Copacabana Beach is famous for Rio de Janeiro's huge New Year's Eve gathering and fireworks.
The beach faces the Atlantic in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana neighborhood and is one of Brazil’s best-known public spaces. On New Year’s Eve, large crowds gather along the waterfront for concerts, fireworks, and celebrations that often include people dressed in white.
The midnight fireworks are launched from vessels offshore, helping distribute the display along the broad curve of the beach. The event is commonly called Réveillon de Copacabana, using the French-derived Portuguese word for New Year’s Eve.
Visitors also participate in traditions connected with Afro-Brazilian religious culture, including offerings of flowers to Yemanjá, the orixá associated with the sea. Customs vary, and not every attendee follows the same practice. Copacabana’s celebration is distinct from Rio’s Carnival, which is held later in the year.