2025 PICTURES OF THE YEAR
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West
My first year in photojournalism, some four decades ago, was the most challenging year of my life behind a camera. I thought time would ease the weight of the work, that after logging my “10,000 hours” I would find comfort, confidence, even calm. For those who haven’t heard of it, the 10,000-hour rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, suggests it takes roughly 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to become world-class at a skill. By that measure, I supposedly hit “mastery” around 1986 or 1987. My mind, or maybe ego, has never stopped demanding more. Every year, I feel the same restless pull, to right past wrongs, to erase mistakes, to replace imperfect moments with bigger, bolder images. Looking back can be its own quiet torture, Why didn’t I go there? Why did I miss that frame? How could I have done it better? Multiply that self-questioning by forty years and you get a very patient, but very tired, wife saying, “Robert, you’re always too hard on yourself.”.
For three decades in New Jersey, the seasons became markers for the same recurring assignments. Each year, as I packed my gear, I’d ask myself, How will I make this better than last year? I remember my first year at the Albany bureau of UPI, where every job was a first. I’d stay up late into the night, playing out angles and frames in my head, searching for ways to capture something I’d never photographed before. Then came North Carolina, and the cycle began again. Then Rio de Janeiro,another clean slate. And now, in my second year of repeat assignments here, the question returns: What will I do to make this year’s images worthy of my Canons?
This past year, I found new currents to follow. I became more fluent in surf photography, becoming a fixture on my beloved Arpoador Rock, learning not just the timing of the waves, but the language between surfers and the sea. I pushed myself beyond familiar ground, spending long hours researching sporting events, news stories and cultural celebrations. In earlier jobs, my focus was on becoming part of the community. Here, in my second year, that connection has deepened, I’m greeted by name by photojournalists I’ve long admired and high-fived by surfers whose grace and grit I’ve come to love capturing.
Reinvention has been a thread woven through my entire life, ingrained by my mother’s voice, always urging me to keep moving forward. And 2025 may be the most complete reinvention yet. My first year as an expat brought new light, new rhythms and a deepening love for the people, the culture, and the Cidade Maravilhosa. My second year cemented the fact I had made the right move.
My deepest gratitude will always belong to those I’ve had the privilege of photographing. Thank you for allowing me to capture a fraction of a second from your lives. Sometimes it has been on your best days and sometimes, sadly, not. I hope my images have always reflected the respect and honesty you have shared with me.
Here are my favorite photographs from 2025: frames that tell not only the story of this city, but also my own. After forty years of chasing the next great image, I now find myself in a somewhat familiar place, chasing light and shadows, chasing moments, still believing the best photographs of my life have yet to be made.
January
January 8, 2025—After more than 100 years, the iconic Confeitaria and Ipanema Diner has closed its doors for good. Located at the corner of Visconde de Pirajá and Joana Angélica in Ipanema, the beloved establishment has been a neighborhood staple since 1917. The closure paves the way for a new real estate development by construction company Mozak.Run for the past six decades by Portuguese-born Severino Martins Alves, the family-owned café was a cherished spot for locals, deeply embedded in the neighborhood's cultural memory. The business predates both the construction of the Nossa Senhora da Paz Church and the development of Visconde de Pirajá and Joana Angélica streets.
January 23, 2025—With Carnaval just one month away in Rio de Janeiro, samba bands and blocos are popping up all over the city. On the main street of Ipanema, one impromptu group of friends and coworkers came together to create an infectious vibe, entertaining the crowds of passersby with spontaneous music and energy.
January 25,2025—A player from the Macaco Velho Rugby Club dives over the try line to score a try during the Rio Beach Rugby 2025 tournament. The event marked its 19th year on the first day of the two-day competition at Copacabana Beach. Welcoming 12 men's teams, 4 women's teams, and a total of 225 athletes, the annual tournament brought fierce rivalry and friendly competition to the sands of Rio de Janeiro.
January 25, 2025—A player from the Maxambomba Rugby Club points to his friends as he dives over the try line to score a try during the Rio Beach Rugby 2025 tournament. The event marked its 19th year on the first day of the two-day competition at Copacabana Beach. Welcoming 12 men's teams, 4 women's teams, and a total of 225 athletes, the annual tournament brought fierce rivalry and friendly competition to the sands of Rio de Janeiro.
January 26, 2025—HELO PINHEIRO, the inspiring muse behind Tom Jobim's iconic 'The Girl from Ipanema,' sings 'Girl from Ipanema,' along with SEU JORGE and DANIEL JOBIM to celebrate Bossa Nova Day at the Bosso Nossa Festival on Ipanema Beach.
January 26,2025—SEU JORGE joined DANIEL JOBIM and MARIA LUIZA JOBIM celebrating National Bossa Nova Day honoring TOM JOBIM as the Bossa Nossa Rio festival returned to Ipanema Beach.
DANIEL JOBIM and SEU JORGE celebrated National Bossa Nova Day and to honor TOM JOBIM as the Bossa Nossa Rio festival returned to Ipanema Beach.
February
February 2, 2025—Artist/activist Otavio Avancini waves a giant blue flag representing the ocean and the Goddess of the Sea, Iemanjá as thousands of practitioners of the Afro-Brazilian Umbanda faith and their supporters gathered on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro for the annual February 2 celebration of Iemanjá. This tradition honors the Goddess of the Sea with offerings, prayers, and acts of devotion, seeking blessings for the year ahead.
