Updated on Nov.10, 2012.
New Year's Eve is Rio de Janeiro's second most popular holiday. Like Carnival, New Year's Eve (or Réveillon) requires advance planning and August is a great time to get started, as that's when several hotels release their New Year's packages.
Copacabana leads the festivities in Rio with fabulous fireworks displays and shows. The theme for official celebrations of New Year's Eve 2012 in Rio was sustainability. The event called attention to the importance of environmental preservation and the ways people can contribute to build a better planet for the future generations.
The theme was also a preparation for Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (June 20-22, 2012). Among the famous artists who performed were Beth Carvalho, O Rappa, Moraes Moreira and Blitz. There was Carnival with Beija-Flor and Unidos da Tijuca.
There were also official Réveillon festivities on Flamengo Beach, Barra da Tijuca, Pedra de Guaratiba, Sepetiba, Paquetá, Penha, Ilha do Governador and Ramos.
New Year's Eve 2013 Parties in Rio de Janeiro
You can ring in 2013 for free on the beach, but for great food, dancing with beautiful people (and perhaps breakfast), choose one of the New Year's Eve parties held at Rio de Janeiro hotels, lounges and other venues. Some Réveillon parties, such as the one at the Copacabana Palace or the Museum of Modern Art, are held every year. Here are some of the top 2013 celebrations:
- New Year's Eve 2013 Party at the Copacabana Palace
- Réveillon do Morro 2013 on Sugarloaf and Morro da Urca
- Réveillon Cidade Maravilhosa 2013 at MAM
- Réveillon Celebrare 2013 at Clube Monte Líbano
- Rio Réveillon 2013 at Jockey Clube Brasileiro
If you're not going to a paid party, find some suggestions for a New Year's dinner in Copacabana.
