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Hotels along the beaches of the Southern Zone of Rio are practically full for New Year's celebrations. In Copacabana, there are no more places left for people who want to see the fireworks display.
According to the vice-president of the Brazilian Association of Rio Hotels, Ângelo Vivacqua, this year's demand is greater than last year's, mostly due to foreign tourists.
According to Vivacqua, the tragedy that occurred in Asia may have made some tourists who had reservations in those countries change their plans and choose Rio de Janeiro.
The city's hotel network has 23 thousand rooms with a capacity to receive 50 thousand tourists. The estimated revenues, just from the room reservations, amount to US$ 14 million (40 million reais) during the New Year period.
When spending on holiday suppers, purchases, and tours are added in, revenues may attain US$ 44 million (120 million reais).
The eight rafts that will be used to launch the New Year's fireworks in Copacabana are all set to go. Nearly 200 tons of fireworks will be touched off in a presentation that will last 15 minutes, synchronized with a sound track composed of Brazilian songs.
These year's novelties include designs and effects that will color the sky, accompanying the rhythm of the music. The effects will range from flowers and circles to palm tree trunks.
In addition, a 300 meter-long firework cascade will illuminate the wall of the Copacabana Fort.
Over two million people are expected to participate in the festivities in Copacabana, which will have a stringent security scheme.
Two thousand military policemen will be spread along the entire beachfront, and 17 cameras installed on lampposts along Atlantic Avenue will monitor everything that moves.
Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil
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