Chile Unites Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana – Top Fireworks, Drones, and Cultural Events Await This New Year

Published on December 29, 2025

On 31st December 2025, South American countries are set to offer unforgettable New Year celebrations. In Chile, the Año Nuevo en el Mar event in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar will feature a spectacular 20-minute fireworks show combined with drones, offering an eco-friendly celebration. In Brazil, Rio de Janeiro will light up Copacabana beach with a 12-minute fireworks display, 13 performance stages, and stunning live performances by top artists like Anitta. In Uruguay, Punta del Este will substitute traditional fireworks with a drone show, a modern approach to ringing in the new year. Argentina will host grand events, including fireworks in Buenos Aires‘ iconic locations, while Monte Hermoso offers a high-occupancy firework show. The Andean cultures of Ecuador will showcase cultural fairs and monigotes, while Colombia celebrates with the famous Navidad es Cultura event, lighting up the Ruta de la Navidad in Bogotá. Peru celebrates with traditional fireworks in Cusco and vibrant parties in Lima. Finally, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana embrace festivities through cultural parades and fireworks.

Año Nuevo en el Mar (Valparaíso & Viña del Mar) – The Valparaíso and Viña del Mar municipalities and the national tourism service Sernatur are reviving their classic Año Nuevo en el Mar celebration. Visitors can line the bay on 31 December for a 20‑minute fireworks show using low‑impact, biodegradable pyrotechnics[1]. The spectacle covers much of the Pacific coast and admission is free[2]. Tourism authorities advise reserving accommodation or tours through registered operators because demand is high[3].

Lago Villarrica (Pucón) – In the Araucanía Region, the Grand Hotel Enjoy Pucón and the municipality offer the Adiós 2025 fireworks show. Fireworks are launched from a floating platform on Lake Villarrica with the smoking volcano as a backdrop. The lakeside celebration includes outdoor dining and tickets starting at 38,000 Chilean pesos[4].

Caldera – The port city in Atacama welcomes the new year with its traditional fireworks at Playa Mansa. The free event features live music and low‑impact pyrotechnics[5], making it suitable for families and pets.

Iquique – The northern city uses drone technology instead of fireworks. About 1,000 drones create illuminated formations along the coast, including depictions of Chilean naval hero Arturo Prat[6]. Local hotels market packages with privileged views[7].

El Quisco & La Serena – El Quisco’s beach will host a larger drone show with eight towers of animation, live music and DJs[8]. La Serena opts for a citizen dance party rather than fireworks, promising surprises for all ages[9].

Uruguay: Punta del Este’s eco‑friendly light show

The Maldonado Department government has replaced fireworks with an aerial Lumasky Drone Show at Punta del Este. Between 21:45 and 01:00 on 31 December the company will fly more than 400 synchronised drones from Playa Mansa (rambla Claudio Williman, paradas 4–5)[10]. The show’s core segment runs from 23:30 to 00:30, forming luminous figures up to 300 metres wide[11]. The drones use high‑power LED technology capable of millions of colours[12], and test flights occur from 27–30 December to ensure safety[13]. The Intendencia de Maldonado supports the show as an inclusive alternative to fireworks[14], highlighting its commitment to people with autism and animal welfare[15].

Paraguay: Réveillon 2026 at Ciudad del Este

The municipal government of Ciudad del Este in Alto Paraná will host Réveillon 2026 at Lago de la República. The city describes it as the most ambitious New‑Year celebration in Paraguay[16]. Families, tourists and visitors from Brazil and Argentina are expected to gather around the lake, where the largest fireworks display in the country will light up the sky[17]. The municipality is preparing strategic spaces with 150 family tables and two VIP sectors to ensure comfortable viewing[18]. Table reservations on 28 December require donating five kilograms of non‑perishable food; the donations will support social programmes[19]. By combining entertainment and solidarity, Ciudad del Este aims to position itself as a regional events destination[20].

Brazil: Copacabana’s legendary celebration

Rio de Janeiro’s municipal tourism board Riotur plans South America’s largest New‑Year’s party. For the 2025–2026 edition, Copacabana beach will feature 20 sound towers and two stages. The main “Rio” stage outside the Copacabana Palace Hotel will host artists such as Anitta, Caetano Veloso, Ivete Sangalo and Maria Bethânia, while a second “Pra Sambar” stage focuses on samba. A 12‑minute fireworks display will launch from ten ferries anchored off Copacabana and three at Flamengo beach, with additional fireworks from hotel rooftops in Barra da Tijuca and Recreio dos Bandeirantes[21]. The city will also install stages in other neighbourhoods—Flamengo, Ramos, Parque Madureira, Ilha do Governador, Paquetá, Bangu, Inhoaíba, Sepetiba and Barra de Guaratiba—turning New Year’s Eve into a multi‑site festival[21]. Riotur expects millions of visitors; last year’s celebration generated roughly R$3 billion for the local economy[22].

