Rio de Janeiro: The World’s Largest New Year’s Eve Party
If you’re searching for somewhere to spend New Year’s Eve in South America, there’s only one place to do so…Rio de Janeiro! Rio’s ‘Reveillon’ (New Year’s Eve) is regarded as the largest New Year’s Eve party in the world. At the stroke of midnight, the eyes of the world are fixated on the beaches of Copacabana to listen to world famous musicians, samba music, and watch one of the biggest firework displays on the planet. As well as putting on an incredible show, make sure to read our blog about How to Celebrate New Year’s in Rio, a beautiful and unforgettable cultural experience with a unique blend of African rituals and local Brazilian excitement on display.
Dressed all white for peace, Brazilians pay their respects and thanks to the goddess of the sea, Iemanjá, by casting flowers into the warm water of Copacabana. What you’re wearing also says a lot about you tonight with Brazilians wearing red for romance, green signifying good health and yellow and gold for prosperity; only adding to the ever-colorful Rio experience. Make sure to leave your black attire back in your hotel as Brazilians consider the color to be an evil omen on New Year’s Eve! See more of the best places to spend Christmas & New Year in South America…
Be part of the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Rio de Janeiro / Source
Best Places to Spend Christmas and New Year in South America
Christmas and New Year’s Eve can have you counting down the days to being able to cozy up on the sofa in your thick knitted sweatshirt with a cup of eggnog or wrapping up warm to watch the city fireworks but…why settle for the norm when you can do something unforgettable…something spectacular? After all wouldn’t you prefer to be lightly dusting the golden sands of Rio de Janeiro’s beaches off your feet or, feeling the heat of summer instead of having to plan for another rainy day or snowed in weekend? Enjoy the festive warmth of South America with these incredible destinations that make up just some of the best places in South America to spend this Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
This year have a Christmas & New Year’s Eve like no other in South America / Source
Rio de Janeiro: The World’s Largest New Year’s Eve Party
If you’re searching for somewhere to spend New Year’s Eve in South America, there’s only one place to do so…Rio de Janeiro! Rio’s ‘Reveillon’ (New Year’s Eve) is regarded as the largest New Year’s Eve party in the world and at the stroke of midnight the eyes of the world are fixated on the beaches of Copacabana to listen to world famous musicians, samba music and to watch one of the biggest firework displays on the planet. Read more about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro…
Be part of the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Rio de Janeiro / Source
Christmas in Peru: Gourmet food & Inca wonders
With the first recorded Christmas celebrations in Peru taking place in 1535, the country has a long and illustrious history of celebrating Christmas. Spend Christmas in the capital city of Lima known as, the City of Kings, where at about 10PM on Christmas Eve, the churches around Lima hold a mass called ‘Misa de Gallo’ before the night sky is filled with a shower of fireworks. Read more about the best places to spend Christmas in Peru…
Soak up the beauty of Lima this Christmas / Source
Buenos Aires: Summertime Christmas Experience
With average temperatures reaching 80.6°F during the Holiday Season in Buenos Aires you’ll be sure to see Santa Claus in more casual attire such as red sandals, shorts and t-shirt. Spending Christmas with the warm sun beating down on you while having a refreshing ice-cream at one of the many ice-cream parlors will soon seem like second-nature. Read more about spending Christmas in Buenos Aires…
New Year‘s Eve is a monumental time in all parts of South America, however as always, Brazil celebrates it in its own unique and spectacular manner. Millions of people descend on Brazil and especially Rio de Janeiro for New Year’s Eve and it is an incredible and spiritual experience that is steeped in tradition and celebration.
Perhaps one of the most interesting parts to New Year’s Eve is experiencing the different cultures, nationalities and traditions coming together to create one unforgettable atmosphere and event to welcome in the start of the New Year.
From a tantalizing show of culture in an unbeatable setting to eye-catching fireworks and welcoming in the New Year with over 2 million people; here’s your guide to traditions on New Year’s in Brazil and one of the world’s most spectacular ways to celebrate New Year.
NYE Checklist: Scroll down and get all the insider info!
Spiritual offerings to the Queen of the Ocean On New Year’s in Brazil don’t forget to wear all white Reveling in Rio’s New Year Réveillons…all night long! Jump your lucky seven waves into the New Year In Brazil…the New Year means you are what you eat!
