Brazil's New Year Rituals Take Center Stage as 2026 Approaches

Overview

• Major outlets published step-by-step simpatias for the virada, from money-in-the-wallet and lentils to candle, herb and seawater rites.
• New explainers detail origins: lentils linked to Italian ideas of money, 12 grapes to Iberian custom, romã to Greek symbolism, and fireworks to ancient China via Europe.
• Jumping seven waves is spotlighted as a tradition connected to African-derived religions and Iemanjá, now practiced widely on Brazilian beaches.
• Beach-focused guides endorsed by spiritualist Kelida Marques promote purification baths, offerings to the sea and protection rituals using arruda and menta.
• Entertainment coverage shows celebrities keeping the customs alive, with reports of white outfits, seven waves, and foods like lentils, grapes and romã to welcome the year.