On which beach does Rio de Janeiro traditionally hold its large New Year's Eve celebration?

Rio de Janeiro traditionally holds its large New Year's Eve celebration on Copacabana Beach.

Rio's Réveillon is centered on the broad beachfront of Copacabana, where huge crowds gather for concerts, midnight fireworks, and celebrations that continue into the early hours. Fireworks are launched from barges offshore, allowing the display to be viewed along the curve of the beach while reducing the need for launch equipment among spectators.

Many attendees wear white, a color associated with peace and renewal in the celebration. Some participants also follow Afro-Brazilian traditions connected with Iemanjá, the orixá associated with the sea, including offerings of flowers or small boats. Religious practices vary among individuals and communities.

Copacabana is not Rio's only New Year's venue, and events also occur in neighborhoods throughout the city. However, its beach gathering is the internationally famous centerpiece. In Brazilian Portuguese, Réveillon generally means the New Year's Eve celebration or party, rather than naming a particular location.