Is the word velas the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The spelling, grammar, and fundamental meanings of "velas" (referring to candles or sails) are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation:

• The "s" sound: In Brazilian Portuguese, the "s" at the end of the word is typically pronounced as a clear /s/ (as in "bus"). In many regions of Portugal (particularly around Lisbon), the "s" is pronounced as /ʃ/ (the "sh" sound in "shoe").
• Vowel reduction: Brazilian Portuguese tends to pronounce vowels more openly and clearly. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often "reduced" or swallowed, meaning the "a" in velas may sound much more like a short, muffled "uh" (/ɐ/).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. As velas da festa já derreteram. (The party candles have already melted.)
2. Ele comprament novas velas para o barco. (He bought new sails for the boat.)
3. Adoro o cheiro dessas velas aromáticas. (I love the smell of these scented candles.)
4. As velas de aniversário são coloridas. (The birthday candles are colorful.)
5. Precisamos trocar as velas do veleiro. (We need to change the sailboat's sails.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. As velas de cera são muito caras. (The wax candles are very expensive.)
2. O capitão ordenou que recolhessem as velas. (The captain ordered that the sails be taken in.)
3. As velas de advento são usadas no Natal. (The Advent candles are used at Christmas.)
4. Deixamos as velas acesas durante a noite. (We left the candles lit during the night.)
5. As velas deste navio são de lona. (The sails of this ship are made of canvas.)