The sky and sea are painted in exquisite colors, as the fireworks go off. In addition to the traditional showers in all shapes and shades, the new designer stuff they use these days draws hearts, palms, and other graphic images in the sky. It's almost thirty minutes of pure delight.

It's hard to decide which direction to look at, with fireworks popping all around you. It's much more fun to watch the festival from the great outdoors than from indoors. In addition to the feeling of togetherness, you will be able to keep turning around in wonder as much as you want, instead of having to fight for window space.

One of the highlights is the fireworks cascade at Forte de Copacabana. There are also cascades later at Pedra do Leme, and at the tower of Le Meridién Hotel, on the other end of the beach. Wherever you stay, you are in for a big treat!

As the fireworks are based on 8 boats anchored along the horse-shaped beach, you are always in a strategic spot... If you don't have any plans for later, stay close to one of the 4 stages on the sand. There are free live music shows with assorted attractions, and they go on until very late!

	The view of Copacabana Beach from above is really impressive. Over 2 million people take every space on the sand, sidewalks and both lanes of the beach strip.