How to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro Like a Local

It is a misconception to think that the celebration of New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is just another party prepared for tourists. After all, the Cariocas also love the event and have a unique way of celebrating it. In this article, you will find out how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro like a local.

The importance of New Year's Eve for Cariocas

The New Year’s Eve celebration is essential all over Brazil because the date symbolizes a new beginning and new opportunities that may appear.

For Cariocas, it is a time to recharge and shake off all the bad things that may have happened in the past year. And be thankful for all the achievements of the year. No wonder Brazilians adopted the French word “Réveillon” for the New Year’s party. After all, “Réveillon” originates from the French verb “Réveiller,” which means “waking up.” New Year’s Eve, therefore, is the awakening of the new year.

For all these reasons, those who think New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is a tourist-only party are entirely mistaken. A true Carioca finds spending New Year’s Eve at the beach the best way to celebrate it. And it’s even better if the beach is Copacabana Beach! After all, it’s exciting to enjoy New Year’s Eve surrounded by millions of people with the same energy and an atmosphere of peace. To understand it, you must see it with your own eyes at least once in your life!

–> See also: Practical guide to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Copacabana

How to celebrate New Year's Eve like a local

Carioca's golden tips

#1 – Dress in light clothes and comfortable shoes

Cariocas usually wear flip-flops or sandals and prefer staying in the sand rather than on the road. For the most superstitious ones, the rule is to dress in white and jump 7 waves on the beach so that all your wishes come true. At the time of the fireworks, you can hug as many people as you want! It doesn’t matter if you know them or not. Oh! And don’t worry about the rain. If it rains, the rain will just make the night cooler.

#2 – Choose where to stay on the beach

To enjoy a new year’s eve party like a local, you should look for a place in the sand near the sea. The concentration of people is higher near the main stages, and the noise can be deafening! A good tip is to stay near Lifeguard tower number 6. The beach has a narrow strip of sand in this location, so it is not as crowded as the other spaces, and you will be closer to the sea. To get there, alight at General Osório subway station and look for exit D.

#3 – Bring your own food and drinks

You can also save a lot of money by carrying your drinks and snacks in a cooler bag (Ice, plastic cups, sparkling wine, fruits, and whatever else you want). Many people do this as buying drinks and food with street vendors is costly.

But beware: it is not allowed to set up a camping tent or having a barbecue on the sand.

#4 – Book a Kiosk Party

Those who don’t like crowds and are not traveling on a tight budget can book a table at a beach kiosk. If you choose this option, stop by the waterfront bars on one of the previous days and secure a spot at a party. Many kiosks have an open bar and buffet service, and the values range from BRL600-800 per person.

Read more here: Places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Copacabana

Did you like our tips?

We wish you embrace the unique energy of New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro and make nice memories. Also, we wish you a Happy New Year filled with joy and adventure.

We are waiting for you with open arms for the New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro!

Don’t forget that if you need help to prepare your trip, you can ask for our Travel Consulting Services. Also, if you prefer, we can build for you a Custom Itinerary, or you can have one of our Carioca Experiences. We promise you will not regret it!