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A2 noun 13 min read

Ano Novo

Examples
Explanation Ano Novo in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'Ano Novo' is one of the first holiday-related terms you will learn. It is primarily used in the greeting 'Feliz Ano Novo!' (Happy New Year!). Learners at this level should focus on recognizing the phrase and using it correctly during the holiday season. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Eu gosto do Ano Novo' (I like New Year) or 'No Ano Novo, eu como muito' (At New Year, I eat a lot). The focus is on the basic identification of the holiday and the ability to exchange simple greetings with friends and family. You will likely see it on cards, in social media posts, and hear it in songs. It is important to remember that 'ano' is masculine, so we use 'o' and 'novo'. This is a great word to practice basic noun-adjective agreement and the use of the preposition 'no' (em + o).
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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Ano Novo' in more descriptive contexts. You can talk about your plans, traditions, and simple resolutions. For example: 'No Ano Novo, eu vou viajar para a casa dos meus avós' (At New Year, I'm going to travel to my grandparents' house). You should also become aware of the regional difference between 'Ano Novo' and 'Réveillon' (the party). At this stage, you can use the term in compound structures like 'festa de Ano Novo' or 'roupa de Ano Novo'. You are starting to understand that 'Ano Novo' isn't just a day, but a social event with specific customs. You can also start using it with simple past and future tenses, such as 'O meu Ano Novo passado foi muito divertido' (My last New Year was very fun) or 'O que você vai fazer no próximo Ano Novo?' (What are you going to do next New Year?).
At the B1 level, 'Ano Novo' is used to discuss more complex topics like cultural traditions, personal goals, and social expectations. You can explain the significance of certain rituals, such as wearing white or jumping waves in Brazil. For example: 'Muitas pessoas no Brasil acreditam que usar branco no Ano Novo traz paz' (Many people in Brazil believe that wearing white at New Year brings peace). You can also use 'Ano Novo' as a point of comparison for time and personal growth. You might participate in discussions about 'resoluções de Ano Novo' and express them using more advanced grammar like the future subjunctive or the conditional. You understand the nuances between 'Ano Novo', 'Passagem de Ano', and 'Virada', and you can choose the appropriate term based on who you are talking to and where they are from.
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At the B2 level, your use of 'Ano Novo' becomes more sophisticated, incorporating idiomatic expressions and cultural references. You can engage in debates about the commercialization of the holiday or the environmental impact of fireworks. You might use the term in professional settings, such as writing a formal New Year's message to a client or discussing annual budget cycles ('planejamento para o Ano Novo'). You are comfortable with the metaphorical uses of the term, such as 'um ano novo, uma vida nova' (a new year, a new life). You can also understand and use more complex grammatical structures involving 'Ano Novo' as a temporal adjunct in narrative contexts. Your vocabulary around the holiday expands to include terms like 'confraternização', 'prosperidade', and 'renovação', allowing you to express more abstract thoughts about the passage of time.
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At the C1 level, 'Ano Novo' is a springboard for deep cultural and philosophical discussions. You can analyze the historical roots of New Year traditions in different Lusophone countries and how they have evolved over time. You are capable of reading and interpreting literary texts where 'Ano Novo' is used as a motif for existential reflection or social critique. Your use of the term is precise and nuanced; you can switch between formal and informal registers with ease. You might discuss the socio-economic impact of New Year tourism in cities like Rio de Janeiro or Funchal. In writing, you can produce complex essays or reports that use 'Ano Novo' as a framework for analyzing annual trends or societal changes. You are also familiar with less common idioms and historical references associated with the 'Noite de São Silvestre' or 'Janeiras'.
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At the C2 level, 'Ano Novo' is handled with the mastery of a native speaker. You can appreciate the subtle wordplay and irony in headlines or satirical pieces about the holiday. You can engage in high-level academic or professional discourse about the concept of time, cyclicality, and ritual in Lusophone societies, using 'Ano Novo' as a primary example. You understand the deepest layers of cultural sensitivity and the historical baggage associated with the Gregorian calendar in former colonies. Your ability to use 'Ano Novo' in creative writing—such as poetry or fiction—is refined, allowing you to evoke specific moods and atmospheres. You can seamlessly integrate the term into complex rhetorical structures and use it to illustrate profound insights into the human condition and the collective identity of Portuguese speakers worldwide.
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Examples

