traditionally dressed in white, two million people gather every year on copacabana beach to celebrate and give life to one of the most beautiful parties in the world - several sound stages are set up across the full length of the beach where concerts are sponsored by the city and held for free.

only on this night of the year, every single window facing copacabana beach is lit up, while cruise ships gather in the bay adding even more sparkle - at the same time, adepts of yemanjá and other afro-brazilian religions set up their offering in the sand and in the water adding mysticism and excitement to the unique atmosphere of réveillon in rio.

it all comes together at midnight, when always incredible fireworks illuminate the mountains, the sand, and the ocean, at the sound of champagne bottles being opened and sprayed in the air.