locals certainly do not completely miss out on christmas traditions - christmas masses and concerts are held throughout the month in front of the church of săo sebastiăo.

réveillon in ilha grande is the grand new years festival that begins during the day of new years eve and continues into the night of the first day of the year.

the hot brazilian summer of the beach community means people from all over the world arrive sporting flip-flop sandals and cangas-the brazilian answer to the beach towel-to party in the new year.

tourists and residence dance together at concerts presented on the beach - on some years, the concerts actually begin even earlier during christmas week, redefining 'blue christmas' as one spent next to the pristine waters of ilha grande, and popular djs spin the parties from dusk 'til dawn.