The term Ano Novo is a compound noun in Portuguese that literally translates to 'New Year.' It is used to denote the period of transition between the last day of the current calendar year (December 31st) and the first day of the subsequent year (January 1st). In the Lusophone world, this is not just a date on a calendar but a profound cultural milestone characterized by specific rituals, linguistic expressions, and social expectations. The phrase is universally understood across all Portuguese-speaking nations, from the coastal cities of Brazil to the historic streets of Lisbon, and the vibrant communities of Angola and Mozambique. When people speak of 'Ano Novo,' they are often referring to the holiday itself, the celebrations surrounding it, or the metaphorical concept of a fresh start. It is a time of intense socialization where the language reflects themes of hope, renewal, and prosperity. Unlike some other holidays that might be celebrated privately, the New Year is a public and communal event, often involving large gatherings, fireworks (fogos de artifício), and public concerts. Linguistically, it serves as a temporal marker in both formal and informal registers. For instance, in a business context, one might discuss 'metas para o Ano Novo' (goals for the New Year), while in a casual setting, one might ask 'Onde você vai passar o Ano Novo?' (Where are you going to spend the New Year?). The term is deeply embedded in the Gregorian calendar system which the Portuguese-speaking world follows strictly for civil and religious purposes.

Temporal Reference
Refers specifically to the start of the Gregorian calendar year on January 1st.
Cultural Event
Encompasses the 'Réveillon' (New Year's Eve party) and the subsequent New Year's Day.
Metaphorical Use
Represents a cycle of renewal, resolutions, and the 'zeragem' (resetting) of personal or professional counts.

Desejo a todos um próspero Ano Novo repleto de realizações e saúde.

As festas de Ano Novo no Rio de Janeiro são famosas no mundo todo.

O que você planejou para este Ano Novo que se inicia?

No Ano Novo, é tradição usar roupas brancas no Brasil.

A que horas começa a queima de fogos do Ano Novo?

Beyond the basic definition, 'Ano Novo' carries a heavy emotional and psychological weight. It is the time of the 'promessas de Ano Novo' (New Year's resolutions). People use the phrase to compartmentalize time, leaving the failures of the 'ano velho' (old year) behind and looking forward with optimism. This linguistic habit is reflected in common greetings like 'Feliz Ano Novo!' which is the standard way to wish someone well. In literature and song, 'Ano Novo' often serves as a metaphor for rebirth. For example, in many 'marchinhas' or pop songs, the lyrics will mention the 'chegada do Ano Novo' as a moment of cosmic alignment where everything is possible. Understanding 'Ano Novo' is essential for any learner because it opens the door to understanding the festive calendar and social etiquette of Portuguese-speaking cultures. Whether you are writing a formal email to a Portuguese client or chatting with a friend from Luanda, the term will invariably surface during the month of December and January, making it a high-frequency and high-impact vocabulary item for intermediate learners.

Using Ano Novo correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a compound noun and its common prepositional pairings. In Portuguese, nouns must agree in gender and number with their modifiers. 'Ano' is a masculine noun, so 'Novo' must also be masculine. The plural form is 'Anos Novos,' though it is much less common to refer to the holiday in the plural unless discussing multiple recurring years. One of the most important aspects of using 'Ano Novo' is the choice of preposition. To say 'at New Year' or 'during New Year,' Portuguese speakers typically use 'no' (em + o). For example, 'No Ano Novo, eu vou para a praia' (At New Year, I am going to the beach). If you are referring to the specific night of the transition, you might say 'na noite de Ano Novo' (on New Year's night). Another common structure is using it as an adjective-like modifier: 'festa de Ano Novo' (New Year's party), 'resoluções de Ano Novo' (New Year's resolutions), or 'jantar de Ano Novo' (New Year's dinner).

Subject Position
O Ano Novo traz novas esperanças para todos nós.
Prepositional Phrase
Nós sempre nos reunimos com a família no Ano Novo.
Object of Verb
Eu adoro celebrar o Ano Novo assistindo aos fogos.

O Ano Novo chinês é comemorado em uma data diferente.

