Celebrating New Year's Eve in Brazil

New Year's Eve is an exciting time for people all over the world. It marks the end of the current year, but more importantly it is about beginnings and new opportunities. We can put to rest all of the worries of the past year and focus on the hopes that come with a new year. This is true no matter what part of the world you are from. Celebrating this transition in Brazil is very exciting as well. Below are some of the ways that people in Brazil will be celebrating this New Year's Eve.

One of the most infamous celebrations in Brazil is the celebration in Rio de Janeiro at the Copacabana Beach. Each year you can find an average of 2.5 million people celebrating New Year's Eve in Brazil. Gathered together people will be watching fireworks and listening to the musical performances spread across the beach on different stages. The fireworks last almost a half an hour and are a beautiful sight laid against the background of the beach sky.

In addition to the beautiful fireworks and musical presentations, there will also be many Brazilians celebrating the Queen of the Seas. They do this by lighting candles on the beach and sending little wooden boats into the sea bearing gifts. These gifts will either be accepted by the seas and grant the gift giver's wish, or returned the same way they came.

Another even of interest and an interesting way of celebrating New Year's Eve in Brazil is the Saint Silvester Road Race. This race, which has been downgraded from a marathon because of its distance, is joined by famous athletes from around the world. The race is held in the city of Sao Paulo in commemoration of the famous catholic Saint Silvester who died on this day.

If you would prefer to move to the southern zone of Rio de Janeiro, you can visit the lagoon in Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Lagoa is famous for the giant Christmas tree they decorate every year. This Christmas tree is much different from the Christmas tree located in Rockefeller Plaza because it is situated on a floating platform right in the lagoon. Recently, Lagoa has been displaying their own fireworks show which is becoming another great way of celebrating New Year's Eve in Brazil.

Whether you are watching fireworks in Rio, taking in the road race in Sao Paulo, or watching the floating Christmas tree in Lagoa, Brazil has many ways of celebrating the New Year. Celebrating New Year's Eve in Brazil is full of exotic culture, religious tradition, and exciting entertainment that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.