december 31st / january 1st  - new years eve/day (véspera de ano novo / confraternização universal) is an important festivity in almost any city around the globe, with celebrations ranging from small intimate dinners and parties to elaborate firework displays over major metropolitan landmarks.

in rio de janeiro it is no different, with the main events taking place along copacabana beach, attracting over 2 million spectators, the second largest amount of visitors next to carnival.

a  variety of music stages set up along copacabana beach hosting singers performing a wide range of brazilian music warm up the crowds for the world-famous firework show starting exactly at 12 midnight.