Você já fez suas promessas de Ano Novo este ano?

A cidade fica muito lotada durante o Ano Novo.

Eles viajaram para o exterior no Ano Novo passado.

Desejamos um Ano Novo de muita paz e saúde.

In more complex sentence structures, 'Ano Novo' can be used to compare periods of time. For example, 'Este Ano Novo será melhor que o anterior' (This New Year will be better than the previous one). It is also frequently found in compound nouns that describe specific traditions, such as 'ceia de Ano Novo' (New Year's Eve supper). In Brazil, the use of 'Ano Novo' is almost synonymous with the beach, so you will often hear 'Ano Novo na praia'. In Portugal, it is more commonly associated with 'passagem de ano' festivities in city squares. When writing, it is common to capitalize 'Ano Novo' when referring to the holiday itself, but lowercase 'ano novo' when just referring to the upcoming 365 days in a generic sense, though this distinction is often blurred in casual writing. Mastering the use of this term requires recognizing these subtle shifts in meaning depending on the surrounding words. Whether used as a subject, object, or modifier, 'Ano Novo' remains a cornerstone of temporal expression in Portuguese, bridging the gap between simple date-keeping and deep cultural celebration.

The presence of Ano Novo in daily life peaks dramatically during the months of December and January. You will hear it in almost every social interaction during this time. On television, news anchors will provide countdowns to the 'Ano Novo'. In advertisements, companies will offer 'promoções de Ano Novo' (New Year sales) to clear out old stock. In the workplace, colleagues will discuss their 'férias de Ano Novo' (New Year holidays). One of the most iconic places to hear this word is during the 'contagem regressiva' (countdown) on television or at public events, where the crowd shouts 'Feliz Ano Novo!' exactly at midnight. In Brazil, the iconic celebrations at Copacabana Beach are often described as the 'maior festa de Ano Novo do mundo' (the biggest New Year's party in the world). Music also plays a huge role; there are traditional songs like 'Adeus Ano Velho, Feliz Ano Novo' that are played in every household, supermarket, and party, reinforcing the vocabulary in the collective memory. In Portugal, you might hear it in the context of the 'concerto de Ano Novo' or when people talk about the 'primeiro mergulho do Ano Novo' (the first swim of the New Year), a tradition for some brave souls.

In Media
News reports on fireworks displays and weather forecasts for the holiday weekend.
In Retail
Marketing campaigns for white clothing, sparkling wine (espumante), and travel packages.
In Social Settings
Greetings between neighbors, friends, and family members during the holiday season.

O apresentador desejou um Ano Novo maravilhoso para todos os telespectadores.

Escutei uma música de Ano Novo tocando na rádio hoje de manhã.

O shopping está com uma decoração linda para o Ano Novo.

Ouvi dizer que o Ano Novo na Avenida Paulista é incrível.

Eles estão vendendo pacotes de viagem para o Ano Novo em promoção.

Furthermore, 'Ano Novo' is a staple in religious contexts as well. Many churches hold a 'missa de Ano Novo' (New Year's Mass) or a 'culto da virada' (turnover service), where the term is used to pray for the future of the congregation and the nation. In the digital age, you will see it all over social media in the form of hashtags like #AnoNovo, #FelizAnoNovo, and #VemAnoNovo. Influencers often post content about 'looks para o Ano Novo' (outfits for New Year) or 'maquiagem de Ano Novo' (New Year makeup). In business, it appears in 'mensagens de Ano Novo' sent to clients and partners to maintain professional relationships. Because the term is so ubiquitous, it serves as a linguistic bridge that connects various aspects of life—from the spiritual and familial to the commercial and professional—during the transition into a new cycle of time.

For English speakers learning Portuguese, several common mistakes can occur when using Ano Novo. The first and most frequent error is related to gender agreement. Since 'year' is masculine in Portuguese (o ano), the adjective 'new' must also be masculine (novo). Beginners often mistakenly say 'Ano Nova' by confusing it with other feminine nouns like 'vida nova' (new life) or 'casa nova' (new house). Another common error is the literal translation of English prepositions. In English, we say 'on New Year's Day' or 'at New Year.' In Portuguese, the most natural way to say this is 'no Ano Novo' (at/in the New Year). Using 'em Ano Novo' without the definite article 'o' sounds unnatural in most contexts. A third mistake involves the pluralization of the phrase. While 'Anos Novos' is grammatically possible, it is rarely used. If you want to talk about several upcoming years, you would usually say 'os próximos anos' rather than 'os próximos anos novos'.

