A New Year’s Eve to Remember: Rio de Janeiro
Embrace the spirit of réveillon during New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro - a must-see fireworks display along with spectacular concerts.
Updated 10:27 am EST, December 12, 2024
Published 01:05 am EST, December 12, 2024
Special Thanks:
Allex Salles, Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana & Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro
Mariana Cunha, Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro
Roberta Azevedo, Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
A New Year’s Eve to Remember: Rio de Janeiro
Embrace the spirit of réveillon during New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro - a must-see fireworks display along with spectacular concerts.
Updated 10:27 am EST, December 12, 2024
Published 01:05 am EST, December 12, 2024
Special Thanks:
Allex Salles, Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana & Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro
Mariana Cunha, Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro
Roberta Azevedo, Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
The first traditional New Year’s Eve party in Rio de Janeiro was in 1980. Today, thousands of foreign tourists come to Brazil to participate in what we can call a spectacular extravaganza. New Year’s Eve in Rio is the second most significant party after Carnival.
Brazilians call the celebration of the New Year’ réveillon,’ derived from the French verb ‘reveiller, ‘meaning ‘to wake up.’ Réveillon is not just a party; it’s a cultural tradition that symbolizes the awakening of the new year, a time for new beginnings and hope.
The traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks in Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The best destination to enjoy is undoubtedly on the sands of Copacabana Beach and the balconies and windows of the houses and hotels on Atlantica Avenue. New Year’s Eve parties are organized in all beachfront hotels with prime spots to enjoy the highly anticipated fireworks show on the beach – the organizers promise an experience never seen before!
The main shows in Copacabana Beach start December 31 at 8 pm, and the public heightens their energy until the midnight countdown to the fireworks. The party will feature two stages: one in front of the iconic Copacabana Palace Hotel and another at Praia do Leme Beach. Among the confirmed performers are today’s renowned Brazilian singers: Caetano Veloso, Maria Bethânia, Anitta, and Ivete Sangalo.
The Fireworks
One of the most anticipated moments of Copacabana’s New Year’s Eve is the fireworks display, which in 2025 will maintain the traditional 12-minute duration, with fireworks synchronized with memorable music to intensify the experience.
The traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks in Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The rafts will be anchored about 450 meters from the beach, creating a comprehensive and safe view for the show. This year, the City of Rio de Janeiro also announced a unique project to marry the fireworks show with the stage’s music, offering an engaging dance experience for all viewers. For those who want to escape the crowds, there are other options to appreciate the fireworks in Flamengo, Penha, and several hotels in Barra da Tijuca and Recreio.
Tips for Tourists
Arrive early! Copacabana Beach gets really crowded, so it’s best to arrive early to ensure a good spot to watch the show. December means Summer in the South Hemisphere, so the weather in Rio de Janeiro will be warm, so wear light and comfortable clothing, even at night.
The traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks in Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Stay hydrated; with so many activities under the heat, it is essential to drink plenty of water. With the large crowds, keeping an eye on your belongings is essential. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and keep your phone secure. Stay vigilant and enjoy the celebrations with peace of mind.
A Local Tradition
You’ll notice almost everyone attending New Year’s Eve parties in Rio de Janeiro and throughout Brazil wearing white clothes. This long-time tradition hopes to bring peace and good luck for the upcoming year.
There is also a practice that can be traced back to the followers of the Candomblé religion, inherited from Africa: bringing flowers and other offerings to the beach and delivering them into the waters to Iemanjá, the sea goddess.
It is also common for people to wear turquoise accessories, a color associated with Iemanjá. Another curious tradition you’ll commonly see practiced on the beaches of Brazil is to jump seven consecutive waves at midnight and make a wish on each jump so that each one can be fulfilled in the next 365 days.
Whether originating in tradition or superstition, New Year’s Eve in Brazil is full of ‘rituals.’ These rituals, deeply rooted in Brazilian culture, are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the upcoming year. It is possible to see such cultural manifestations of the most varied types fully loaded with much symbolism – anything for a good start of the year.
