Revellion 2009

HA-ppy New Year!!

So last night was awesome. We got to Copacabana around 6pm, had some dinner, hung out on the beach for a while and then went to Lucas's friend's apartment near the beach for some drinks before heading down to the beach again for midnight. There was a huge main stage in the middle of the 4km beach, and big screens all down the rest broadcasting the show. At midnight there was a huge fireworks display that lasted about a half an hour. We jumped 7 (small) waves for good luck in 2009 and people throw flowers into the ocean as an offering to some god of the sea, but not one I've ever heard of. There were also Condomble shrines set up all down the beach, which was really cool. Condomble is a religion that was brought to Brasil from Africa during the slave trade, and it's still going strong. In the days leading up to New Years we got to see a few Condomble dance circles on the beaches of Rio and Niteroi. Also on New Years everyone chooses a colour to wear to 'wish' for something in the New Year. White is the most popular choice (peace), but we also saw a lot of yellow (money), red (love) and green (hope).

After midnight we danced to the samba show for 3 hours in the sand. So a party on the beach with 2 million people is pretty cool. I wanna do it again!

Feliz Ano Novo!!