If you’re going to be in Rio de Janeiro for New Years Eve, be prepared to immerse yourself in a tradition like no other. When you’re packing, don’t forget a few things you need to fit in with the Brazilian community and to ensure good luck and fortune for the year to come.
December is the start of summer, so temperatures are generally high. Summer is also Brazil’s rainy season, so expect rainfall as well as sunshine. When getting dressed for a day in Rio, less is more, both figuratively and literally. Think simple and pack a few options for shorts, tank tops, swim gear and Havaianas – the preferred Brazilian flip flop — to keep you cool and your luggage light. Bring hiking shoes for the daytime and closed-toe-shoes for going out, just in case you want to go to a more upscale night club. A light jacket might be a good idea for going out, but temperature in the evening is generally mild.
For New Years Eve, the attire is a little stricter and meant to bring prosperity for the year to come.
Things To Bring:
- An All White Outfit: In Brazil, New Years is a symbolism of renewal; a time to let go of the past and look forward to the future. To commemorate this, Brazilians wear a brand new outfit in all white to their New Years celebration. On some beaches in Rio, partyers will jump into the ocean at midnight and jump over seven waves, each signifying a wish for the year to come.
- Flowers and/or Small Trinkets: Another common tradition in Brazil is offering flowers or a small momento to the goddess Yemoja. At midnight, you throw your offering into the ocean and, if it doesn’t come back, your wish will come true.
- Guarana: Guarana is a naturally caffeinated plant similar to coffee, but doesn’t give you the same crash as a venti coffee. Keep in mind the New Years Celebration doesn’t just start that evening, but days before, and Brazilians will laugh at your hangover. Keeping some guarana on tap can keep you alive and partying through January.
- A Pack of Raisins or Seeded Grapes: That’s right – you need some grape or grape derivative if you’re going to do Brazil right. The tradition says that eating 7 grapes before midnight and then putting the seeds in your wallet will ensure your wallet is always full in the year to come!
- Sunscreen: If you start partying during the day (which you will), you’re looking at a lot of sun time.
Things to Not Bring:
- Your phone: Aside from Carnival, New Years is the busiest time for tourism. That being said, it’s also the most profitable time for pickpockets.
- Your watch: Nothing says turista like a fancy watch on your wrist, so leave it at home (or at the very least, in your luggage when you’re out partying). The sun rising will tell you when it’s time to go home.
- Your Expensive Camera: You’re in Rio! Live in the moment and don’t worry about taking pictures of every new and interesting thing you see. Besides, the lighter you pack for the night, the fewer things you have to worry about losing.
- A Purse or Bag: Because it’s a tradition to jump into the ocean at midnight, bringing a purse or bag might not be the best idea, unless you have a friend who’s staying ashore to make sure it’s not snatched up. Travel light, especially when out at night.
