Brazil - Event

New Year's Eve in Salvador means one huge party in the Bahian capital with fireworks at midnight and performances by national and local stars. Thousands dance and celebrate in the streets around the Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra.

The main celebrations in the Barra district start in the early evening and continue until the early hours of New Year's Day. Baianas in typical white dress sing and make offerings of flowers to the orixas (Candomblé gods) on the beach and in the water itself whilst the musicians take to the stage.

Major Brazilian stars such as Caetano Veloso, Carlinhos Brown and Daniela Mercury have all performed in the past.

The new year always opens with synchronised fireworks at various points around the city. The lighthouse in Barra and Morro do Cristo take the lead with 15 minutes of fireworks, filling the sky with light and colour. The usual flotilla of boats takes to the water just off Boa Viagem Beach (Itapagipe Peninsula), Periperi (suburb) and Cajazeiras, accompanied by five minutes of fireworks in each location.

As well as Barra there are always parties throughout the city with music and baianas. Often these take place in Amarlina, Costa Azul (Jardim dos Namorados), Aeroclube, Piatã, Abaeté, Boa Viagem, Periperi and Cajazeiras.