when the clock strikes midnight fireworks light up the sky during a 20 minute display that has become world famous for its extravagance and spectacular beauty. the fireworks are set off from special rafts out at sea, roughly 300 meters from the coastline.

the massive gathering of people is a spectacle in its own right, many of whom dress in all white for the occasion. in the days leading up to réveillon, rio de janeiro is awash with thousands of visitors who journey from far and wide.