New Years Eve on Copacabana Beach (With Video)

Jan. 01, 2011

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3 min read

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Happy new year all! Last night I rang in the new year amongst millions of revelers on Copacabana beach. While it was insanely packed, I luckily have Brazilian friends who own an apartment off the beach in Copacabana, so we did drinks there and then walked to the beach around 11:30 with no issues.

The city was electrifying and people were in amazing spirits (I'm sure the caipirinhas, cervezas and champagne helped!). At the stroke of midnight, a great, 15 minute fireworks display erupted and people were spraying champagne everywhere. I think you can see from my video below that my camera (brought my old beater one in case it got wet/stolen/lost) got a little wet.

New Years Eve on Copacabana Beach Rio (Video)

Brazilian tradition is to jump over 7 waves and throw flowers/gifts as offerings. I didn't get a chance to do it, but I did wear all white. After the beach we went back to the apartment, had more champagne and then I used my agressive NY cab skills to somehow score a cab and off we went to famous Brazilian club The Week to party all night. Let's just say I'm a little bit in slow motion today and spent a leisurely afternoon at the pool.

I have a 6 minute video of the fireworks finale that I'll upload when I have high speed internet again. Its currently showing 205 minutes left to upload, so it may have to wait a couple days.

Overall, Brazil has been a great experience. Last year I had the great opportunity of spending New Years Eve in Madrid with my best friend's boyfriends Spanish family. That experience was amazing because I got to experience NYE like a Madrileno (eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight and all) and this year I've been similarly lucky. I've gotten to meet a bunch of locals who have been more than hospitable and have shown me firsthand that Brazilians do know how to party.

I've also fallen in love with caipivodkas (without sugar) and the Ipanema beach culture. More on Brazil when I get a chance to really reflect on my experience here.

Hope you all had an amazing New Years eve and have started 2011 on the right foot!

Some pics..