February 2, 2025—Marcos André Carvalho holds a statue of Iemanjá, joining thousands of practitioners of the Afro-Brazilian Umbanda faith and their supporters joined in a procession to the ocean gathering on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro for the annual February 2 celebration of Iemanjá. This tradition honors the Goddess of the Sea with offerings, prayers, and acts of devotion, seeking blessings for the year ahead.
February 2, 2025—Practitioners of the Afro-Brazilian Umbanda faith enter the sea with offerings as thousands of supporters gathered on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro for the annual February 2 celebration of Iemanjá. This tradition honors the Goddess of the Sea with offerings, prayers, and acts of devotion, seeking blessings for the year ahead.
February 2, 2025—Practitioners of the Afro-Brazilian Umbanda faith enter the sea with offerings as thousands of supporters gathered on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro for the annual February 2 celebration of Iemanjá. This tradition honors the Goddess of the Sea with offerings, prayers, and acts of devotion, seeking blessings for the year ahead.
February 4, 2025—A lifeguard at Posto 9 in Ipanema takes a quiet moment to admire a summer sunset, wrapping up a warm and vibrant day on Rio’s iconic beach.
February 9, 2025—A fisherman heads out from Posto 6 Fishermen's Colony in Copacabana, where locals continue a centuries-old tradition of artisanal fishing, offering fresh catches and preserving the area’s maritime heritage. Despite challenges like unsustainable methods and a dwindling workforce, they remain a vital part of the neighborhood’s identity, with their daily routines offering a glimpse into Rio’s coastal history.
February 11, 2025—Marmoset and their infants are a common sight this time of year along the Forte Duque de Caxias hiking trail leading up to the historic fort. Marmosets are tiny at birth, usually weighing around 25 grams and they cling tightly to their mother or father for the first few weeks of life. Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting these species and their environment.
February 15, 2025—Hundreds gather at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas for the @spantanenem bloco, founded in 2003. Unlike the grand Sambadrome, these block parties let revelers immerse themselves in the music, community and spirit of the neighborhoods. Each bloco has its own anthem, blending traditional tunes with contemporary hits. In 2025, Rio de Janeiro’s street Carnivals will feature 482 official blocos. The festival will span 37 days, from February 1 to March 9, covering various regions of the city.
February 16, 2025—A couple kisses during the Bloco ‘Se Não Quiser Me Dar Me Empresta,’ joining hundreds who came out to the Ipanema waterfront for the street carnival bloco founded in 2008 by residents of Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro. Each bloco has its own anthem, blending traditional tunes with contemporary hits. In 2025, Rio de Janeiro’s street carnivals will feature 482 official blocos, with over 6 million people enjoying the parties.
February 19, 2025—MONIKA LISBOA, part of the Brazilian vertical dance and aerial circus group, Cia Base, known for its innovative performances combining acrobatics and dance on vertical surfaces, brought its gravity-defying show to Shopping Leblon as part of the Rio Open tennis celebrations. The malls façade became a stage for an aerial performance, where acrobats and dancers simulated tennis matches in mid-air, blending art, dance and sport.
February 20, 2025—A capybara munches on some seaweed while wading in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio de Janeiro. Capybaras are semi-aquatic mammals that thrive in areas with abundant water and vegetation. They are the world’s largest rodents and are native to South America. In Rio de Janeiro, they are often spotted in and around the city's waterways, like the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Their presence in urban areas like Rio de Janeiro highlights their adaptability to diverse environments.
February 21, 2025—After more than 100 years in business, the iconic Confeitaria and Ipanema Diner is being dismantled, with the final letter of its its facade now coming down following their permanent closure in January. Located at the corner of Visconde de Pirajá and Joana Angélica in Ipanema, the beloved establishment had been a neighborhood staple since 1917. Its closure paves the way for a new real estate development by the construction company Mozak. The family-owned café was a cherished gathering spot for locals, deeply embedded in the neighborhood's cultural memory. The business predates both the construction of Nossa Senhora da Paz Church and the development of Visconde de Pirajá and Joana Angélica streets.
February 22. 2025—Balança Zona Sul, founded in 2018, joined hundreds who gathered for the vibrant street carnival group in Ipanema at Praça Nossa Senhora da Paz. After a successful run in Lapa, the bloco made its debut in Ipanema, this year's theme is "Women," honoring the strength and resilience of Carioca and Brazilian women.
February 25, 2025—Marmosets are a common sight along the Forte Duque de Caxias hiking trail leading up to the historic fort. These small, curious primates are known for their playful nature and big, expressive eyes. Visitors can hike the 800-meter trail to the top of Morro do Leme, enjoying both the historical site and the natural habitat of these small primates, native to the Atlantic Forest. Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting these species and their environment.
March
March 1, 2025—Tens of thousands joined the cherished tradition of the Banda de Ipanema bloco as it parades through the streets along the famous beach of Ipanema. Declared a cultural heritage of Rio de Janeiro in 2004, it was the first local treasure to receive this recognition.
Over the years, Banda de Ipanema has gained worldwide fame, founded in 1965, the bloco takes to the streets with only percussionists, musicians, and instruments, avoiding the use of a sound truck, a distinction that defines its signature style.
March 2, 2025—Unidos de Padre Miguel, one of the strongest schools in the Grupo de Acesso, parades with approximately 3,000 members during the Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2025 in the Sambadrome, the symbolic heart of Rio’s samba culture. The theme of the school is “Egbé Iyá Nassô,” honoring Brazil’s first Candomblé terreiro, highlighting the Black community's resilience and the power of African women in faith and identity. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and opened in 1984, the Sambadrome stretches for 2,300 feet, serving as the grand runway for the samba schools. During Carnival, each school spends up to 90 minutes parading, showcasing elaborate floats, dazzling costumes, and powerful baterias. Performances are judged on song, choreography, costume design, and overall cohesion.
