Welcome to 2026! Check out images and videos from New Year’s Eve in Brazil

Brazil experienced the year in a festive atmosphere, with lights and crowds gathered to celebrate the arrival of 2026. From north to south, the new year was marked by shows, fireworks and meetings taking to the streets.

In Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana has maintained its international reputation as the biggest New Year’s party on the planet. The shore was entirely taken over by locals and tourists dressed in white, who attended the traditional seaside fireworks display.

On Tuesday (12/30), Rio received the title of the largest New Year’s celebration in the world, according to the Guinness Book. Watch the full broadcast of the Rio de Janeiro fireworks display:

This year, the fireworks show was directed by French set designer Christophe Berthonneau, who has previously been responsible for fireworks at international events such as the World Cup and the Olympic Games.

Besides fireworks, the event in the capital Rio de Janeiro also featured an unprecedented drone show.

The Esplanade des Ministries will be illuminated by 2026

In Brasilia, the Esplanada dos Ministérios brought together more than 30 thousand people who chose to celebrate the New Year under the Planalto sky. The federal capital organized musical performances and a fireworks show.

5 imagesClose modal.1 out of 5

Fireworks on Esplanada dos Ministérios

Luis Nova/Metropolis Special @LuisGustavoNova2 out of 5

Fireworks on Esplanada dos Ministérios

Luis Nova/Metropolis Special @LuisGustavoNova3 out of 5

Carlinhos Brown hosts New Year’s Eve in Brasilia

Luis Nova/Metropolis Special @LuisGustavoNova4 out of 5

Carlinhos Brown hosts New Year’s Eve in Brasilia

Luis Nova/Metropolis Special @LuisGustavoNova5 out of 5

Brazilians fill the Esplanada and welcome 2026 with 12 minutes of fireworks

Luis Nova/Special Metropolises @LuisGustavoNova

The party lasts until 3 a.m. and features Samuel Rocha, Israel & Rodolffo, Carlinhos Brown and Lauana Prado.

Around 30,000 people gathered on the Esplanada dos Ministérios to witness, for around 12 minutes, the fire that marked the start of the year. Check it out:

Party also in the capital of São Paulo

In São Paulo, Avenida Paulista has once again become the scene of one of the largest urban New Year celebrations in Brazil. Thousands of people lined the road to watch the countdown, musical performances and fireworks that lit up the sky and buildings in the central region of the capital.

6 imagesClose modal.1 of 6