Experience the spectacular New Year’s traditions in Brazil / Source
On New Year’s Eve in Rio, you’ll see a woman rising out of the ocean, portraying the Queen of the Ocean, Goddess Iemanjá. Surrounded by the bustle of 2 million people, the explosion of fireworks overhead and the rhythms of samba music, perhaps the most beautiful part of the celebrations is the quietest. Watch as locals go to the ocean’s edge and throw white flowers and send candles floating out into the ocean as offerings to the Ocean Goddess. These offerings are made in hope that Iemanjá will grant their New Year’s wishes. As the controller of the ocean’s waves, if your offering comes back to you, take this as a sign that she is not pleased and will not be granting your wish. To get around this problem, you will often see Brazilians send out their offerings in small toy boats to better ensure that Iemanjá will accept their offerings. This is one of the most stunning sights in Brazil, as you watch this important spiritual tradition take place with thousands of flowers and candles floating out into the ocean.
The beauty of the traditional New Year Iemanjá offerings / Source
♦ On New Year’s in Brazil don’t forget to wear all white
Spending New Year’s in Brazil is one of the best decisions you can make and the celebrations in Rio attract people from all over the world looking to soak up the sun, beaches and luxurious beachfront hotels. Stand out for all the right reasons in Rio by making sure to wear all white on New Year’s Eve. To welcome in the New Year, Brazilian culture dictates for everyone to wear white as a sign of peace and prosperity. However, the colorful Brazilian culture means that many fashionable locals add their own twist to their white attire with colored accessories and swimwear to represent their New Year’s resolutions. So that you are in the know of what the different colors mean; use white for peace, green for good health, yellow for money, red for romance and purple for inspiration.
Don’t forget your white attire for New Year’s in Brazil / Source
♦ Reveling in Rio’s New Year Réveillons…all night long!
Reveillons are massive New Year’s Eve celebrations where tradition and partying go hand in hand on Rio’s iconic Copacabana Beach. With a record 2.3 million people celebrating the 2013 New Year, this is perhaps one of the largest beach parties and New Year’s Eve events in the world and is only second to Carnival for the largest in Brazil! Extending for about 3 miles along the golden sands and coast of Copacabana, the celebrations can start as early as 6PM on the 31st December and often continue until sunrise on the 1st January. You can expect to witness a lively, colorful and vibrant Carnival atmosphere with outside concerts, samba dancing, bars, mind-blowing fireworks and an eclectic mix of international travelers and locals.
Soak up the Reveillon atmosphere in Rio de Janeiro / Source
♦ Jump your lucky seven waves into the New Year
Seven is the magic number on New Year’s Eve in Brazil and a ritual is to chew 7 pomegranate seeds at the stroke of midnight without swallowing them. Make sure to preserve them in your wallet as it is said that it will ensure that it will be full of money in the New Year. You can also get your seven New Year’s wishes with seven jumps over seven waves. In honor of Iemanjá, when the fireworks display is over, follow the crowd to the water’s edge and jump seven waves making a wish with each one. Rio and life in Brazil are tied to the ocean so as you leave the waves, make sure not to look back as it is believed that this can anger Iemanjá and that’s the last thing you would want to do.
Enjoy Copacabana’s water & jump over 7 waves for 7 New Year’s wishes
♦ In Brazil…you are what you eat into the New Year!
What you eat on New Year is considered in Brazilian culture as a reflection on the up-coming 12 months. Therefore you should seek out food in Brazil that is believed to give you the most success and luck. Lentils are said to increase your luck and as an added bonus they’re very nutritious. Eating pork on New Year’s is considered to provide you will a full pantry throughout the New Year. You’ll want to keep away from turkey and crab unless you are seeking a year of bad luck according to traditional Brazilian culture. Finally and rather luckily, you should keep to the champagne on New Year’s Eve as it is considered to keep you energized throughout the year ahead, although on New Year’s Day you may feel otherwise!
Enjoy eating your way into the New Year in Brazil / Source
A perfect balance between extensive metropolis and natural wonders, Rio is a geographical maze that offers a city experience unlike any other in the world. From its world-famous beaches that disappear into the horizon, its incessant parties in the clubs or in the streets and its dramatic mountains covered in lush green jungle towering over the city, it’s hard not to fall in love with Rio. Rio de Janeiro is an old-time favorite destination – and for good reason! Everyone recognizes photos of the impressive statue of Christ the Redeemer, everyone longs to party at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival and “The Girl From Ipanema” has been heard and covered countless times. As well as its stunning sights, Rio is rife with culture. A mixture of black, indigenous and Portuguese culture, the Brazilians are a fascinating hybrid that have succeeded in incorporating this unique character into their daily lives as can be seen in the variety that offers Samba, the most popular dance in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro provides endless excitement and unforgettable moments, to ensure a memorable trip here are the top 5 experiences and must-see sights in Rio.
Rio de Janeiro offers a city experience unlike any other in the world!
