New Year’s 2013 on Copacabana Beach

By Leo Byrne, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – With the New Year fast approaching, Copacabana is engaged in final preparations for the upcoming New Year’s Eve festivities. Having already played host to a Stevie Wonder concert on Christmas Day, the ‘Palco Principal’ (Main Stage) is now being readied for the Reveillon celebrations.

The shows on December 31st will see such Brazilian musical acts as as Diogo Noguiera, Claudia Leitte and the winner of the ‘The Voice – Brazil’ treading the boards opposite the Copacabana Palace.

Further down the beach opposite Rua Santa Clara, the ‘Palco Claro’ will host the likes of Mariene de Castro, Olo Dance and Baby do Brasil.

Party goers wishing to take in more live music can also choose from a selection of Rio’s top local DJs who will be playing on the remaining two stages located at located at Leme, and in front of Rua Xavier da Silveira closer to Arpoador.

Events on the two main stages start at 8PM and will run without interruption save for a twenty minute break for the fireworks.

The combination of live concerts, a spectacular firework display and millions revellers combine to make the Copacabana’s New Year’s party one of the best in the world. “This is a party for everyone, where two million people from different cultures and social classes receive the New Year with a peaceful and lively party.” Marisa Pinhero, the special secretary for the Rio Tourism Board (Riotur) told The Rio Times.

To get the most out of the party, make sure to arrive early and to book a metro (subway) ticket in advance as the Avenida Atlantica will be closed from 3PM. Also it is a good idea to meet friends prior to arriving, and to arrange predetermined meeting points if anyone gets separated from the group.

“Have a designated meeting point if [you] lose each other, [as] cell phones stop working around 11PM”, Hakan Almerfors, owner of gringo-rio.com told The Rio Times.

Leaving the area can also require some perseverance and planning. Although the party will go on until dawn, many people will begin to leave after the fireworks.

“You can buy subway tickets in advance, as the metro is already selling them. Taxis and buses also run during the whole night. People just have to be patient because we are talking about two million people moving around.” Ms. Pinhero told The Rio Times.

The most important piece of advice however is to get into the spirit of things and have fun. It is also a good idea to follow a few of the Brazilian New Year’s traditions.

The full line up is as follows:

Main stage (Copacabana Palace)
8PM – DJs MAM e Marcelinho da Lua
9PM – Diogo Nogueira
10:30 PM – Sorriso Maroto
12AM – Fireworks
12:20 AM – Claudia Leitte
1AM – Ellen Oléria – vencedora do programa The Voice
3AM – G.R.E.S. Unidos da Tijuca

Claro Stage (Rua Santa Clara)
8PM – Mariene de Castro
9PM – Olodance
10PM – Baby do Brasil
12AM – Fireworks
12:20 AM – Grupo Revelação
1:40 AM – G.R.E.S. Acadêmicos do Salgueiro
2:20 AM – G.R.E.S. Unidos de Vila Isabel

Rua Xavier da Silveira stage
6PM – Dj
7PM – Grupo vou pro Sereno
8:30 PM – Dj Brinquinho
9:30PM – Stylo X
12AM – Fireworks
12:16 AM – Stylo X
1AM – Dj Lesco
2AM – Dj Presuntinho

Leme Stage
6PM – Start of program – Banda
7PM – Banda ou cantor convidado
12AM – Fireworks
12:20AM – Samba School
2AM – DJ