March 3, 2025—Unidos do Viradouro, one of Rio’s top samba schools, parades with approximately 3,500 members during the Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2025 in the Sambadrome, the symbolic heart of Rio’s samba culture. Viradouro, a past champion, has solidified its reputation with innovative performances and breathtaking visual spectacles. The theme of the school was “Malunguinho: The Messenger of Three Worlds,” about the 19th-century hero and leader of the Quilombo do Catucá in Pernambuco. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and opened in 1984, the Sambadrome stretches for 2,300 feet, serving as the grand runway for the samba schools. During Carnival, each school spends around 90 minutes parading, showcasing elaborate floats, dazzling costumes, and powerful baterias.
March 3, 2025—Imperatriz Leopoldinense, a traditional powerhouse in Rio’s Carnival, will parades with approximately 3,500 members during the Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2025 in the Sambadrome, the symbolic heart of Rio’s samba culture. The school dominated in the 1990s and early 2000s, winning multiple championships with its spectacular performances. The theme of the school was “Ómi Tútu ao Olúfon - Água fresca para o senhor de Ifón,” telling the story of Oxalá’s journey to the kingdom of Oyó to visit Xangô. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and opened in 1984, the Sambadrome stretches for 2,300 feet, serving as the grand runway for the samba schools. During Carnival, each school spends around 80 minutes parading, showcasing elaborate floats, dazzling costumes, and powerful baterias.
March 3, 2025—Estação Primeira de Mangueira, one of Rio’s most beloved and historic samba schools, parades with approximately 4,000 members during the Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2025 in the Sambadrome, the symbolic heart of Rio’s samba culture. Founded in 1928, Mangueira is renowned for its rich tradition, iconic green and pink colors, and unforgettable performances that have earned multiple championships. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and opened in 1984, the Sambadrome stretches for 2,300 feet, serving as the grand runway for the samba schools. The theme of the school was “À Flor da Terra – No Rio da Negritude Entre Dores e Paixões,” a narrative about Black history with strong social themes connecting past and present. During Carnival, each school spends around 80 minutes parading, showcasing elaborate floats, dazzling costumes, and powerful baterias.
March 4, 2025—A musician in the bateria tosses up an Afoxe, an Afro-Brazilian percussion instrument, joining hundreds during Rio's most beloved street carnivals, the Bloco Empurra que Pega do Leblon on Fat Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 1990, this family-friendly bloco brings together revelers of all ages, with a lively parade and vibrant music making it a staple of Rio's Carnival celebrations. The name, which means "Push that Catches," refers to a local saying and is symbolized by a man with a beer and shopping cart.
March 4, 2025—Hundreds joined one of Rio's most beloved street carnivals, the Bloco Empurra que Pega do Leblon on Fat Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 1990, this family-friendly bloco brings together revelers of all ages, with a lively parade and vibrant music making it a staple of Rio's Carnival celebrations.
March 8, 2025—My wife Claudia dunks her head as we swam in a natural stream during a weekend in Guapimirim
March 16, 2025—Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, c, makes his entrance surrounded by thousands of supporters before speaking on the sands of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro at a protest aimed at pressuring the National Congress to approve a controversial bill that would grant amnesty to those jailed for their involvement in the January 8, 2023, attacks in Brasília. The rally comes just nine days before Brazil’s Supreme Court is scheduled to hold a crucial March 25 hearing at which a five-justice panel will decide whether Bolsonaro faces trial for alleged coup plotting. Last month, Bolsonaro was formally charged with his role in a failed plot to block his left-wing successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, from taking office following his victory in the October 2022 elections.
March 16, 2025—A message reading “SEM ANISTIA” (No Amnesty) is posted from the window of an apartment building, and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro speaks to thousands gathered on the sands of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro at a protest aimed at pressuring the National Congress to approve a controversial bill that would grant amnesty to those jailed for their involvement in the January 8, 2023, attacks in Brasília. The rally comes just nine days before Brazil’s Supreme Court is scheduled to hold a crucial March 25 hearing at which a five-justice panel will decide whether Bolsonaro faces trial for alleged coup plotting. Last month, Bolsonaro was formally charged with his role in a failed plot to block his left-wing successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, from taking office following his victory in the October 2022 elections.
March 16, 2025—Former President Jair Bolsonaro, alongside the leader of the opposition in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies, Lieutenant Colonel Luciano Lorenzini Zucco, waved to thousands of supporters as their motorcade drove through Copacabana. The crowd had gathered on the sands of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro for a protest aimed at pressuring the National Congress to approve a controversial bill granting amnesty to those jailed for their involvement in the January 8, 2023, attacks in Brasília.
The rally took place just nine days before a crucial March 25 hearing at Brazil’s Supreme Court, where a five-justice panel is set to decide whether Bolsonaro will stand trial for allegedly plotting a coup. Last month, Bolsonaro was formally charged for his role in a failed attempt to block his left-wing successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, from taking office after the October 2022 election.
March 16, 2025—Supporters of former Brazilian President JAIR BOLSONARO use a Brazilian flag to try and knock the phone from a supporter of current President LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA after they taunted each other. Supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro gathered on the sands of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro for a protest aimed at pressuring the National Congress to approve a controversial bill granting amnesty to those jailed for their involvement in the January 8, 2023, attacks in Brazilia.
