Have you ever considered spending the New Year's Eve in the most exciting city in the world?

New Year's Eve (called "Reveillon" in Portuguese) is one of Rio de Janeiro's most important celebrations, second only to Carnival in popularity. It attracts people from all over the world, and Brazilians from all states. At New Year's Eve more than 2 million people pack Rio's beaches for an all-night festival of music, food and fun, punctuated by spectacular fireworks, starting at midnight and lasting for almost a half hour.

Cariocas (people from Rio) traditionally wear white on New Year's Eve, it's the colour of peace and the colour worn by devotees of Candomblé ( Afro-Brazilian religion) to honor Yemanjá. Offering a white flower to Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea, is also a part of the ritual. Bring a bottle of champagne to pop and drink at midnight. If you are on the beach and you decide to shake the bottle and spray around, nobody will complain - it's considered good luck.

This is a party where everybody is welcome and admission is free!


Program 2011 -2012 Copacabana beach festivities

Palco/ Stage 1 (in front of Copacabana Palace)

20:30h : Beth Carvalho
22:00h : O Rappa
00:20h : Latino
02:00h : DJ David Guetta

Palco/ Stage 2 (in front of Santa Clara Street)

19:30h : Sargento Pimenta
20:30h : Baia
22:00h : Moraes Moreira
00:20h : Blitz
02:00h : Beija Flor and Unidas de Tijuca Samba schools