RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec 17 ― Not many days from now, the planet will bid farewell to 2015 and welcome 2016 with open arms. We're taking a world tour of the big cities where the New Year is a major cause for celebration. Let's take a look at what's planned in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Traditionally, New Year is celebrated on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Dressed in white, for good luck, with a red accessory, for love, the Brazilians pay tribute to Lemanja the goddess of fertility and maternity. The festivities begin with an offering of flowers and candles to the ocean. Then the real fun starts. The entertainment kicks off around 7pm, when various artists take to the stages along the beach. The main stage is opposite Copacabana Palace and Rua Santa Clara. Each stage offers a different type of music, including rock'n'roll, traditional Brazilian songs and the unmissable samba.
New Year in Rio is the second biggest popular event in the city, after its mythical carnival. Over two million people attend. There's a firework display at midnight which lasts for around 20 minutes. This year the display and soundtrack will be themed around the Olympics, which will take place in August 2016 in the city. The fireworks kick off the beginning of a long night of dancing, singing and partying. Champagne is allowed and revelers enjoy spraying it over everyone.
The place to be: Copacabana Beach
Practical tips: All buses are free for the New Year celebrations and the subway adapts its timetable to ease the traffic. From the end of the afternoon, roads are closed off so that the revelers can take over the city. The seafront road Avenida Atlantica is closed from 3pm.
Safety precautions: It's better to wear shoes rather than sandals. As the celebrations take place on the beach and champagne will be flowing, there could be fragments of glass in the sand.
The website with all the info: www.rio.com. ― AFP-Relaxnews