March 30, 2025—Born and raised in Rio, JULIA KLEIN, 22, picked up the violin at age two and never looked back. On Sunday, she brought her music to the beachfront boardwalk in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, through sound, movement, and emotion. When the weather cooperates, she plays around the Rio area seven days a week. Every song in her repertoire tells a story, influenced by her journey and those who’ve shared it with her.
March 30, 2025—CLARIANA MAIA, founder of FazBola, fills the Arpoador boardwalk in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, with giant soap bubbles as part of her mission to bring joy through interactive workshops and events. Since 2018, FazBola has offered hands-on bubble-making experiences at public squares and celebrations across the city.
April
April 3, 2025—Top athletes clash on the sands of Copacabana Beach at the 2025 ITF Rio Pro BT 400, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic coastline. With a prize pool of R$ 205,000, the tournament promises electrifying matches, intense excitement, and a true spectacle of skill and athleticism as the world’s best battle for glory on the sands of Copacabana.
April 18, 2025—Hundreds of the faithful gather in solemn devotion during the Procissão do Encontro on Good Friday at Nossa Senhora da Paz Church in Ipanema. As statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary are carried through the streets, worshippers reflect on the Passion of Christ with prayers, hymns and reverent silence. The evening culminated in quiet veneration inside the church, where many seek comfort and spiritual renewal.
April 18, 2025—Hundreds of the faithful gather in solemn devotion during the Procissão do Encontro on Good Friday at Nossa Senhora da Paz Church in Ipanema. As statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary are carried through the streets, worshippers reflect on the Passion of Christ with prayers, hymns and reverent silence. The evening culminated in quiet veneration inside the church, where many seek comfort and spiritual renewal.
April 20, 2025—I rarely post personal images in this space but this was a monumental one. We celebrated a very happy 17th birthday with the world’s most spoiled dog, Bodhi and his annual birthday portrait. A long life is a blessing, but a life long loved is the greatest gift. So grateful for every moment we've shared with our beautiful boy. Bodhi crossed the Rainbow Bridge on September 25th, there will never be a more loyal friend. I miss you ever day puppy.
April 26, 2025—As seen from the top of Duque de Caxias Fort, a giant stage rises on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, one week before Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated “Mehem” tour performance. Organizers expect a crowd of up to two million fans for the free open-air concert along the iconic shoreline.
April 27, 2025—Tandem hang gliders soar high above the Pedra Bonita launch site in Rio de Janeiro, with the iconic Pedra da Gávea mountain in the background, en route to landing on Pepino Beach in São Conrado. Pedra Bonita, rising about 520 meters (1,700 feet) above sea level, is one of the world’s most popular urban hang gliding spots, drawing thrill-seekers year-round for breathtaking flights over lush rainforest and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.
April 29, 2025—Hundreds gathered outside the iconic Copacabana Palace, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lady Gaga ahead of her much-anticipated free concert on Copacabana Beach, expected to draw 1.6 million fans. The show, projected to generate R$600 million in economic impact, surpasses even Madonna’s historic 2024 performance and positions Gaga as both a cultural force and a magnet for major brand sponsorships.
April 29, 2025—A Lady Gaga fan screams for her to come out as hundreds gathered outside the iconic Copacabana Palace, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lady Gaga ahead of her much-anticipated free concert on Copacabana Beach, expected to draw 1.6 million fans. The show, projected to generate R$600 million in economic impact, surpasses even Madonna’s historic 2024 performance and positions Gaga as both a cultural force and a magnet for major brand sponsorships.
May
May 23, 2025—Pro surfer BERNARDO BORDOVSKY carves his way through waves at Arpoador, Rio de Janeiro, a spot revered by locals and international riders alike. Bordovsky represents the new generation of Rio surfers, combining refined technique, dedication and a deep passion for the waves. His journey from local competitions to the global stage reflects the vibrant and competitive spirit of surfing in Rio de Janeiro.
May 27, 2025—One juvenile marmoset pulls on the foot of another as the two play together. These primates play a key role in the Atlantic Forest by dispersing seeds and supporting biodiversity. On May 27, Atlantic Forest Day commemorates the 1560 ‘Letter of São Vicente,’ the first document to describe this rich ecosystem. Although only 7% of the forest remains, it still supports 145 million people and 60% of Brazil’s endangered species. Sites like Forte Duque de Caxias in Rio highlight its natural and cultural heritage.
May 28, 2025—Beach vendor ERICK OLIVEIRA selling mate and Biscoito Globo along Ipanema Beach. Mayor Eduardo Paes has issued a new decree regulating beach vendors in Rio de Janeiro, citing the need for urban order, public safety, and environmental protection. Starting June 1, vendors must obtain permits for activities ranging from selling food to playing music, and beach huts will switch from colorful names to numbered identifiers. While officials argue that the rules will help preserve the beach environment, critics worry they may dampen the city's famously lively beach culture.
May 28, 2025—A woman walks past a boardwalk kiosk on Ipanema Beach. Mayor Eduardo Paes has issued a new decree regulating beach vendors in Rio de Janeiro, citing the need for urban order, public safety, and environmental protection. Starting June 1, vendors must obtain permits for activities ranging from selling food to playing music, and beach huts will transition from colorful names to numbered identifiers. While officials argue the rules will help preserve the beach environment, critics worry they may dampen the city's famously lively beach culture.