Gender Mismatch
Saying 'Boa Ano Novo' instead of 'Bom Ano Novo' or 'Feliz Ano Novo'.
Preposition Error
Using 'na Ano Novo' (feminine article) instead of 'no Ano Novo' (masculine article).
Confusing with Réveillon
Using 'Ano Novo' when you specifically mean the party on the 31st (where 'Réveillon' is more precise in Brazil).

Errado: Eu vou viajar na Ano Novo. (Correto: Eu vou viajar no Ano Novo.)

Errado: Desejo a você um Ano Nova feliz. (Correto: Desejo a você um Ano Novo feliz.)

Errado: O que você faz em Ano Novo? (Correto: O que você faz no Ano Novo?)

Errado: Feliz Natal e Ano Nova. (Correto: Feliz Natal e Ano Novo.)

Errado: Gosto de os Anos Novos. (Correto: Gosto das festas de Ano Novo.)

Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'Ano Novo' with 'Virada do Ano'. While they are related, 'Virada do Ano' specifically refers to the moment of the 'turn' (midnight), whereas 'Ano Novo' can refer to the whole holiday or the entire upcoming year. Another subtle mistake is the mispronunciation of 'Novo'. The 'o' in 'Novo' is an open vowel (/ˈnɔ.vu/), unlike the closed 'o' in 'avô' (grandfather). Pronouncing it with a closed vowel can make the word sound slightly off to native ears. Finally, avoid using 'Ano Novo' to refer to a birthday; that is always 'aniversário'. 'Ano Novo' is strictly for the calendar year change. By being mindful of these grammatical, phonological, and cultural nuances, learners can avoid common pitfalls and communicate more effectively and naturally during the holiday season.

While Ano Novo is the standard term, there are several synonyms and related terms that carry different nuances depending on the region and the context. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and better understand the variety of Portuguese across the globe. The most prominent alternative, especially in Brazil, is 'Réveillon'. Borrowed from French, this word specifically refers to the New Year's Eve party or celebration. If someone asks 'Onde é o seu Réveillon?', they are asking about your party plans for the night of December 31st. In Portugal, the most common alternative is 'Passagem de Ano', which literally means 'Passing of the Year'. This term is used for both the celebration and the transition itself. Another very common term in Brazil is 'A Virada', which refers to the 'turn' of the year at midnight. You will often hear people say 'Vou passar a virada em Copacabana' (I'm going to spend the turn/midnight in Copacabana).

Réveillon
Focuses on the party, the dinner, and the social celebration of New Year's Eve (Common in Brazil).
Passagem de Ano
The standard term in European Portuguese for the holiday and the transition period.
A Virada
Informal term referring to the specific moment of midnight and the transition (Very common in Brazil).

Vamos celebrar a Passagem de Ano na Madeira.

O Réveillon deste ano será em um navio.

A gente se vê na Virada!

A Confraternização Universal é o nome oficial do feriado de 1º de janeiro no Brasil.

Desejo um Próspero Ano Novo a todos.

Other related terms include 'Noite de São Silvestre', which refers to December 31st, named after the saint whose feast day it is. In Brazil, the 'Corrida de São Silvestre' is a famous international footrace held on this day in São Paulo. You might also encounter 'Primeiro de Janeiro' (January 1st) as a way to refer to the day itself. For more poetic or formal contexts, 'Novo Ciclo' (New Cycle) or 'Renovação' (Renewal) might be used to describe the essence of the New Year. Understanding the distinction between these terms allows for more precise communication. For instance, if you want to invite someone to a party, 'Réveillon' is perfect. If you want to talk about the holiday in a general sense in Lisbon, 'Passagem de Ano' is your best bet. If you are making a formal speech, 'Ano Novo' remains the most dignified and universally accepted choice. By mastering this cluster of related words, you enrich your vocabulary and gain a deeper appreciation for the linguistic diversity of the Portuguese language.

