2.5 million people are expected to visit the iconic Brazilian beach of Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, the city hall announced last night, quoted by Agence France-Presse and BTA.
In addition to the traditional fireworks, concerts will be held on three stages with the participation of big names in Brazilian music such as pop star Anita and the queen of the Bahia carnival Ivette Sangallo. One of the most anticipated concerts will undoubtedly be that of Caetano Veloso together with his sister Maria Betânia, with her inimitable deep voice. Their joint tour has sold out stadiums in several cities across the country.
Local authorities have stressed that security has been stepped up compared to last year, with 3,300 police officers deployed on Copacabana Beach alone. Police will use metal detectors, drones and surveillance cameras with facial recognition.
On New Year's Eve in Rio, most revelers go to the beach dressed in white, a tradition inherited from Afro-Brazilian beliefs.
Given the influx of tourists from across the country and around the world, the city hall expects an injection of 3.2 billion into the local economy. reals (about 500 million euros).
"People are enthusiastic, the city is full and I think this will help stimulate our economy," Luana de Mello, who rents out sun loungers and umbrellas on the sand in Copacabana, told AFP.