May 31, 2025—Pedro Quental and Renato Biguli form a heart with their hands while singing with their Brazilian street band, Monobloco who brought their signature bloco sound to the Vivo na Praia festival, a celebration of music, beach culture and community on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 2000, the group has reimagined samba with elements of rock, funk and Música popular brasileira, turning every performance into a street party.
June
June 1, 2025—As part of his farewell Tempo Rei tour, Gilberto Gil welcomed Chico Buarque for a powerful duet of “Cálice.” This song that they co-wrote in the 70’s was a symbol of resistance against the dictatorship, still echoes with strength and poetry. This haunting anthem, once silenced under the military regime, still echoes today with fierce urgency and poetic strength. The title “Cálice” is a homophone for “cale-se,” which means “shut up” in Portuguese, transforming a religious symbol, the chalice, into a metaphor for censorship and repression. The repeated plea, “Pai, afasta de mim esse cálice” (“Father, take this chalice away from me”) echoes the lament of Jesus, but here it becomes a cry against authoritarian forces that sought to silence an entire people. To witness these two legends together, in such a meaningful moment, was a profound privilege. Brazilian music doesn’t just captivate, it protests, remembers, and resists.
June 5, 2025—A young surfista waits for a wave in Arpoador
June 6, 2025—A kitesurfer goes airborne as strong winds sweep across Rio de Janeiro’s coastline. Kitesurfers and hydrofoil riders flocked to Leblon Beach, turning the popular stretch of sand into a colorful display of sails and skill.
June 8, 2025—NELSON NEL of Brazil eyes a return as athletes compete during the 2nd stage of the 2025 Carioca Circuit of Frescobol on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The tournament, part of the national Brazilian championship, features five-minute cooperative rallies where players maintain rhythm and a seven-meter distance without letting the ball drop. Recognized as intangible heritage, frescobol embodies the soul of the city, where the sun, sea, and shared rhythm of life converge.
June 10, 2025—Bodyboarder Erik Silviino carves through the powerful shorebreak at Diabo Beach, just off Ipanema, on a warm June afternoon. Many of the riders spent the weekend in Niterói for the Itacoatiara Pro 25 before hitting the waves in Ipanema. The conditions were ideal with a moderate swell and offshore winds.
June 10, 2025—Pro bodyboarder Patricia Setubal carves through the powerful shorebreak at Diabo Beach, just off Ipanema, on a warm June afternoon after spent time in Niterói for the Itacoatiara Pro 25 before hitting the waves in Ipanema. The conditions were ideal with a moderate swell and offshore winds.
June 22, 2025—Runners touch a sign saying ‘Energy Here’ as they pass through Ipanema during the 2025 Rio de Janeiro Marathon on Sunday, June 22. With a course that showcases Rio’s stunning coastline, including Copacabana, Ipanema, and Sugarloaf Mountain, the marathon has become a global celebration of endurance, health, and community.
June 28, 2025—Bodhi’s cousin Brancinha eating breakfast in Guapimirim, RJ
July
July 4, 2025—In front of Rio’s iconic Two Brothers mountain, a Burrowing Owl perches on the sands of Ipanema Beach, an uncommon but not unheard-of sight along the city's coast. With its piercing yellow eyes, long legs, and ground-dwelling habits, this small owl is typically found in open fields or grasslands, nesting in burrows dug by other animals. Its presence on a bustling urban beach reveals the surprising adaptability of wildlife, even amid the rhythms of city life.
July 4, 2025—Brazilian Army soldiers stand guard on Avenida Atlântica in Copacabana, positioned in front of a VBTP-MR Guarani armored personnel carrier, a domestically developed military vehicle. Leaders and delegates gather in Rio de Janeiro for the BRICS Summit, hosted by Brazil as it assumes the 2025 presidency of the group. The expanded bloc now includes 11 major emerging economies—South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, China, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran, and Russia. Over 35 international delegations are expected to attend the event.
July 5, 2025—Paddleboarders give thanks taking to the water at sunrise as new Stand Up Paddle (SUP) regulations go into effect at 6 a.m. Saturday in Copacabana. Prompted by 77 rescues in a single day, the rules mandate licensed instructors, limited student-to-teacher ratios, and stricter safety gear, including life jackets and communication radios.
July 5, 2025—TATIANE BISPO and RAPHAEL MEIRA practice forró at sunrise on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, moving to the rhythm of the traditional Brazilian dance as the day begins along the iconic shoreline.
July 5, 2025—A fisherman casts his line off Ipanema Beach as the Brazilian Navy frigate Independência (F-43), a Niterói-class vessel, looms in the background. Leaders and delegates gather in Rio de Janeiro for the BRICS Summit, hosted by Brazil as it assumes the 2025 presidency of the group. The expanded bloc now includes 11 major emerging economies—South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, China, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran, and Russia. Over 35 international delegations are expected to attend the event.
July 11, 2025—Powered paraglider Joao Osborne soars above Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, catching the coastal breeze on a clear July afternoon. The vibrant canopy and open sky reflecting the city’s signature mix of adrenaline and beauty.
July 12, 2025—Hundreds gathered on Copacabana Beach for the 20th edition of Yoga at Sunrise. The annual event celebrates two decades of sunrise yoga sessions, uniting wellness enthusiasts for a morning of movement and mindfulness against the iconic backdrop of Rio’s coastline. The event begins 45 minutes before the first ray of sunlight, during a time known as Brahma Muhurta, which means ‘the time of the creator.’
July 12, 2025—Hundreds gathered on Copacabana Beach for the 20th edition of Yoga at Sunrise. The annual event celebrates two decades of sunrise yoga sessions, uniting wellness enthusiasts for a morning of movement and mindfulness against the iconic backdrop of Rio’s coastline. The event begins 45 minutes before the first ray of sunlight, during a time known as Brahma Muhurta, which means ‘the time of the creator.’