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Examples by Level

1

Feliz Ano Novo!

Happy New Year!

A standard greeting used at the beginning of the year.

2

Eu gosto do Ano Novo.

I like New Year.

'Gostar de' requires the preposition 'de', which contracts with 'o' to become 'do'.

3

Onde é o Ano Novo?

Where is the New Year (celebration)?

A simple question asking for the location of a celebration.

4

Hoje é Ano Novo.

Today is New Year.

Used to identify the day.

5

Tchau, Ano Velho!

Goodbye, Old Year!

'Ano Velho' is the opposite of 'Ano Novo'.

6

No Ano Novo, eu como uvas.

At New Year, I eat grapes.

'No' is the contraction of 'em' (at/in) and 'o' (the).

7

Meu Ano Novo é em casa.

My New Year is at home.

Describes where the person spends the holiday.

8

Feliz Natal e Ano Novo!

Merry Christmas and New Year!

A common combined holiday greeting.

1

O que você vai fazer no Ano Novo?

What are you going to do at New Year?

Uses the 'ir + infinitive' future construction.

2

Eu vou usar branco no Ano Novo.

I am going to wear white at New Year.

Refers to a common Brazilian tradition.

3

A festa de Ano Novo foi ótima.

The New Year party was great.

Uses the past tense 'foi' (was).

4

Nós viajamos no Ano Novo passado.

We traveled last New Year.

'Passado' modifies 'Ano Novo' to indicate the previous year.

5

Quero ver os fogos de Ano Novo.

I want to see the New Year fireworks.

'Fogos de Ano Novo' is a common noun phrase.

6

Você tem planos para o Ano Novo?

Do you have plans for the New Year?

Uses 'para o' (for the) to indicate purpose.

7

A ceia de Ano Novo é à meia-noite.

The New Year supper is at midnight.

'Ceia' refers to the late-night holiday meal.

8

Desejo muita paz neste Ano Novo.

I wish for much peace this New Year.

'Neste' is the contraction of 'em' and 'este' (this).

1

Sempre pulamos sete ondas no Ano Novo para dar sorte.

We always jump seven waves at New Year for luck.

Describes a specific cultural ritual.

2

Minha maior promessa de Ano Novo é aprender português.

My biggest New Year's resolution is to learn Portuguese.

'Promessa de Ano Novo' is the equivalent of 'New Year's resolution'.

3

O Ano Novo na praia é muito diferente do Ano Novo na cidade.

New Year at the beach is very different from New Year in the city.

Uses a comparative structure.

4

Espero que o Ano Novo traga muitas oportunidades.

I hope the New Year brings many opportunities.

Uses the present subjunctive 'traga' after 'espero que'.

5

Eles costumam comer lentilhas no Ano Novo.

They usually eat lentils at New Year.

Refers to a tradition believed to bring wealth.

6

A cidade fica decorada para a chegada do Ano Novo.

The city gets decorated for the arrival of the New Year.

'Chegada' (arrival) adds a sense of anticipation.

7

Não gosto de multidões no Ano Novo.

I don't like crowds at New Year.

Expresses a personal preference regarding the holiday.

8

O Ano Novo é um feriado muito importante para a economia.

New Year is a very important holiday for the economy.

Discusses the broader impact of the holiday.

1

O Réveillon de Copacabana é o ponto alto do Ano Novo brasileiro.

The Copacabana Réveillon is the highlight of the Brazilian New Year.

'Ponto alto' means highlight or peak.

2

Muitos refletem sobre o ano que passou durante o Ano Novo.

Many reflect on the year that passed during the New Year.

Uses 'refletir sobre' for philosophical thought.

3

A queima de fogos de Ano Novo dura cerca de quinze minutos.

The New Year's fireworks display lasts about fifteen minutes.

'Queima de fogos' is the standard term for fireworks display.

4

As tradições de Ano Novo variam muito de região para região.

New Year traditions vary greatly from region to region.

Uses 'variar de... para...' to show diversity.

5

É comum as pessoas fazerem um balanço da vida no Ano Novo.

It is common for people to take stock of their lives at New Year.

'Fazer um balanço' is a metaphorical expression for evaluating.