Argentina: Monte Hermoso’s coastal ritual

In Buenos Aires Province, the Municipality of Monte Hermoso will host Año Nuevo en Monte Hermoso. The free event begins at 00:45 on 1 January at the intersection of Traful bis and Costanera[23]. Residents and tourists enjoy a fireworks show and the traditional blessing of the waters, followed by DJs and dancing[23]. The municipal announcement emphasises low‑noise fireworks and notes that the celebration attracts thousands of visitors and high hotel occupancy[24].

Peru: destinations that blend ritual and festivity

Cusco – The official tourism site of Peru highlights Cusco as a top destination to ring in the new year. Thousands gather in the Main Square on 31 December to await midnight; fireworks illuminate the colonial skyline and participants walk around the square counter‑clockwise for good luck[25]. Live music, traditional dances, special dinners and all‑night parties add to the atmosphere[26].

Lima’s Costa Verde & southern beaches – In the capital, beachfront clubs and restaurants along the Costa Verde hold celebrations that last until dawn[27]. Many locals rent houses in beach areas such as Punta Hermosa and Asia, hosting private parties. A midnight swim in the sea is a common ritual symbolising renewal[28].

Iquitos & Amazon resorts – On the banks of the Amazon River, resorts near Iquitos offer programmes that include purification ceremonies, traditional dinners and sunset boat rides[29]. Visitors can join rituals with indigenous communities, witness dances like the Kukama Uka, and make wishes beneath a centuries‑old ceiba tree[30].

Arequipa – The “White City” celebrates New Year’s Eve with fireworks above the Main Square and the Misti volcano[31]. Restaurants serve regional dishes such as rocoto relleno and adobo arequipeño; after midnight, downtown clubs provide a lively nightlife[32].

Across Peru, other destinations like the northern beaches of Máncora and Vichayito, and the desert oasis of Huacachina, stage open‑air parties and early‑morning surfers greet the first sunrise[33].

Ecuador: Quito’s free festival of traditions

Quito’s municipal government organises a city‑wide Festival de Fin de Año. On 31 December there are simultaneous festivals in the north (Avenida Amazonas) and south (Avenida Teniente Hugo Ortiz) starting at 11:00 with free entry[34]. The city also hosts a monigote fair—giant papier‑maché effigies—at Quitumbe from 10:00 and an exhibition at the Centro Cultural Benjamín Carrión[35]. These events are part of Quito’s broader programme of parades, testaments and psychological support activities leading up to New Year[36].

Colombia: Bogotá’s Ruta de la Navidad

Bogotá’s capital district uses its Navidad es Cultura 2025 programme to deliver a celebratory route that extends into New Year’s Eve. The “Ruta de la Navidad” lights up 14 sites along the historic corridor—including Plaza Liévano, Carrera Séptima, Parque Santander, and the Iglesia de la Orden Tercera—and installs 114 LED trees, 54 km of LED lights and 4.6 km of rope lighting[37]. The programme lasts 18 days, involving 4,316 artists and 670 activities[37]. A highlight is the 56‑metre tree and laser show at Parque El Tunal, accompanied by games, gift zones and safe celebrations[38]. Although Bogotá does not sponsor a single countdown, these municipal activities culminate on New Year’s Eve with concerts and family‑friendly events, encouraging citizens to enjoy fireworks responsibly.

Venezuela: Caracas Retumba 2025 finale

The Caracas municipal government’s cultural festival Caracas Retumba 2025 offers concerts across December. The programme begins on 18 December with performances by Afro Criollo, Xuxo and other artists and features salsa nights and binational concerts[39]. The festival concludes on 31 December at Plaza Bolívar, where the traditional midnight cañonazo (cannon shot) signals the arrival of 2026[40]. This free event reaffirms the capital as a cultural hub and emphasises community celebration under municipal security arrangements.

Suriname: Paramaribo’s Surifesta street parties

Surifesta, an initiative supported by the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism, coordinates year‑end events in Paramaribo. The foundation highlights three main happenings: the Tori Oso Parbo Kawina Festival on 30 December; the daytime Pagarra Festival in downtown Paramaribo on 31 December; and the Owru Yari Street Party in the entertainment district on the night of 31 December[41]. These events have evolved with support from Surifesta, which provides safety guidance and promotes sustainable tourism[42]. Paramaribo’s year‑end programme also includes Christmas concerts and the Bigi Broki Waka walk, culminating in an official countdown street party[43].

Notes on other countries

Bolivia, Guyana and French Guiana – Research did not uncover official government‑sponsored New‑Year’s events for 31 December 2025. In Bolivia, festivities are typically private or organised by hotels, and cities often discourage fireworks in favour of family gatherings. Guyana’s Ministry of Tourism focuses on the Christmas Village on Main Street earlier in December[44], while French Guiana observes New Year’s Eve with community fireworks and private parties but lacks a central public celebration[45].