July 13, 2025—The Parish of Our Lady of Peace (Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Paz) in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, lit up the streets with a lively procession to celebrate its Patron Saint's Feast Day. Adding to the festivities, the church also marked a significant milestone, recently reaching its 102nd anniversary.
July 15, 2025—A tufted capuchin bares its teeth in a dramatic display atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Native to South America’s Atlantic forests, these intelligent primates are known for their expressive behavior and adaptability.
July 15, 2025—After crossing herself while gazing at the Christ the Redeemer statue, a Nun clasps her hands in prayer. The statue stands 98 feet tall atop Rio’s Corcovado Mountain, overlooking the city with open arms. Built between 1922 and 1931, the Art Deco statue was a collaborative effort between Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski. Made from soapstone and reinforced concrete, it has become a global symbol of Christianity and an enduring icon of Brazil, representing peace, hospitality, and the spirit of the Brazilian people. Designated one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it remains a powerful emblem of the nation’s cultural and spiritual identity.
July 15, 2025—The Christ the Redeemer statue stands 98 feet tall atop Rio’s Corcovado Mountain, overlooking the city with open arms. Built between 1922 and 1931, the Art Deco statue was a collaborative effort between Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski. Made from soapstone and reinforced concrete, it has become a global symbol of Christianity and an enduring icon of Brazil, representing peace, hospitality, and the spirit of the Brazilian people. Designated one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it remains a powerful emblem of the nation’s cultural and spiritual identity.
July 16, 2025—After ascending Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) aboard Rio de Janeiro’s iconic cable car on a crisp winter afternoon, we were treated to stunning sunset views of the distant Christ the Redeemer statue. Inaugurated in 1912, the Sugarloaf cable car remains one of Brazil’s most beloved attractions. At the summit’s Parque Bondinho, we witnessed a lively performance by singer Marcelle Britto alongside Djferson Mendes, Carnaval’s Rei Momo in 2019, 2023, and 2025—who brought the spirit of carnival to the mountaintop.
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July 16, 2025—A man walks up the vibrant mosaic staircase known as the AmoRal Staircase, created by Brazilian artist Júlio Pedroso, winding through the Pavão‑Pavãozinho community in Copacabana. Using discarded tiles, plates, mirrors, and ceramics collected from waste and donations, Pedrosa transformed a once-neglected 77‑step set into a modern reinterpretation of Rio’s iconic Escadaria Selarón. The steps, crafted with love and local participation, serve as both a creative expression of neighborhood pride and a tribute to the city’s rich tradition of public art.
July 22, 2025—A juvenile Magellanic penguin made a surprise appearance off Praia do Arpoador in Rio de Janeiro, swimming alongside surfers and delighting beachgoers as it rode gentle winter waves. In recent weeks, sightings of these Patagonian visitors have increased along Arpoador and Ipanema, as the seabirds migrate north during the austral winter in search of food and cooler waters, sometimes straying into urban beaches along Rio’s southern coast.
July 22, 2025—A juvenile Magellanic penguin made a surprise appearance off Praia do Arpoador in Rio de Janeiro, swimming alongside surfers and delighting beachgoers as it rode gentle winter waves. In recent weeks, sightings of these Patagonian visitors have increased along Arpoador and Ipanema, as the seabirds migrate north during the austral winter in search of food and cooler waters, sometimes straying into urban beaches along Rio’s southern coast.
July 23, 2025—Two surfers scramble for position on a small but snappy morning wave, one driving down the line, the other mid-air in a dramatic drop. Sometimes the best surf shots are the ones that capture the chaos.
July 24, 2025—A woman sits alone on a stone bench along the Arpoador boardwalk in Rio de Janeiro as dark storm clouds gather overhead. The approaching storm brought winds and signaled a shift in the city's typically sunny winter weather.
July 25, 2025—JOSE GERALDO DA SILVA wipes a tear from his eye joining thousands of fans who gathered at Rio de Janeiro’s Theatro Municipal to bid farewell to singer and cultural icon Preta Gil, whose public ceremony honored her legacy with music, tributes and a special ‘Bloco da Preta’ celebration in the heart of Cinelândia. The 50-year-old artist died Sunday in New York following cancer treatment.
July 25, 2025—Francisco Gil, the only son of Preta Gil, prays over her, joining thousands of fans, friends, and family who gathered at Rio de Janeiro’s Theatro Municipal to bid farewell to the singer and cultural icon. The public ceremony honored Preta Gil’s legacy with music, tributes, and a special ‘Bloco da Preta’ celebration in the heart of Cinelândia. The 50-year-old artist died on Sunday in New York following cancer treatment.
July 26, 2025—BRENDA MOURA, a 12-year-old surfer, carves through the waves at Arpoador, Rio de Janeiro, on Saturday morning. Known as the birthplace of Brazilian surfing, Arpoador has seen generations of athletes rise, and Moura’s fearless performance hints at a promising future in the sport, the young talent already making waves in Brazil’s surf scene.
July 27, 2025—Surfer BENJAMIN D’OREY launches into the air at Arpoador, trying to hold onto his board during a dynamic maneuver, with Rio’s Vidigal neighborhood rising in the background, one of the city’s most iconic surf spots known for powerful waves and stunning urban views.
July 28, 2025—Ian Mello, fashion model, poses during a beachside photo shoot on the iconic Ipanema Orla in Arpoador, Rio de Janeiro.
