Portuguese New Year Wishes

The most common way to say Happy New Year in Portuguese is "Feliz Ano Novo", which is used universally across all Portuguese-speaking countries ^[2]. This phrase literally translates to "Happy New Year" and is appropriate for both formal and informal situations.

Additional New Year greetings include:

• "Bom Ano Novo" - Good New Year (alternative greeting)

• "Próspero Ano Novo" - Prosperous New Year (more formal)

• "Feliz Ano Novo e muitas felicidades" - Happy New Year and much happiness

Tip: In Brazil, you might also hear "Feliz Réveillon" referring to New Year's Eve celebrations!

Portuguese New Year traditions are rich and meaningful, blending superstition, family values, and joyful celebration ^[1]. The most iconic tradition involves eating 12 raisins at midnight—one for each month of the coming year, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.

Other cherished traditions include:

• Family dinners - Elaborate meals featuring codfish (bacalhau) and rabanadas (Portuguese French toast)

• Midnight fireworks - Spectacular displays in Lisbon, Porto, and Funchal (Madeira)

• Making noise - Banging pots and pans to ward off evil spirits

• First-footing - The first person to enter your home should bring good luck

Cultural note: In Portugal, New Year's Eve is called "Passagem de Ano" (Passage of the Year).

While both countries share the Portuguese language and some traditions, Brazilian and Portuguese New Year celebrations have distinct characteristics reflecting their unique cultures.

Brazil:

• Beach celebrations - Iconic Copacabana beach party with 2+ million attendees

• White clothing - Wearing white symbolizes peace and renewal

• Jumping waves - Leaping over 7 waves at midnight for luck

• Offerings to Iemanjá - Flowers thrown into the ocean for the goddess of the sea

Portugal:

• 12 raisins tradition - More prominent than in Brazil

• City square gatherings - Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Avenida dos Aliados in Porto

• Traditional meals - Focus on codfish and family recipes

A Portuguese New Year card should convey warmth, good wishes, and optimism for the coming year. The level of formality depends on your relationship with the recipient.

For friends and family:

• "Feliz Ano Novo! Que 2025 traga muita alegria e realizações!"

• "Desejo-te um ano repleto de amor, saúde e felicidade!"

• "Que o novo ano seja cheio de momentos especiais ao teu lado!"

For professional contacts:

• "Desejo-lhe um Próspero Ano Novo cheio de sucesso profissional."

• "Feliz Ano Novo! Que 2025 traga novas oportunidades e conquistas."

Tip: Including a personal memory from the past year makes your card more meaningful!

The core New Year greeting "Feliz Ano Novo" is identical in both European Portuguese (Portugal) and Brazilian Portuguese. However, there are subtle differences in vocabulary and expressions used around the holiday.

Differences:

• Brazil: "Réveillon" (French-influenced term for New Year's Eve party)

• Portugal: "Passagem de Ano" (Passage of the Year)

• Brazil: More informal, warm expressions with "você"

• Portugal: May use "tu" (informal) or more formal constructions

Universal phrases: Most New Year wishes work perfectly in both variants, so don't worry too much about the differences!

Portuguese culture embraces several New Year superstitions believed to bring good fortune for the coming year ^[1]. These traditions blend Catholic faith with ancient folk beliefs.

Common superstitions:

• 12 raisins - Each raisin represents one month; eat all 12 during the midnight countdown

• Right foot first - Enter the New Year stepping with your right foot for good luck

• Coins in pockets - Carry coins to ensure financial prosperity

• Open windows - Let the old year out and the new year in

• Avoid sweeping - Don't sweep on New Year's Day or you'll sweep away good luck

• Kiss at midnight - Ensures love and companionship throughout the year

"Feliz Ano Novo" is pronounced differently in European Portuguese (Portugal) versus Brazilian Portuguese, though both are correct.

European Portuguese pronunciation:

• Feliz: feh-LEESH (with a soft "sh" sound at the end)

• Ano: AH-noo (shorter, clipped vowels)

• Novo: NOH-voo (the "o" sounds are closed)

Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation:

• Feliz: feh-LEES (with a "s" sound, not "sh")

• Ano: AH-noo (more open, drawn-out vowels)

• Novo: NOH-voh (the final "o" sounds like "oh")

Tip: Use the speech-to-text feature on our page to practice your pronunciation!

Timing your New Year greetings correctly shows cultural awareness and thoughtfulness. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, there are several appropriate times to send your wishes.

Greeting timeline:

• December 31st (afternoon/evening): "Feliz Ano Novo!" as people prepare for celebrations

• Midnight (December 31-January 1): The traditional moment to exchange wishes in person

• January 1st: Throughout the day, especially morning greetings

• First week of January: Still appropriate for cards and messages

• First meeting in January: Greet with "Feliz Ano Novo" even if it's mid-month

Social media: Portuguese speakers actively share New Year wishes on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook throughout New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!