds, and lentils can attract luck and abundance.
Choose A Place By The Beach
Of course, travelers can find parties everywhere, but the most popular place to be during New Year's Eve in Brazil is by the beach. Luckily, the country has a coast that stretches over 5,000 miles, and the Brazilian summer starts in December.
Brazil's most famous beach, Copacabana, receives approximately three million people. Yet, many Brazilians head to the Northeast, where they can find paradisiac beaches and parties.
It's unique to see people celebrating on the beach while following small rituals for a great year.
Join The Réveillon Rituals
It's needless to say that Brazilians are superstitious people. The last day of the year carries a lot of meaning, and they genuinely believe that how they spend those final hours and what they do at midnight can define their future.
It might not look obvious what to do at first, but residents are generally thrilled to share the details with visitors.
Bath: The last bath of the year should be special, and many people use lavender on the water, as it has good energy. People can also use rue or rough salt.
Jumping seven waves: When spending New Year's Eve on the beach, travelers might notice that some people enter the water at midnight. It's a tradition to jump seven waves, making a wish every time. The small ritual also cleans bad energy.
Sending gifts to Iemanjá: At midnight, people at the beach also throw white roses in t the sea. It's a way to honor Iamanjá, known as the goddess of the sea in Afro religions. It's also common to see people sending boat replicas carrying perfume and mirrors to Iemanjá.
Pomegranate seeds: When eating pomegranates at midnight, people keep seven seeds and carry them in their wallets. It's believed it attracts money.
Eating twelve grapes: According to Brazilian traditions, eating 12 grapes at midnight increases the chances of having a prosperous year. People also carry the seeds in their wallets to attract money.
Wearing something new: Most Brazilians will wear brand-new clothes for New Year's Eve. They believe this tradition means renovation for the coming year.
The Réveillon Parties Can Last For A Week
Brazilians are as superstitious as they love to party. The New Year's parties start one day after Christmas and last until January 2nd. The best ones are on remote beaches that most visitors haven't heard about.
The most popular destinations are in the Brazilian Northeast, home to some of the most incredible beaches in the country.
The best places to look for parties are at Bahia (Boipeba, Trancoso, Itacaré), Alagoas (São Miguel dos Milagres), Rio Grande do Norte (Pipa and São Miguel do Gostoso).
The parties are often open bar and last until sunrise, and travelers must be prepared to endure a whole week. They start selling tickets around June or July.
Although they tend to be expensive, the dollar is currently much stronger in the country, so it's worth the investment.