6

O trânsito no feriado de Ano Novo costuma ser caótico.

Traffic during the New Year holiday is usually chaotic.

Uses 'costuma ser' to describe a regular occurrence.

7

A empresa enviou um brinde de Ano Novo para todos os funcionários.

The company sent a New Year gift to all employees.

'Brinde' can mean a toast or a small corporate gift.

8

O Ano Novo representa uma chance de recomeçar do zero.

New Year represents a chance to start over from scratch.

'Recomeçar do zero' is a common idiom for a fresh start.

1

A mística do Ano Novo reside na crença coletiva de renovação espiritual.

The mystique of the New Year lies in the collective belief in spiritual renewal.

Uses high-level vocabulary like 'mística' and 'reside'.

2

O impacto ambiental dos fogos de Ano Novo é um tema cada vez mais debatido.

The environmental impact of New Year's fireworks is an increasingly debated topic.

Discusses a complex contemporary issue.

3

A literatura costuma retratar o Ano Novo como um limiar entre o passado e o futuro.

Literature usually portrays the New Year as a threshold between the past and the future.

'Limiar' (threshold) is a sophisticated term for a boundary.

4

As disparidades sociais tornam-se evidentes nas diferentes formas de celebrar o Ano Novo.

Social disparities become evident in the different ways of celebrating the New Year.

Uses 'tornam-se' for a formal way of saying 'become'.

5

A 'Passagem de Ano' na Ilha da Madeira é famosa pela sua grandiosidade pirotécnica.

The 'Passagem de Ano' on Madeira Island is famous for its pyrotechnic grandeur.

Uses 'grandiosidade pirotécnica' for a formal description.

6

Muitos rituais de Ano Novo têm raízes sincréticas que remontam ao período colonial.

Many New Year rituals have syncretic roots dating back to the colonial period.

'Remontar a' means to date back to.

7

O Ano Novo é, por excelência, o momento de maior fluxo migratório interno no Brasil.

New Year is, par excellence, the moment of the greatest internal migratory flow in Brazil.

'Por excelência' is a formal idiomatic phrase.

8

A efemeridade do tempo é uma reflexão recorrente durante as festividades de Ano Novo.

The ephemerality of time is a recurring reflection during New Year festivities.

'Efemeridade' (ephemerality) is a highly academic term.

1

A celebração do Ano Novo transcende a mera cronologia, assumindo contornos de um rito de passagem antropológico.

The celebration of the New Year transcends mere chronology, taking on the contours of an anthropological rite of passage.

Uses complex abstract nouns and formal verb structures.

2

Nas crônicas de Clarice Lispector, o Ano Novo é muitas vezes visto com uma melancolia introspectiva.

In the chronicles of Clarice Lispector, the New Year is often seen with an introspective melancholy.

Refers to a major literary figure and specific stylistic traits.

3

O marketing contemporâneo apropria-se do simbolismo do Ano Novo para fomentar um consumismo desenfreado.

Contemporary marketing appropriates New Year symbolism to foster unbridled consumerism.

Uses reflexive 'apropriar-se' and critical vocabulary.

4

A semântica do 'Ano Novo' está intrinsecamente ligada à ideia de uma 'tabula rasa' existencial.

The semantics of 'New Year' are intrinsically linked to the idea of an existential 'tabula rasa'.

Uses philosophical Latin terms like 'tabula rasa'.

5

Sob a égide do Ano Novo, forjam-se alianças políticas e sociais baseadas em promessas de mudança.

Under the aegis of the New Year, political and social alliances are forged based on promises of change.

'Sob a égide' is a very formal way to say 'under the protection/influence'.

6

A volatilidade dos mercados financeiros no limiar do Ano Novo exige cautela dos investidores.

The volatility of financial markets at the threshold of the New Year requires caution from investors.

Uses technical financial and formal terminology.

7

O Ano Novo atua como um catalisador para a reavaliação das estruturas sociais vigentes.

The New Year acts as a catalyst for the reassessment of current social structures.

'Catalisador' and 'vigentes' are high-level academic terms.

8

A onipresença do 'Ano Novo' no imaginário popular reflete uma necessidade humana de segmentar o infinito.

The omnipresence of the 'New Year' i

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