As the world prepares to welcome the arrival of 2026, Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city in Brazil, has been awarded a certificate by the Guinness World Records for hosting approximately 2.5 million people during the New Year celebration in 2024, breaking the record for the highest number of participants.
According to reports from Agence France-Presse, on December 30, 2025, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes received the certificate from representatives of the Guinness World Records on the stage set up at Copacabana Beach for the New Year’s Eve celebration.
Footage captured by drones confirmed that a record-breaking 2.5 million people participated in the New Year’s celebration at the end of 2024.
The Mayor’s office, when discussing the record, stated: “The title was awarded based on the record-breaking number of participants, the scale of the artistic performances, the geographical coverage of the event, and its cultural significance.”
According to reports from United Press International, the Guinness World Records noted that the official certification process included a comprehensive review of official data, aerial footage, and the number of participants calculated using drones to confirm the actual attendance. The organization also commended Rio de Janeiro for its ability to implement safety regulations, sustainable development measures, and large-scale logistical support in densely populated coastal areas.
Paes described breaking the world record as an honor, stating: “There is no other city in the world that can consistently organize events where so many people gather together.”
Every New Year’s, Copacabana Beach attracts large numbers of people who typically wear white attire to celebrate. This year, organizers planned a 12-minute fireworks display and deployed 1,200 drones for a light show in the night sky.
Officials from the city government stated that the figure of 2.5 million only refers to the number of people on Copacabana Beach and does not include crowds welcoming the New Year in other parts of Rio de Janeiro. Authorities estimate that the total number of participants in New Year’s celebrations throughout the city could reach around 5 million. ◇