Which city hosts the New Year's Eve celebration centered on Copacabana Beach?

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Rio de Janeiro hosts the New Year's Eve celebration centered on Copacabana Beach.

Rio's Réveillon is famous for a large beach gathering, ocean fireworks, concerts, and participants wearing white. The celebration takes place along Copacabana, one of the city's most recognizable coastal neighborhoods, and attracts huge crowds of residents and visitors. White clothing is commonly associated with peace and good wishes for the year ahead.

A major part of the event is the fireworks display launched over the water. Many celebrants also make offerings to Iemanjá, an orixá associated with the sea in Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, although practices vary among participants. Boats positioned offshore have often been used for the pyrotechnics.

Rio de Janeiro is sometimes confused with São Paulo because both are major Brazilian cities with large public celebrations. The beach setting, white clothing, and offshore fireworks specifically identify the best-known Copacabana Réveillon.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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