#1 Take the Cable Car up Sugarloaf Mountain
Seen from the 1300 foot tall (396m) peak of the Sugarloaf Mountain, that rises where Guanabara Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Rio is indeed a Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). The view is sensational at any time of day but if you can stick around until sunset or have the courage to reach the summit for sunrise, you will witness a breathtaking sight you will never forget. Read more about Sugarloaf Mountain…
Admire the view of Rio from above at Sugarloaf Mountain
#2 Hit the beaches of Rio de Janeiro
Ipanema and Copacabana are the two largest and most famous beaches in Rio that have long lured tourists into their soft white sand. Numbered posts run up and down both beaches and display a division between the wealthier beachgoers that tan their perfect bodies and Favela kids showing off their football skills. Read more about Copacabana and Ipanema beaches…
Enjoy a long stroll along Copacabana Beach / Source
#3 Explore Rio’s Botanical Gardens
Idyllic and serene among the commotion of Rio de Janeiro, the tranquil botanical gardens – or Jardim Botanico – is an ideal place to gaze at tropical flora. The extensive UNESCO biosphere reserve is home to over 6,000 species of plants, including 900 species of palm trees and 2,000 species of orchids. Read more about the Botanical Gardens…
Explore the 350 acre Botanical Gardens in Rio
#4 Visit the World Famous Christ the Redeemer Statue
Perched on top of the Corcovado Mountain, the 131 foot tall (40m) statue of Christ the Redeemer gazes out at the Rio de Janeiro skyline. The 635 ton statue depicts Christ with his arms outstretched in an almost welcoming embrace and is not only a powerful symbol for Christianity across the world but has also become a cultural icon for Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. Read more about the Christ the Redeemer Statue…
See the New World Wonder of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer Statue / Source
#5 Immerse Yourself in Rio’s Samba Beat
As the largest Carnival celebration in the world, the Rio Carnival is indeed an exhilarating party. In the former Portuguese colony, Carnival started on Saturday and ended on Fat Tuesday. Nowadays the anticipation and preparation for Carnival installs itself months before the celebration. A marvelous display of bronzed bodies, spectacular indigenous costumes and pulsating African beats, the Rio Carnival represents the pinnacle of Brazilian culture and their indigenous identity. Read more about the Rio de Janeiro Carnival…
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Rio Highlight: Rio Carnival & Samba Rhythms
Immerse Yourself in Rio’s Samba Beat
As the largest Carnival celebration in the world, the Rio Carnival is indeed an exhilarating party. In the former Portuguese colony, Carnival started on Saturday and ended on Fat Tuesday. Nowadays the anticipation and preparation for Carnival installs itself months before the celebration. A marvelous display of bronzed bodies, spectacular indigenous costumes and pulsating African beats, the Rio Carnival represents the pinnacle of Brazilian culture and their indigenous identity. A highlight of the Carnival includes street parties guided by drummers and singers that are called bandas or blocos. Each neighborhood in Rio has its favorite banda but many are tailored to whoever wants to dance behind them. Bandas may parade dressed in elaborate costumes or plain clothes. Some may require you to wear the right colors to join and others may simply sell you a T-shirt. Nowadays there are as many as 450 bandas and blocos that come in all shapes and sizes and no matter which one you choose to boogie behind, they all lead to the heart of Carnival. The climax of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is without a doubt the Samba parade that takes place in Sambodromo, an enormous stadium that accommodates over 80,000 spectators a night. The 14 best Samba Schools are given the opportunity to show what they are made of and impress the judges. Each Samba School dances their heart out and tells their story with a detailed choreography, creative costumes and a unique song. It is possible to buy tickets for the Sambodromo Stadium, but if you’re feeling up to it, one of the best ways to witness this enthralling show is to immerse yourself in it! Some Samba schools are open to passing travelers who are willing to rehearse for a few weeks prior, buy an extravagant costume and wear it in front of tens of thousands of people. Whatever your plan for the Rio Carnival, don’t miss out on this exceptional adventure that will overwhelm you and leave you in awe at exuberant bodies, an electrifying energy and an explosion of color, glitter and culture. If you can’t be there for the Rio Carnival don’t worry because the samba rhythms can be heard and experienced throughout the year. From Carnival Show Rehearsals to local and authentic Samba Shows, no matter when you travel to Rio you’ll be tapping your feet and swinging your hips to samba music in no time at all! See more of our favorite experiences in Rio de Janeiro…
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Rio Highlight: Christ the Redeemer Statue
Visit the World Famous Christ the Redeemer Statue
