Natal do Rio brings Nego Alvaro on December 6 and Tapetes Contadores de Histórias and Nova Orquestra on December 7 at Botafogo Beach.
Natal do Rio lights up Botafogo Cove
The Natal do Rio festival has turned Botafogo Cove into a new year-end ritual in the city. Its first edition illuminates one of Rio’s most iconic landmarks. Thus, the waterfront becomes a space for celebration, culture and encounters.
The city officially opened the event on November 30, drawing more than 100,000 people. The highlight was the lighting of the 80-meter floating tree, with over 2.3 million LED lights. The free show moved locals and tourists against the cove’s stunning backdrop.
The program blends music, culture, childhood, dance and celebration. From samba to forró, from orchestra to storytelling, the festival keeps a festive atmosphere until the new year. In this way, it offers a genuinely Brazilian agenda.
Concept and opening night
With creative direction by Abel Gomes (SRCOM) and production by Alexandre Accioly (Accioly Participações), the project reshapes the shoreline. The area becomes a large space for socializing, art and celebration. Opening night featured a fireworks show synchronized with the tree lighting.
The musical line-up highlighted the power of Brazilian culture. The top moment was the concert by the Orquestra do Samba, led by Pretinho da Serrinha. The group welcomed Belo and Raquell Luz as special guests.
Nego Alvaro on stage Saturday
On Saturday, December 6, the spotlight turns to Nego Alvaro, performing from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. With three albums and two Latin Grammy nominations, he is a full-blooded samba artist. He works as a singer, songwriter and percussionist.
Born in 1988 in the Catiri favela, in Bangu, he grew up among drums and samba circles. He received his first tambourine at age ten and, by 13, was already at Pagode da Tia Doca. At 15, he began his professional journey at Pagode da Tia Ciça, in Irajá.
From 2008 to 2013, he spent five years at Cacique de Ramos, a symbolic samba territory, learning alongside masters. He was also a musician for Beth Carvalho, sharing the song “Ainda é Tempo Pra Ser Feliz” in emotional duets. For 14 years, he integrated Samba do Trabalhador, led by Moacyr Luz.
His first solo album, Cria do Samba (2016), was produced by Pretinho da Serrinha and features Mart’nalia, Moacyr Luz and Sereno. He later released Nego Alvaro canta Sereno e Moa (2018) and Bons Ventos (2021), which earned his Latin Grammy nominations. He also appeared on Rock in Rio’s Palco Mundo with Alicia Keys.
With songs recorded by Diogo Nogueira, Maria Rita, Roberta Sá, Pretinho da Serrinha, Moacyr Luz and Arlindo Cruz, Nego Alvaro now focuses on his rising solo career. At Natal do Rio, he performs classics such as “O Show Tem Que Continuar”, “Não Deixe o Samba Morrer”, “Disritmia”, “Seu Balancê” and “Clareou”. The setlist also includes his own compositions and work by major samba artists.
Storytelling and Nova Orquestra on Sunday
On Sunday, December 7, the program opens with Os Tapetes Contadores de Histórias, at 4 p.m. Based in Tijuca, the group turned 25 in 2024. Its collection surpasses 120 colorful, embroidered textile pieces crafted by the artists themselves.
The repertoire includes 42 stories inspired by European, African, Latin American and Brazilian traditions. Rugs, puppets, sets, scenic objects, costumes, boxes and panels come to life in narration. Performances are led by Warley Goulart Siqueira and Daniella D’Andrea Corbo.
At 5 p.m., it is the turn of the Nova Orquestra. This innovative project is Brazil’s first 100% pop orchestra, focused on unique concert experiences. In just five years, it has performed over 100 concerts nationwide.
The orchestra has appeared at festivals such as MIMO, Rock in Rio 2019 and 2022 and The Town, alongside artists like Jão, Baco Exu do Blues, Rincon Sapiência, Rael and Pitty. In 2023, it created the soundtrack for Copacabana’s New Year’s Eve fireworks. In 2024, it joined the G20 Global Alliance festival with Ney Matogrosso and Alceu Valença.
Winner of the 2021 Prêmio Profissionais da Música, Nova Orquestra also became a documentary series on Canal Bis. Over its short yet intense trajectory, it has impacted more than 800,000 people live. Millions more have followed its performances online.
Schedule, times and access
The floating tree is lit daily from 7 p.m. to midnight. The Water Ballet and light show run every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. onward. The fireworks show takes place every Saturday and Sunday in December, at 7 p.m.
Cultural activities happen at Botafogo Beach, between numbers 370 and 374. On 06/12 (Saturday), Nego Alvaro performs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. On 07/12 (Sunday), Os Tapetes Contadores de Histórias start at 4 p.m., followed by Nova Orquestra at 5 p.m.
The following weeks feature a diverse program with Vem Cá Minha Flor, Fróes e Banda, Grupo Arruda, Bloco do Papai Noel, Camerata Jovem do RJ, DJ Michell, Circo no Ato, Forró da Taylor, DJ Camila Brunetta and Bloco Que Pena Amor. Therefore, Natal do Rio extends through late December and early January.
Access and food village
Visitors can reach Botafogo Cove through two main access points. Pedestrian crossings lead directly to underground tunnels, ensuring safety and organization. The recommendation is to use only these marked routes.
Tunnel 1 is located near the beginning of Rua São Clemente, close to the metro exit. Tunnel 2 sits by the Edifício Argentina, on Botafogo Beach, near number 228. Both connect the public to the Natal do Rio area.
The Food Village operates on weekends near Tunnel 1. Food trucks and carts serve options such as Espeto BBQ, Seu Vidal, Confeitaria Itajaí, Expresso Tapioca, Pão de Alho do Kiki, Pizza Al Taglio and Brewteco. There are also carts with sweet and salty popcorn, ice cream and açaí.
