informally referred to as 'festa da virada'  (party of the turn) new year's eve in rio de janeiro is called réveillon, and it is considered one of the absolute best jubilee of this kind in the world.

the city stages musical shows in many districts to celebrate the festivities, and sponsors some amazing concerts and fireworks in copacabana.

based on the gregorian calendar, réveillon is celebrated on the night of december 31st, concurrently with the day of yemanjá, the goddess of the oceans of many afro-brazilian religions.

for the whole day leading to the midnight spectacle, copacabana beach is home to many beautiful, and quite picturesque, religious ceremonies in honor of yemanjá.  

floral and sacred offerings become a special ornament to the beach known as the 'little princess of the sea.'