The Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro is the stage of one of the largest and wildest New Year’s Eve parties in the world.
Every year, approximately two million Brazilians and tourists flock to the famous beach to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
1. What should I wear on New Year’s Eve?
2. What time does it start?
3. Should I buy a ticket for a party in advance?
4. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in a favela
5. Is it dangerous?
6. Where should you spend the night?
1. What should I wear on New Year’s Eve?
The dress code is pure white. Only underwear has a different color which symbolizes your resolutions for the New Year. Red symbolizes romance, green symbolizes good health, and yellow should bring you good fortune. When you want to make sure your New Year’s resolutions come true, tradition dictates that you must jump over a wave seven times.
2. What time does it start?
At midnight the party kicks off with an amazing firework show organized by the city, set off from cruise ships in front of the coast. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the whole coastline on the beach around posto 4.
3. Should I buy a ticket for a party in advance?
New Year’s Eve parties are organized in clubs, hotels, and even on Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao do Acucar), for which you must get tickets in advance. The largest and perhaps the best party is free of charge and takes place on the beaches of Leme, Copacabana, and Ipanema.
You must really experience this party at least once in your life. It’s one big festival, with live bands, DJs, little bars, and small food stalls. You will seldom encounter such a colorful group of people. The whole world seems to gather there and gets along wonderfully.
4. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in a favela
Last year we celebrated New Year’s Eve for the first time in the favelas of Ipanema and Copacabana. The evening is organized by Laje Azelina and begins with an impressive 45-minute walk through the narrow streets of Pavão, Pavãozinho, and Cantagalo. Where you imagine yourself in the movie ‘City of God’ (2002).
After the stroll, you arrive at a social club where you can enjoy live samba music while drinking and eating some local delicacies. The highlight of the evening is the view of Copacabana beach where the fireworks start at midnight.
Around 01:00 AM you will be taken back safely to the exit of the favela. An experience to never forget. The costs are 400 reais per person.
5. Is it dangerous?
On busy nights, such as New Year’s Eve, it’s always smart to be more on guard than usual. However, it is wonderful to see that, despite a large number of people present and the booze and drugs used, hardly any riots or fights take place.
6. Where should you spend the night?
It’s smart to make reservations for a hotel, hostel, or apartment on Airbnb a few months ahead when you decide to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro. Rates can go up if you book just before New Year’s Eve, if rooms are even available at that point in time.
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