July 29, 2025—Workers from the La Carioca kiosk attempt to save a cabinet that was washed away in the aftermath of a powerful winter storm that sent ocean waves surging over the beach in a rare storm surge event. Rio de Janeiro municipal cleaning crews from Comlurb were dispatched to help clean up the flooding along the Leblon boardwalk and Delfim Moreira Avenue. The violent surge caused significant damage to several beachfront kiosks and scattered debris across the normally bustling coastline."
July 29, 2025—Isabela Moura and her dog Goku walk along a flooded Delfim Moreira Avenue, as Rio de Janeiro municipal cleaning crews from Comlurb were dispatched to clean up the aftermath of a powerful winter storm that sent ocean waves surging over the beach in a rare storm surge event, flooding the Leblon boardwalk and Delfim Moreira Avenue. The violent surge caused significant damage to several beachfront kiosks and scattered debris across the normally bustling coastline.
July 30, 2025—Rio de Janeiro Municipal cleaning crews from Comlurb were dispatched to help clean up the aftermath of a powerful winter storm that sent ocean waves surging over the beach in a rare storm surge event, flooding the Leblon boardwalk and Delfim Moreira Avenue.
August
August 1, 2025—Pro surfer GABRIEL PALMEIRA of Rio de Janeiro deep in the barrel at Arpoador, mastering one of surfing’s most iconic maneuvers. Arpoador, wedged between Ipanema and Copacabana, is famed for its consistent left-hand waves and dramatic sunrise conditions, drawing both local pros and early-rising crowds to the rocky point break year-round.
August 3, 2025—Senator FLAVIO BOLSONARO holds a phone to a microphone so supporters at a rally on Copacabana beach can hear a live message from his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro As Bolsonaro's voice echoed through the crowd, supporters aboard a trio eletrico recorded the moment on their phones, aiming to spread it across social media. The appearance, despite a court ban on social media and political engagement, led Brazil's Supreme Court to order Bolsonaro to house arrest the following day. Justice Alexandre de Moraes called the act a clear violation of restrictions imposed amid ongoing investigations into an alleged coup attempt.
August 3, 2025—Thousands of supporters of former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro gathered on Rio’s Copacabana waterfront for the ‘Reaja, Brasil’ (React, Brazil) protest, denouncing political persecution ahead of his upcoming coup attempt trial. Bolsonaro, under court-ordered restrictions, did not appear but phone into his son during the rally. The demonstration aims to regroup his hard-core base amid turbulence, including backlash to sanctions on Donald Trump, Lula’s rising popularity, and Bolsonaro’s recent legal defeats.
August 10, 2025—At sunrise, athletes get ready to compete in the BBA IRONMAN 70.3 Rio de Janeiro, racing through one of the sport’s most scenic and celebrated courses. Since its debut in 2015, the event has drawn top international fields to Rio’s coastline. The race begins with a swim off Copacabana Beach, followed by a bike ride along Olympic routes and finishes with a run beside the bay in Flamengo.
August 10, 2025—Athletes line up at the age group swim start to compete in the BBA IRONMAN 70.3 Rio de Janeiro, racing through one of the sport’s most scenic and celebrated courses. Since its debut in 2015, the event has drawn top international fields to Rio’s coastline. The race begins with a swim off Copacabana Beach, followed by a bike ride along Olympic routes and finishes with a run beside the bay in Flamengo.
August 10, 2025—Children play in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro
August 16, 2025—KAYKE FELIPE DOS SANTOS DE OLIVEIRA from Rio das Pedras connects with a Scissor kick vs. Jacarezinho as they battle in the opening round of the prestigious Rio de Futebol de Praia Cup on Copacabana Beach. This tournament showcases top teams from across Rio de Janeiro’s communities and will run through December. Beach soccer, which originated on the sands of Copacabana in the 1920s, remains a vibrant tradition in the city’s sporting culture.
August 17,2025—A para-athlete propels himself forward on a skateboard alongside thousands of runners during the 27th Rio de Janeiro International Half Marathon. The sold-out event drew up to 25,000 participants, showcasing determination and inclusivity on the city’s iconic streets.
August 17, 2025—Thousands of runners run through Ipanema as they filled the streets of Rio de Janeiro for the 27th Rio de Janeiro International Half Marathon. The event offered 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km races with up to 25,000 participants. Brazil assembled a strong team of 19 athletes competing in the South American championships.
August 20, 2025—A snowy egret stands poised along the waters of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio de Janeiro. The lagoon, a favorite escape for locals and visitors alike, is also home to a rich variety of birdlife that thrives in the heart of the bustling city.
August 30, 2025—A leaf-nosed bat hangs upside down from the eaves of an apartment window in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro. The city is home to more than 70 bat species that contribute to its delicate urban ecosystem. In the nearby Atlantic Forest, bats feed on fruit, nectar, and insects, aiding in seed dispersal and pollination. In urban areas, they are often spotted roosting in buildings, a reminder of how Rio’s wildlife adapts to human-made habitats.
August 31, 2025—Supported by Fire Department Lifeguards, disabled athlete JERRY FERNANDEZ DE SOUZA proudly finishes the 1.5 km challenge helped onto the beach during the Travessia de Copa, Brazil’s largest open-water race. Hundreds of swimmers took part in the iconic event.
August 31, 2025—Hundreds of swimmers take off at the start of the Travessia de Copa, Brazil’s largest open-water race, crossing between the historic forts of Copacabana and Leme. The event, featuring 1.5 km and 3.8 km courses, transforms Rio’s iconic shoreline into the stage for the country’s most celebrated aquatic challenge.
