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 to party in the new year.

visitors 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.

as the light wears out, the night goes on and is concluded with a traditional fireworks show overlooking the beach - bottles of sparkling wine and champagne are popped at midnight and it isn't hard to find a new year's kiss in this party atmosphere.