At which famous beach does Rio de Janeiro hold its largest New Year's Eve celebration?

Rio de Janeiro holds its largest New Year's Eve celebration at Copacabana Beach.

Millions of people have gathered along the Copacabana waterfront for concerts, religious ceremonies, parties, and a midnight fireworks display. The event is commonly called Réveillon de Copacabana and is one of Brazil's most recognizable New Year's celebrations.

Many participants wear white clothing, a custom associated with peace and good fortune. Some people also make offerings or perform rituals connected with Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, including honoring Iemanjá, the orixá associated with the sea. These customs coexist with concerts and a major public fireworks show.

The beach's wide crescent shoreline makes it suitable for a huge open-air crowd, while barges offshore provide platforms for fireworks. Ipanema and other Rio beaches also host celebrations, but Copacabana is the city's best-known and largest New Year's Eve gathering.