Perched on top of the Corcovado Mountain, the 131 foot tall (40m) statue of Christ the Redeemer gazes out at the Rio de Janeiro skyline. The 635 ton statue depicts Christ with his arms outstretched in an almost welcoming embrace and is not only a powerful symbol for Christianity across the world but has also become a cultural icon for Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. The easiest and most popular way to reach the statue is to take a narrow-gauge train that leaves every 30 minutes and journeys for 20 minutes but it is also possible to take an authorized van through the stunning Tijuca Park. The summit offers splendid panoramic views of downtown Rio de Janeiro, long shiny beaches and the endless outstretch of the sea. The five-year project of building this monumental statue was originally undertaken to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Brazil’s independence. Some fun facts about the statue include that it has been struck by lightning (which resulted in the damage of two fingers and Christ’s forehead) and that it suffered an act of mindless vandalism in 2010. The iconic statue has been featured in many films and documentaries and took its place in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. See more of our favorite experiences in Rio de Janeiro…
See the New World Wonder of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer Statue /Source
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Rio Highlight: Botanical Gardens
Visiting the Botanical Gardens in Rio
Idyllic and serene among the commotion of Rio de Janeiro, the tranquil botanical gardens – or Jardim Botanico – is an ideal place to gaze at tropical flora. The extensive UNESCO biosphere reserve is home to over 6,000 species of plants, including 900 species of palm trees and 2,000 species of orchids. Whether you are a nature lover or not, this ecological sanctuary blooming with exotic flowers as well as imported plants is bound to impress you. The abundant vegetation also provides protection for a wealth of wildlife including Marmoset monkeys, Toucans and much more. The Botanical Gardens extend across 350 acres so walking around may not be practical for everyone. There are drive-thru tours of the gardens in electrical cars that leave every hour from the main entrance and that can seat up to 8 people. Another highlight is the sensory garden, which is designed to tickle your senses as it is filled with herbal and aromatic plants. The quiet birdsong and the trickling fountain add to the tranquility of the scene and make it an ideal visit for blind visitors. See more of our favorite experiences in Rio de Janeiro…
Explore the 350 acre Botanical Gardens in Rio
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Rio Highlight: Copacabana & Ipanema Beaches
Hit the Beaches of Rio de Janeiro
Ipanema and Copacabana are the two largest and most famous beaches in Rio that have long lured tourists into their soft white sand. Numbered posts run up and down both beaches and display a division between the wealthier beachgoers that tan their perfect bodies and Favela kids showing off their football skills. Copacabana was an iconic representation of Rio de Janeiro in the 1940s, when movie stars and celebrities would jet in from across the globe for the weekend. Nowadays, the spotlight has shifted to Ipanema that boasts classy restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. Ipanema’s popularity originates from Vin’cius de Moraes and Antonia Carlos Jobim’s Bossa Nova classic “The Girl from Ipanema”, which introduced the world to its allure in the 1960s. The beaches are open to all and offer endless enjoyment in the form of volleyball, football or surfing. Copacabana beach is larger than Ipanema, it extends for 2.2 miles (4 km) and runs parallel to a promenade built in 1970, which has become a popular route for cyclists, joggers and roller-skaters. The area between the Copacabana Palace Hotel and Rua Fernando Mendes is one of Rio’s most popular LGBT areas known as “the Stock”, and is easily recognizable by its rainbow flag. Both of these gorgeous beaches are a perfect place to spend the day soaking in the sun and splashing in the waves. Although do be careful, Ipanema, which is an indigenous word for ‘bad and dangerous waters’, can have a strong undertow and powerful currents. Make sure you only swim where locals do. See more of our favorite experiences in Rio de Janeiro…
Enjoy a long stroll along Copacabana Beach / Source
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Rio Highlight: Sugarloaf Mountain
Take the Cable Car up Sugarloaf Mountain
Seen from the 1300 foot tall (396m) peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, that rises from where Guanabara Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Rio is indeed a Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). The view is sensational at any time of day but if you can stick around until sunset or have the courage to reach the summit for sunrise, you will witness a breathtaking sight you will never forget. Sugarloaf Mountain is accessible by two cable cars that leave every 20 minutes. The ride there is just as enjoyable as reaching the summit, as the anticipation of exquisite views gradually unfolding beneath you adds to the excitement. Those who prefer the longer way up can also take the 30 minute bus up the steep road. Sugarloaf Mountain is also one of the largest and most popular climbing destinations in Brazil. The site offers 270 different climbing routes to explore the area as you climb high over the glittering Atlantic Ocean and the sprawling Rio de Janeiro. From the top you can spot some fellow iconic landmarks such as Babylon Mountain or Morro de Urca that enhance the tranquil beauty of the entire peninsula. For families with small children, Morro de Urca, which is the stop before Sugarloaf Mountain on the cable car, offers a play area for children and similar stunning views. Morro de Urca is a lot easier to climb and has souvenir shops, snack bars and a high-end restaurant. See more of our favorite experiences in Rio de Janeiro…
Admire the view of Rio from above at Sugarloaf Mountain
Thanks for visiting our Central & South America Travel Blog! Feel free to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or contact one of our Travel Specialists via email, phone or chat to plan your perfect trip to Rio de Janeiro & Brazil.
