New Year's Eve is one of Rio de Janeiro's most important celebrations, second only to Carnival in popularity. It attracts people from all over the world, and Brazilians from all states.

The festivities are concentrated in Copacabana, with 2 million people every year. There are four stages along the beach with live music shows starting at 8 p.m. featuring everything from traditional Carnival songs to rock and dance.

The fireworks festival starts at midnight, with the turning of the year. The fireworks stations are located in boats anchored in a safe distance from the beach. It lasts about 15-20 minutes, and two highlights are the fireworks cascades at Forte de Copacabana and at Le Meridién Hotel.

If you are coming for New Year's Eve you must learn some of the traditions. The first one is that people wear white for the party. You may add accessories in your favorite colors: red is good to attract romance, yellow is for prosperity, green for good health, and so on. Black is not the right color to wear, no matter how fashionable it may be.

A lot of people bring flowers, and you should throw them in the sea before midnight. They are an offering to Yemanja, the deity of the seas. Bring a bottle of champagne to pop and drink at midnight. If you are on the beach and you decide to shake the bottle and spray around, nobody will complain - it's considered good luck. You may also be blessed by a Candomble priestess, and enjoy the traditional African dances and costumes.

This is a party where everybody is welcome. Walk along the beach and you will run into socialies, working class people, transvestites, children, seniors, couples, teenagers, it seems that all tribes mingle in peace to welcome the new year.

Plan your trip ahead, as it is not that easy to find an air ticket in the last minute. Hotels in Rio raise their rates for New Year's, and offer their rooms in prepayable packages including a predetermined number of mandatory nights. Try to book as early as you can, or you will be stuck with the more expensive options. The photos below will give you an idea of what to expect. Enjoy!