Brazil News
RIO DE JANEIRO – Over two million revelers in Copacabana celebrated New Year 2013 under cloudless skies and with the largest pyrotechnic display in the world. Twenty-four metric tons of fireworks, accompanied by a soundtrack by João Brasil, lit up the sky for 16 minutes.
Military Police say the celebration, even more special because of the perfect weather, ended with no major incidents. Despite more than a thousand visits to clinics staffed by the Department of Health and Civil Police, most of the injuries were minor, such as excessive alcohol consumption. Eight people were taken to hospital.
Four stages set up along the beach featured various musical acts throughout the evening. Blending rhythms like samba and salsa with rock and roll, MPB and pop music, the acts kept the crowds entertained.
Eleven cruise ships moored offshore provided tourists an ideal view of the fireworks show without the hassle of braving the crowds on Copacabana.
Police say 2.3 million revelers, including over 700 thousand tourists, crowded Copacabana to welcome New Year 2013 and see the fireworks display.
Fireworks launched from 11 barges spaced out along the 2.2 kilometer beach, each equipped with 2,300 mortars, thrilled the crowds. In all, 24 metric tons of fireworks illuminated the crystal clear sky above Copacabana Tuesday morning, New Year day 2013.