The Day After
Enjoying the first day of the year in Rio de Janeiro can be just as memorable as the evening before. The city offers several options for activities, whether it’s a morning stroll through Lage Park and the Botanical Gardens, a swim in the South Zone beaches, such as Ipanema and Leblon, or even a visit to Christ the Redeemer to start the year with inspiring views of the city.
For those who want to relax by the mountains after the celebration, Pedra Bonita and the Sugar Loaf trails are great ecotourism alternatives with privileged views that offer a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Where to Stay: Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Located in one of the main postcards of the Marvelous City, a few steps from the famous Copacabana Beach, Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, the tallest building on the waterfront, offers 545 apartments, most of which have sea views and services for both guests looking for rest and leisure, as well as those who come to the city on business.
Argentine chef Pablo Ferreyra signed the hotel’s contemporary cuisine, incorporating international and local flavors. Served at the guest-exclusive Clarice Restaurant, breakfast includes an assortment of bread, fruits, and cold cuts that translate to the best of the hotel’s gastronomic experience, all along with an incredible view of Copacabana Beach.
With its privileged location, Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana provides a stunning experience at the Isabel Lounge on the hotel’s rooftop. With a privileged 360º view, including one of the most famous beaches in the world and other tourist attractions, such as Sugar Loaf, Christ the Redeemer, Pedra da Gávea, Morro Dois Irmãos, and Pedra do Leme.
The Isabel Lounge opens at 6 pm and also accepts non-guests upon reservation. The hotel has two heated swimming pools, the Anna Pegova Spa, a 24-hour gym, and beach service with chairs, umbrellas, and towels for guests who want to enjoy the beach with much comfort.
Hilton Honors Diamond members have access to the Executive Lounge, which offers breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, and exclusive happy hour daily, with a selection of dishes, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Where to Stay: Hilton Rio de Janeiro Barra
Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro offers a cozy, environmentally responsible, and strategic stay with a contemporary design, modern architecture, and a collection of works of art. The hotel has a privileged location in the neighborhood of the same name, with several beaches, shopping malls, concert and event spaces, and fun options.
Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro opened in 2015, being the first of the Hilton chain in the city and the second in Brazil. The renowned executive chef Felipe Moreira signed the delicious and exclusive cuisine of Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro. On the ground floor, the Abelardo Restaurant and Bar, with a capacity for up to 140 people, has an indoor environment and an air-conditioned balcony.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served with local specialties and regional dishes. On the 9th floor of the hotel, by the pool, is located the At Rio Rooftop & Lounge. It combines art, sustainability, bistro-style cuisine, and a friendly atmosphere.
The rooftop offers a new look to ponder Rio de Janeiro, accompanied by dishes inspired by Rio and France, connected with artworks that harmonize with the menu of signature cocktails, mocktails, sparkling wines, and wines. Both spaces welcome guests and non-guests with prior reservations.
The identity of Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro unites architecture and sustainability with a collection of works of art by renowned Brazilian artists, such as Roberto Burle Marx and Iole de Freitas, distributed in shared spaces and rooms, in addition to features that contribute to water and energy savings.
Gold and Diamond members of the Hilton Honors loyalty program have access to the Executive Lounge, which offers snacks and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day and features an exclusive daily happy hour.
Journalist and host, Tamara was an international model for 10 years, where she lived abroad in 15 countries. She also achieved Miss Brazil World in 2008. Tamara currently collaborates with Brazilian and international press vehicles as a travel columnist. As a reporter, she covers the biggest beauty pageants and fashion shows throughout the world.
DISCOVER MORE
By The Editorial Board
By Liubov Lavreniuk
By Kiki Khairy
By Pomy Hailu
By Dana Yurglich
By Omar Enrique Matos
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest fashion, culture, and art updates, including magazine releases release parties
Sponsored Content
