AS THE WORLD TURNS
World's Best New Year's Eve Parties
It's every city's favorite excuse for a party. Here are ten spectacular ways to ring in 2011.
Rio de Janeiro: Beach party
The two-and-a-half mile stretch of Copacabana Beach plays host to more than two million partygoers decked out in traditional white. Cariocas (as the locals call themselves) make offerings of red roses and white gladioli to Iemanjá, the goddess of the waters, before an all-night whirlwind of dancing and live concerts. Head to majestic Sugarloaf Mountain for a somewhat quieter vantage point for taking in the fireworks display. Details: rioconventionbureau.com.br. Hot tip: Looking for passion? Wear a hint of red to send the right message. Photos: 1 of 2
Sydney: First to cheer
Because of its location, Sydney is among the first major cities to greet the new year. The city will synch up its pyrotechnics with colorful lighting effects on the arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Revelers gear up earlier in the day. Waterfront events attract crowds of Sydneysiders in T-shirts and shorts—plus indigineous people in traditional garb, cleansing the harbour of negative spirits before midnight. Starting at 5 p.m., aircraft, some of them vintage, will perform aerial feats. After 9 p.m., more than 50 illuminated vessels circuit Sydney Harbour, foreshadowing the barrage of light and sound to come. Details: sydneynewyearseve.com.au ; the site lists dozens of vantage points and other info. Hot tip: Lay down a blanket at North Head at Sydney Harbour National Park, a relatively uncrowded hangout for gazing at the fireworks. Photos: 1 of 2
Additional reporting by Alexis Sottile.
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES
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