• Introduction
• 1. Aspen
• 2. Barcelona
• 3. Berlin
• 4. Edinburgh
• 5. Hong Kong
• 6. Las Vegas
• 7. Miami
• 8. New York
• 9. Rio de Janeiro
• 10. Sydney

Rio de Janeiro

Sure, Carnival might get all the glory, but New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is memorable in its own right. An extravagant beachfront spectacle, known as Reveillon, sees an eclectic blend of traditions unfold along Copacabana, attracting some 2 million faithful practitioners of the Umbanda religion and the Candomblé religion – and a lot of curious tourists. Sure, you’ll get your no-less-than-spectacular fireworks, delectable Brazilian food, and pulsating samba music to enjoy during the warm summer day’s festivities, but you’ll also see ritualistic offerings to the sea goddess, Iemanjá, made by a group of white-clad, candle-holding, revelers who rush to the surf to release small wooden boats. Tradition holds that if the goddess is pleased with a boat’s inner offerings (normally flowers, perfumes, or other similar trinkets), it will be carried out to sea and the bearer bestowed with blessings. As night falls, Brazilians prove that they sure know how to party as DJs start up their sound systems and dancing and drinking lasts til dawn. Luxury beachfront hotels host private balls and parties, to boot – they’re also a great spot for tuckered-out revelers to enjoy champagne breakfasts as the first light of January 1 approaches.

See Miami Travel Guide | See Las Vegas Travel Guide | See Aspen Travel Guide | See New York City Travel Guide | See New York Travel Guide | See Sydney Travel Guide | See Berlin Travel Guide | See Barcelona Travel Guide | See Bangkok Travel GuideSee Goa Travel Guide