Rocked by Gilberto Gil, Ney Matogrosso, Belo and Alcione, around 2.6 million people welcomed 2026 on the sands of Copacabana, south of Rio de Janeiro, according to Riotur estimates, a figure that exceeds the audience for New Year’s Eve 2025.
The fireworks lasted 12 minutes and featured 19 rafts spread out approximately 450 meters from the waterfront. Recently, Rio was named the world’s largest New Year’s party by the Guinness Book.
Shortly after the tour, João Gomes introduced himself to the audience present. The singer’s show features Iza. Alok and Beija-Flor from Nilópolis will perform next. The party continues until Thursday morning (1st).
Student Brenda de Araújo, 17, came for the first time with her family from Porto Velho (RO). “Before, I spent New Year’s Eve in Ceará, in the northeast. It’s the first time I’ve come to Rio and I really like it. We talked a lot about Rio de Janeiro, which was dangerous, but I find it a very peaceful place,” says the young woman, who was waiting for the Belo and Alcione shows.
Tassiane da Conceição, 29, is from Seropédica. He left his home at 6 a.m. to go to the beach as early as possible and stay on the railing to watch João Gomes’ show. “New things, joy, happiness. Lots of peace, lots of light, lots of life, health, prosperity and joy. Thank you Rio! Thank you Brazil!”, he declared in a celebratory tone.
Earlier, Gilberto Gil and Ney Matogrosso performed songs that got the crowd on their feet. Gil sang career hits such as “Tempo Rei”, “Realce”, “Andar com fé eu vou”, “Aquele Aberto” and other songs, like “vamos fugi”, from the group Skank. Ney Matogrosso, Gil’s guest, sang his songs and those of other artists, including “Pro Dia Naser Feliz”, from the group Barão Vermelho.
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