Spending New Year’s Eve in Copacabana is an incredible experience, and the Brazilian spirit makes it even better. People who don’t know each other celebrate together like lifetime friends. Read here to learn more about the unique and fun Brazilian habits for New Year's Eve!

Brazilian Traditions Explained:

There are several Brazilian habits for New Year's Eve. Everyone wears white because they believe it helps bring peace to the coming year. Some mix it with other colors to make some wishes come true (like gold or yellow if they want money, red for passion, pink for love, etc.). The more discrete people may wear these colors with undergarments. Others fun Brazilian habits for New Year's Eve include eating 12 grapes at midnight, jumping seven waves (you will see thousands of people doing this in Copacabana), and offering something to the African god Iemanjá (they may even throw jewelry at the sea, but the most common gift is flowers, which is why the beaches are always covered in flowers the next day).
After the fireworks ends, many people start leaving the beach, so the buses and subways may get crowded and taxis charge high prices. At this point, walking is the best way to get back to your hotel. Whether you walk or use public transportation, the party will follow! [caption id="attachment_7892" align="aligncenter" width="540"]New Year's in Brazil New Year's in Brazil / source[/caption]

Tips for making the most of New Year's Eve

Don’t even consider getting to Copacabana by car on December 31. Most of the neighborhood streets are closed starting Dec. 30. Only authorized cars, buses, and taxis may get in. Even if you do get there before a specific street is closed, it is not recommended to park on it because of the high number of people that will be around. Police presence make the area as safe as possible, but you should always be careful. Take only what you absolutely need with you. Leave all your important documents and credit cards at your hotel and go to Copacabana with only the money you need for the day plus some kind of identification (it is better if it is not your passport).
There are plenty of drinks and food sold on the beach at reasonable prices for a New Year’s Eve party. But you may also take your own, joining the Brazilian habits for New Year's Eve by celebrating with a nice bottle of champagne.
There are six medical stations throughout the beach. You should take note of the one closest to you, just in case. There are also 300 chemical toilets throughout the entire area, for your convenience!
[caption id="attachment_7893" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Fireworks in Rio de Janeiro Fireworks in Rio de Janeiro / source[/caption]
Last but not least: don’t hesitate! Some people are nervous about attending such a big event, but the New Year’s Eve party in Copacabana has been a tradition for decades, and there is a well-established structure that allows you to celebrate safely. Actually, many Brazilians families do it for years. Just be careful like you would be in any event of such size and it surely will be an experience of a lifetime! Watch this spectacle live! Spend New Year's Eve in Copacabana! Happy Travels!
By: Albano Moura For: Rdj4u
For more information on tours and activities in Rio de Janeiro, check out our website at rdj4u.com.