Feliz Ano Novo!
standard
In Brazil you say Feliz Ano Novo! to wish someone a happy new year. The more formal Próspero Ano Novo! wishes a prosperous one and is common in cards. It is also called Feliz 2026!
Meaning: greeting for the new year (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Feliz Ano Novo! | standard |
| Próspero Ano Novo! | formal, written |
| Feliz 2026! | casual, with year |
People say Feliz Ano Novo! at midnight on 31 December and during the first days of January. The party itself is called Réveillon.
Which one should you use?
Feliz wishes happiness and próspero wishes success and wealth. Many people combine them: Feliz Ano Novo e muito sucesso!
When do people say it?
Brazilians traditionally wear white at the New Year to bring peace. On many beaches people also jump seven waves and make wishes, an offering linked to Iemanjá, the sea goddess of Afro-Brazilian religions.
Did you know?
- The New Year fireworks on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro are one of the biggest in the world and draw crowds of well over a million people.
Examples in context
- Feliz Ano Novo para você!Happy New Year to you!
- Próspero Ano Novo e muita saúde!A prosperous New Year and lots of health!
- Feliz 2026, pessoal!Happy 2026, everyone!
Example conversation
Isabela and her cousin Rodrigo celebrate midnight on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.
- IsabelaFeliz Ano Novo, Rodrigo!Happy New Year, Rodrigo!
- RodrigoFeliz Ano Novo! Vamos pular as sete ondas.Happy New Year! Let us jump the seven waves.
- IsabelaVamos, e faça um pedido.Let us go, and make a wish.
