some of the most successful musical shows at penha included performances by famous samba schools such as imperatriz leopoldinense, and by top performers  such as celebrare.

with live shows starting at 8 pm, and lasting until about 2:30 am, praça santa emiliana is the spot where stages are mounted and most kiosks are set up for the occasion. 

not far from the church, the favela vila cruzeiro has built a reputation for being one of the best places to watch the fireworks - near morro do Adeus, home to the Christmas tree 'árvore de Natal do Alemão', this is where many families gather there and tons of street vendors provide very cold beer, snacks, and the ever popular and traditional carioca grilled meat on sticks.