Fireworks show
About 12 minutes of fireworks launched from barges anchored off Copacabana, right at midnight.
Réveillon
The world's most famous New Year's Eve
Millions of people dressed in white on Copacabana's sand, free shows until dawn and fireworks over the sea.
Free stages
Samba, pop and MPB shows on Copacabana's sand, plus stages in Ipanema, Barra, Flamengo and Ilha do Governador.
New Year's Eve beaches
Copacabana draws the biggest crowds; Barra and Flamengo are quieter options for families.
Traditions
White for peace, flowers for Iemanjá and jumping seven waves at midnight — cariocas take it seriously.
Plan your New Year's Eve
- The subway runs 24 hours on New Year's Eve and is the safest way to get to and from Copacabana.
- Agree on a meeting point with your group: mobile networks get congested near midnight.
- Beachfront hotels require multi-night packages — book well in advance.
- View boxes and dinners require advance booking on official websites.