Portuguese Phrase
É na virada do ano.
Meaning
Literally, “It is on the turn of the year.” In everyday Portuguese it means “It’s on New Year’s Eve” or “It happens at the moment the year changes.” The phrase is used to pinpoint an event that will occur exactly when the calendar flips to a new year.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to tell someone the date or time of a celebration, party, deadline, or any activity that takes place at the very end of the year, especially around midnight on December 31st.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Énaviradadoano
É (ser) for statements
É is the third‑person singular of ser, used for permanent or factual statements like dates and times.
Preposition na (em + a)
na = em + a, used before feminine nouns; here it contracts with the feminine noun 'virada'.
do (de + o)
do = de + o, used before masculine nouns; 'ano' is masculine, so the phrase is 'do ano'.
virada do ano
A set expression meaning the moment the year changes, i.e., New Year's Eve.
🗨In Conversation
Quando começa a festa de fim de ano?
When does the end‑of‑year party start?
É na virada do ano.
It’s on New Year’s Eve.
✕Common Mistakes
É no virada do ano.
‘Virada’ is feminine, so the correct contraction is ‘na’, not ‘no’.
É na virada da ano.
‘Ano’ is masculine; the correct article is ‘do’, not ‘da’.
É na virada do anos.
‘Ano’ stays singular in this expression; adding an ‘s’ changes the meaning.
↔Alternatives
É na noite de Ano Novo.
It’s on New Year's night.
É no fim de ano.
It’s at the end of the year.
É na passagem de ano.
It’s at the turn of the year.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the 'virada do ano' is a massive celebration. People wear white clothing for good luck, gather on beaches or in city squares, and watch fireworks at midnight. Many also jump seven waves and eat lentils for prosperity. Knowing this phrase helps you join the conversation and understand invitations to these festive traditions.