Santo André, Bahia: remember that name. The tiny village just North of Porto Seguro has been chosen by the well-heeled paulistas as their New Year's destination and they'll descend en masse right after Christmas, flying in from São Paulo as soon as family Xmas obligations are dealt with.
Who's to blame? DJ and party organizer Duty, who's throwing a mega-blaster New Year's Party to end all New Year's parties, dubbed Dolce Vita at a farm called Fazenda Amendoeiras.
Better safe than sorry: if you plan on being in Trancoso for New Year's Eve, I recommend that you buy tickets for some of the parties now, before they run out...
Here's what's on the schedule:
28/12 Pré-réveillon at the Uxua Praia Bar. 30/12 Pré-reveillón at CACAU restaurant 31/12 Taípe rave, a Trancoso tradition, and also dinner-dance New Year's Party at the Estrela d'água hotel
02/01 party at Pousada Aldeia do Sol on the Praia do Rio Verde.
You can buy a package which includes entry at all parties EXCEPT the ones on New Year's Eve, which all have an open bar, R$ 350 (girls) and R$ 500 (guys).
The réveillon (New Year's party) on Copacabana Beach is the biggest party on Earth, and here's why:
Every year on the 31st of December millions of cariocas, the natives of Rio, flock to Copacabana beach, all dressed in white, from all corners of the town and the country, to bid farewell to the year that is ending and toast the arrival of the new year. And yes, I said millions. Two million people, on average, gather on the sands, all in a peaceful party vibe.
Rich, poor, young, old, white, black.
Many bring elaborate offerings (miniature boats containing lit candles, food, drink, etc) to ship out to sea to Iemanjá, African Goddess of the Waters. Candles light the sand as the crowd waits for the big event: the fireworks display, the biggest of its kind in the world.
Riotur says "the World Records Academy gave the Fireworks Company the award the "Biggest Pyrotechnic Show on Barges in the World" during the New Year´s Eve in Rio de Janeiro which lighted the 4Km of the Copacabana Beach during 22 minutes."
The city puts on several outdoor concerts, all free of charge and very well organized. Cops are everywhere, to guarantee that tourists and revellers stay safe.
After midnight, Brazilians all walk down to the crashing surf and hop seven waves on their right foot, an ancient custom that is thought to bring good vibes and start off the new year on a high note.
Yeah, yeah, of COURSE we know Punta is in Uruguay. But it might as well be called Brazil South, especially at this time of the year. We're everywhere, throwing the best parties and increasing the hotness quotient. This blog will be reporting directly from Punta starting Dec. 30!
