New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is legendary.  Over three million people pack Copacabana beach to celebrate the new year with a mix of music and tradition.  All wearing white, the party starts early and is capped with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

Fireworks at midnight

We were fortunate enough to have booked a week with Marta at her guesthouse, which overlooks Copacabana.  It was a perfect base from which to watch the festivities, while enjoying our own private party complete with a DJ and traditional Brazilian cuisine.  It was a night to remember!

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We spent plenty of time on the beaches of Rio–Copacabana, Ipanema, and Apoador.  We also joined our hostess Marta to a samba school, where they were preparing for Carnival.

Ipanema scene

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Upon arrival in Rio, we hired a guide and saw the city.  From the Christ the Redeemer statue to the Selaron steps, we saw the highlights.  We even got to meet the man himself, Jorge Selaron.  Unfortunately, he met his untimely death about three weeks after our visit.

With the man himself, Jorge Selaron

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