Rio New Year's Eve celebration, usually attended by more than two million people, is a close second in popularity, if not equal to the Carnival. It attracts people from all over the world, and Brazilians from all states.

The celebrations are concentrated in Copacabana every year. Four stages along the beach have performances of live music shows starting at 8 p.m. that feature everything from traditional Carnival songs to rock and dance.

The firework displays starts at midnight, with the turning of the New Year. The fireworks launching platforms are located in boats anchored a safe distance from the beach. Firework displays last about 15-20 minutes, and two highlights are the fireworks cascades at Forte de Copacabana and at Le Meridien Hotel.

New Year's Eve Copacabana beach
If you are going to Rio for New Year's Eve you must learn some of the customs. Wear only white clothing for the party. You can add accessories in your favorite colors: red to attract romance, yellow for prosperity, green for good health, and so forth. Don’t wear black, no matter how fashionable it may be.

Many people take flowers with them, and if you decide to do the same, throw them into the sea before midnight. The flowers are an offering to Yemanja, the deity of the seas. Take a bottle of champagne to the beach and drink it at midnight. If you decide to spray the champagne around, nobody will complain - it's considered good luck. You could also be blessed by a Candomble priestess, and enjoy the long-established and traditional African dances and costumes.

 

This is a party where everyone is welcome. Stroll along the beach and you might run into socialites, working class people, transvestites, children, seniors, couples, teenagers, it seems that all types of people intermingle in peace to bring in the new year.

Plan your trip ahead, as it’s not easy to find an airplane ticket the last minute. Like everywhere else in the world, hotels in Rio are no different, they raise their rates for New Year's eve, and offer their rooms in prepay able packages including a variety predetermined number of mandatory nights. Try to book as early as you can., or you might be forced to pay for more expensive options

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