Rio de Janeiro’s New Year’s Eve was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration, consolidating the city as a global benchmark for New Year’s festivities. The information was released on Tuesday (Dec. 30) by municipal authorities. The record was based on an attendance of 2.5 million people at Copacabana Beach during the turn of 2024 to 2025.

Mayor Eduardo Paes officially received the title on Tuesday (30), on the main stage of the 2026 New Year’s Eve celebrations in Copacabana. The commemorative plaque was presented by Camila Borenstein, a Guinness adjudicator.

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Paes said it was an honor to receive the recognition. “We know that no city in the world holds events for so many people and with such frequency as Rio de Janeiro. In addition to the numbers, we must also highlight the qualities of the New Year’s Eve celebration, such as the joy of the cariocas and the musical diversity.”

The title was awarded based on criteria established by Guinness, including the record number of participants, the magnitude of the artistic program, the territorial extent of the event, and its cultural relevance.

Borenstein said that the title was awarded to the city of Rio after the institution received evidence, including drone footage, proving the record attendance of 2.5 million people at the New Year’s Eve celebration. “It is an honor to say that you are part of Guinness and that you are, once again, officially amazing.”

New dimensions

The 2026 New Year’s Eve party in Copacabana will, for the first time, feature new visual dimensions, with unprecedented structures, more technology, and renewed scenography, according to the municipal administration. For the fireworks display, 19 barges will be used along the coastline - almost double the number used in 2024 - delivering a 12-minute pyrotechnic show, the largest ever held in Rio.

The show will also include a display of 1,200 drones in honor of the city, with images synchronized with the fireworks and a special soundtrack by DJ Alok.

Three stages will be set up on the sand at Copacabana, with ten more installed in other areas of the city. In total, more than 70 attractions will liven up the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Rio.