Fortaleza rang in the New Year with vibrancy and energy as more than one million revelers descended upon the Aterro da Praia de Iracema, where they were treated to performances from various artists, including the much-celebrated DJ Pedro Sampaio. The concert, which kicked off just before midnight on December 31, 2024, set the perfect scene for the city's beloved New Year's Eve tradition.
DJ Pedro Sampaio took center stage, mixing genres like pop, funk, piseiro, and MPB to captivate the audience. The anticipation grew as the crowd counted down for the New Year. The festivities were filled with joy, with couples kissing and friends embracing as fireworks lit up the sky at the stroke of midnight. Just seconds after the New Year began, Pedro exclaimed to the crowd, "O maior público da minha vida, vou começar o ano do jeito que sempre sonhei," meaning, "The largest audience of my life, I will start the year the way I always dreamed." His infectious energy set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night.
Before the celebration kicked off, Sampaio made headlines not just for his performance but for his heartfelt gesture. During his show, he noticed two children, Bruna and Pablo, selling sweets to the crowd. Sensing their hard work, he brought them on stage, engaging them directly. He playfully asked, "Agora o tio vai ficar com os pirulitos. Quanto é que é cada pirulito?" translating to "Now the uncle is going to take the lollipops. How much is each lollipop?" This connection showcased the spirit of the holiday and his approachability.
The Aterro was filled with festivities beyond the stage. People gathered as early as 4 PM to claim their spots, with attendees like Glaucia Monteiro expressing excitement about the lineup. She shared, "Eu estou aqui desde às 16 horas, ansiosa para Joelma subir e cantar as mais famosas do Calypso," which translated means, "I have been here since 4 PM, eager for Joelma to come up and sing her most famous songs from Calypso." The festival atmosphere thrived as families and friends celebrated together.
Although the event saw changes due to scheduling, the excitement remained high. Originally planned to span three days, the New Year's celebration condensed to just one day with performances by six artists. Despite the alteration, attendees showed steadfast loyalty to the tradition, packing the area around the Avenida Historiador Raimundo Girão.'
Fortaleza's New Year's Eve celebration featured stars like Vanessa da Mata, who took to the stage at 8 PM, captivating attendees with her popular hits such as "Banho de Chuva," "Verde, Vermelho e Branco," and closing with "Frevo Mulher." Her performance set the stage for excitement leading up to another beloved artist, the legendary band Paralamas do Sucesso, who celebrated their 40th anniversary during the event. Frontman Herbert Vianna remarked, "É uma honra sobrenatural pra gente estar dividindo esse momento com cada um de vocês" meaning, "It is a supernatural honor for us to be sharing this moment with each one of you."
With captivating performances and community spirit, the New Year's Eve celebration crafted unforgettable memories for all participants. The solid attendance, even after the reduction of performances, reaffirmed the city's resilience and desire for connection. Local government officials noted the importance of such community events as integral not just for entertainment, but as culture unifying people.
The evening culminated with an awe-inspiring fireworks display lighting up the night, symbolizing hopes for the year to come. The spectacle lasted for about five minutes, filling the sky with colorful explosions and cheers from the audience.
Reflecting on the night, one thing became clear: Fortaleza successfully showcased its vibrant culture and community spirit as it stepped boldly and joyously toward 2025. The enthusiasm, happiness, and shared wishes for unity and prosperity filled the air, marking another historical celebration for the lively city.