Some two million people dressed in white packed Rio de Janeiro's scenic Copacabana beach to ring in the New Year and enjoy the city's massive fireworks display.

In Brazil's most famous New Year's Eve bash, Rio's skies lit up with figures representing the 2016 Olympic Games, which will take place in August.

The fireworks display, one of the biggest in Latin America, also celebrated 100 years of Samba in the country. To mark the anniversary of Brazil's favourite rhythm, renowned Samba singers and bands performed on two large stages set up along the beach.

Many Brazilians followed the traditional custom of skipping over seven waves, throwing flowers into the ocean and making wishes.

Revellers on board ten cruise ships and 250 boats were able to watch the fireworks spectacle from a different perspective

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