New Year's Eve in Rio

New Year's Eve is one of Rio's most spectacular celebrations. As is customary in Rio, the celebration is a mix of new and old traditions.

New Year's traditions
The oldest traditions are: wearing white clothes, putting flowers and candles in the sea and traditional carnival songs and dances. White robes are a symbol of new beginnings and flowers and candles are placed in the water to honor Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea and water in the Candomble and Umbanda religions.

New Year's Eve in Copacabana
Among the new traditions are the fireworks on Copacabana beach, stages with live music and champagne showers. The cariocas - the people of Rio - party more than anyone in the world, and their holiday days are just what they are: cheerful, light and full of life. New Year's Eve in Rio is a unique experience and not to be missed.