New Years in Rio

There is absolutely no better place on Earth to ring in the New Year than Rio. New Year’s Eve in Rio, or Reveillon, attracts over two million people who know how to party.

During the day hundreds of people come to the seafront to pay homage to the Afro-Brazilian orixá, or goddess, Iemanjá, placing offerings in the sea but once the sun goes down it’s all about the party.

If you don’t want to look like a tourist, dress in white and enjoy this truly magical night. The festivities are wrapped in live music, dancing and one of the world’s largest fireworks displays that you have to see to believe.

Carnival

Carnival has been called the greatest party in the history of Earth and once you experience it you will probably agree.  The first festivals of Rio started in 1723 but the famous carnival parade has been going on since the 1930s. Carnival happens for four days in February every year but there is so much to do and see that you should plan coming a few days early and staying well after it’s over.

Samba is the official dance of Carnival but don’t worry if you don’t know how. Samba School rehearsals happen every weekend at the samba courts, known as quadras de samba.

The world famous Samba Parade is the highlight for many people. The show starts around 9 p.m. and ends only when the sun comes up.