Copacabana Beach is famous for huge New Year's Eve celebrations and a white-clothing tradition in Rio de Janeiro.
Rio's Réveillon celebration takes place along Copacabana's Atlantic shoreline, where large crowds gather for concerts, fireworks, and religious or cultural rituals. Many participants wear white, a color associated with peace and renewal, and some offer flowers to the sea in traditions influenced by Afro-Brazilian religions.
The beach's broad crescent and waterfront avenue provide space for several stages and viewing areas. Fireworks are launched from barges offshore, allowing spectators along the beach to see the display over the ocean.
Copacabana is sometimes confused with nearby Ipanema, another famous Rio beach. Ipanema has its own celebrations, but the internationally recognized mass New Year's Eve gathering is centered on Copacabana.