New Years in Rio; Reveillon

Peaceful crowd
In my view New Years in Rio de Janeiro is fantastic. In most countries bringing together millions of 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.

Preparations
To traditionally celebrate New Years in Rio (or Reveillon) you should be dressed in white, thereīs a lot of people who donīt but most do. After gathering some friends you want to celebrate with (itīs almost impossible to meet up because of the crowds and cell phones normally stop working) you start to walk down to Copacabana beach. I think a good time is to be down there is around 9 PM. On the way buy some lillys if you want to sacrifice it to the Godess of the Sea Yemanja and make three wishes. Bringing some beach sheets (kangas) is a good idea because you donīt have to be on your feet the whole time. If you donīt want to drink lukewarm Bubbly you should either bring an ice container or try to buy the bottle on the beach, theyīll keep it cold until the time is due.

The best spot
I personally think that the crowd is a bit to dense in front of Copacabana Palace. If you want to go there you have to go down there 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). The other advantage of staying there is that itīs 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.

There are also fireworks and activities in Flamengo and some other parts of Rio, but nothing comes close to the fireworks on Copacabana. The New Years in Rio (2006/2007) in an effort to split the crowds up the had two stages with big artist performing on Ipanema Beach, but if itīs your first time I donīt 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, thatīs a blast! 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.

I have put together some info about Accommodation in Rio for New Years where I give some info and tips about that, check it out!

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