New Years in Rio; Reveillon

New Years in Rio de Janeiro; Millions of people meet on the beach in Copacabana to greet the New Year welcome. In my view New Years in Rio de Janeiro is fantastic. In many countries bringing together all those people and alcohol would end in lots of fighting and bad energy; not here. How a huge crowd like that can be so peaceful is a mystery to me and the surge of good energy just before and after the switch to the new year is amazing. So what´s the best way to go about things to enjoy it most?

Suggestion for Preparation
To traditionally celebrate New Years in Rio (Reveillon) you should be dressed in white (there´s quite a few that aren´t though). After gathering some friends you want to celebrate with you walk down to Copacabana Beach. Meeting up before is essential since it is almost impossible on the beach, the crowd is huge and cell phones normally stop working. I think a good time to be down there is around 9PM. On the way buy some lillies so you can sacrifice it to the Yemanja; Godess of the Sea (it actuall grants you three wishes). Bringing some beach sheets (kangas) is a good idea so you don´t have to be on your feet the whole time. If you don´t want to drink lukewarm bubbly you should either bring an ice container or try to buy the bottle on the beach; they´ll keep it cold until the time is due.

The Best Spot
I personally think that the crowd is a bit too dense in front of Copacabana Palace. If you want to go there you have to go down there quite early to get a good view of the free shows since people crowd to see them. A much more relaxed atmosphere and a lot more space you will find closer to the fort in front of Life Guard Tower 6 (Posto 6). The other advantage of staying there is that it´s closer to Ipanema where you most likely will be going later.

Midnight
Closing in on midnight the crowd only gets bigger and the atmosphere builds up. Then it starts: Several barges loaded with fireworks go off at the same time and the effect is amazing. Notice how Cantagalo, the favela in Copacabana, also have fireworks that they shoot off right after the official one. It´s like a demonstration: "We live here as well!".

There are also fireworks and activities in Flamengo and some other parts of Rio but nothing comes close to the fireworks in Copacabana. The New Years in Rio (2007/2008) in an effort to split the crowds up the had two stages with big artist performing on Ipanema Beach, but if it´s your first time I don´t recommend missing out on Copacabana. The schedules and setup changes every year so confirm when you get to Rio.

To Ipanema
Just after the fireworks end in Copacabana the crowds starts to slowly move over to Ipanema Beach. Two New Years I have joined the Hare Krishna who usually walks from Copacabana on Rua Francisco Otaviano; that´s a blast and a great way to greet a New Year! On the beach of Ipanema there are several parties going on, some of them private others you can pay entrance to join. The partying goes on until early in the morning.

Where To Stay?
I have put together some info about Accommodation for New Years in Rio where you can find out how to make the best deal for you. Just like during Carnival prices go up considerably, the difference between neighbourhoods is extreme since it all has to do with the proximity to the parties.