Dec 31st
New Years Eve in Rio got off to a rough start, but turned into one of the most beautiful nights of my life! At first I went to a party with some friends in Copacabana. We thought it would be a cool event because it was taking place on the terrace of a penthouse apartment by the beach. Yet, when we arrived at the party we found ourselves in a doily saturated room with five other people, all over the age of 75, dancing to what could only be described as elevator music. It was hilarious! There we were ready for a wild night out in Rio de Janeiro, only to end up in a Golden Girls rerun! Eventually more guests arrived, and the party got a little livelier, but by dinner we were ready to make a run for it. We turned to plan B and went down to Copacabana beach, where the whole city was getting ready to watch the fireworks.
The fireworks filled the entire sky from Leme beach to Ipanema and lasted over 20 minutes. They were the best fireworks I have ever seen!
The beach was packed with literally millions of people! As part of Candomble tradition, everyone dresses in white to greet the new year.
People throw flowers into the ocean to have lemanja , the goddess of the sea, grant their wishes. They also jump three waves to ensure good fortune. Some even go for a midnight swim!
Throwing my flowers to lemanja
Desta and I on the beach
After the fireworks, we danced to the tunes of a live Samba School until early in the morn!
2 comments:
Hi Maya!
I'm Erika's friend, Lina. I met her when I was in Ontario.
How funny is it that I was at Copacabana beach watching the fireworks too? Before I even met you!
It sounds like you're having such a great time in Brasil!
Oi! tudo bom?... there is nothing quite like new years in Brazil! We jumped over 7 waves not 3.. stange. I wonder what the number 7 or 3 signifies anyways... anyone know? cuidate e beijoes!!!!
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