Thousands gathered on the banks of Praia da Graciosa in Palmas to welcome 2026 with a private New Year concert by sertanejo singer Murilo Huff. The event, which replaced the capital’s usual municipal celebration, brought music, fireworks and a festive atmosphere to the Tocantins state capital.
Organisers estimated around seven thousand attendees, including local residents and visitors from other states. Among them was Sueli Alves, a supervisor who travelled from Ourilândia do Norte in Pará to spend the holiday with family in Palmas. “It’s wonderful. Palmas is very nice, I always come. It’s one of the places I choose for holidays — very cosy and welcoming,” she said.
Murilo Huff took the stage at about 23:30 and performed an extended set billed as “Ao Vivão”, a format the singer described as more expansive than his regular shows. The performance was paused shortly before midnight for the traditional countdown to the new year, after which the sky was lit by a fireworks display seen across several points in the city.
Murilo Huff New Year Palmas draws thousands
It was the artist’s first time celebrating New Year in Tocantins. Huff told the audience that the “Ao Vivão” show is different in scope and duration, running for more than three hours and offering a more immersive experience for attendees. The long-format performance and the festive setting at the waterfront contributed to a lively atmosphere as people counted down to 2026.
Beyond the concert, Palmas saw celebrations in other neighbourhoods and public spaces, with residents and visitors enjoying fireworks and gatherings that stretched into the early hours. The mood was largely celebratory: friends and families embraced, and many expressed hope for the year ahead.
Engineer Flávio Dalla reflected a common sentiment among attendees, saying: “The expectation is good, with work and new opportunities.” Public servant Luiz Fellipe Moraes added a personal wish: “I hope for a year full of health and peace. That we love our neighbour more and are more giving.”
Local officials have not yet announced whether the municipality will return to organising a public New Year event in coming years or continue permitting private shows to fill the gap. For now, the Murilo Huff concert provided a high-profile alternative that drew significant crowds and attention to Palmas as a destination for holiday visitors.
Tourism stakeholders may view the turnout as a sign of the city’s growing appeal to domestic travellers. The presence of visitors who deliberately chose Palmas for New Year celebrations underscores the role of cultural events in drawing short-stay tourism and supporting local hospitality businesses.
As dawn broke on 1 January 2026, the atmosphere along Praia da Graciosa settled into quiet reflection. For many who attended, the combination of music, celebration and shared optimism set a positive tone for the new year.
Key Takeaways:
- Murilo Huff performed a private New Year concert at Praia da Graciosa in Palmas, drawing about 7,000 people.
- The event replaced the traditional municipal celebration and attracted both residents and tourists.
- Fireworks, a midnight countdown and extended live set marked the arrival of 2026.
- Attendees praised the city’s atmosphere and expressed optimism for the year ahead.