August 31, 2025—Farm Etc lit up Praça Nossa Senhora da Paz with food, music & lifestyle vibes—taking Rio’s energy beyond fashion into surfboards, skates, backpacks & home décor. Brazilian personality Milton Cunha brought his signature sparkle as MC, turning the launch into pure Carioca celebration.
September
September 3, 2025—Five-year-old BENJI, a Jack Russell Terrier, rides the waves at Arpoador Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Since catching his first wave two years ago, Benji has become a beloved fixture on Rio’s iconic shore, charming both beachgoers and seasoned surfers with his impressive skills.
September 4, 2025—Surfers ride the waves at Arpoador in Rio de Janeiro, a world-famous surf break nestled between Ipanema and Copacabana. Known for its powerful waves and golden sunsets, Arpoador is a gathering spot where locals and visitors alike come to surf, watch, and celebrate Rio’s beach culture.
September 4, 2025—A movie crew filming at Arpoador, Rio de Janeiro, with actors Ingrid Guimarães and Mônica Martelli on set. The scene adds to the city’s reputation as a backdrop for both surfing and cinema. Filming took place in Lisbon, Seville, and Rio de Janeiro, including scenes at Arpoador and Ipanema. Their new comedy, Minha Amiga, will explore the lives of two longtime friends in their 50s who, after their teenage daughters go on exchange programs to Portugal, embark on a European adventure to reconnect and rediscover themselves. Directed by Susana Garcia, Minha Amiga is scheduled for release in Brazilian cinemas on December 25, 2025.
September 7, 2025—A man holds a sign saying, ‘Amnesty Now!’ joining approximately 42,000 supporters who rallied on Copacabana Beach for the ‘Reaja Brasil’ (Brazil Reacts) protest on Brazil’s Independence Day. The demonstration, held in protest of former president Jair Bolsonaro’s house arrest, comes just days before a key verdict in his legal case. Experts have described Bolsonaro’s trial as ‘historic,’ noting that it is the first time high-ranking officials accused of an attempted coup are being subjected to a criminal trial.
September 7, 2025—Senator FLAVIO BOLSONARO son of the former President of Brazil speaks to approximately 42,000 supporters who rallied on Copacabana Beach for the ‘Reaja Brasil’ (Brazil Reacts) protest on Brazil’s Independence Day. The demonstration, held in protest of former president Jair Bolsonaro’s house arrest, comes just days before a key verdict in his legal case. Experts have described Bolsonaro’s trial as ‘historic,’ noting that it is the first time high-ranking officials accused of an attempted coup are being subjected to a criminal trial.
September 15, 2025—Tourists aboard a whale-watching boat in Juneau, Alaska, observe a humpback whale as it surfaces near the vessel during a wildlife excursion.
September 16, 2025— All aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route in Skagway, Alaska. Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today it climbs steep grades, crosses dizzying trestles, and winds through mountains that stampeders once braved on foot. After climbing around 3000 feet, we hopped off and were given bikes to make it back to Skagway. Crossing the US/Canadian border in the process for an amazing ride through history and into the clouds and back.
September 20, 2025—Namaste Canada 2025: Celebrating the Vibrant Colours of India at Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza. Now in its 8th edition, this beloved cultural festival brings the heart of India to the heart of Vancouver, uniting communities through music, dance, food, and tradition in a joyful, inclusive celebration of diversity.
September 26, 2025—Canadian BRANDIE WILKERSON celebrates on match point vs. Americans Corinne Quiggle and Chloe Loreen, joining top international beach volleyball teams compete at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite16 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of the 2025 global circuit. The tournament brings together the sport’s elite, with Olympic qualification points and world rankings on the line, all set against the iconic backdrop of Copacabana Beach.
September 27, 2025—Casa De Marimbondo performed at Plaza Nossa Senhora da Paz in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, during the "Chefs na Praça" festival. The event, now in its second year, brings together some of the city’s top culinary talent with the unmistakable sound of the ‘Marvelous City’ of Rio.
October
October 3, 2025—A Snowy Egret preens its feathers in the shallows of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. The iconic urban lagoon, surrounded by Rio's South Zone neighborhoods, serves as a vital habitat for local and migratory bird species. The egret, known for its striking white plumage and yellow facial skin, highlights the rich biodiversity that thrives within the city's wetlands.
October 4, 2025—PADRE JORGE LUIZ NEVES PEREIRA DA SILVA blessed over 100 pet owners who gathered at Praça Nossa Senhora da Paz in Ipanema, spreading prayers and holy water, as Nossa Senhora da Paz Church celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with the traditional Blessing of the Animals, honoring the patron saint of ecology and all creatures great and small.
Octover 6, 2025—Ramon Andrade plays the trumpet on the boardwalk at Arpoador in Rio de Janeiro, as hundreds gather to watch the sunset in front of the silhouette of the iconic Two Brothers mountains.
October 13, 2025—A capybara stands in a newly restored naturalized area at Rio de Janeiro’s Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. The city’s nature-based project diverted a bike path to reduce flooding and revive the lagoon’s ecosystem, its first major restoration in more than a century. A family of ten capybaras, five adults and five pups, now lives along the lagoon’s edge, thriving in the renewed habitat. Capybaras, South America’s largest rodents and semi-aquatic by nature, have become a familiar and beloved sight in Rio’s urban green spaces.
October 20, 2025—Surfer BENJAMIN D'OREY launches into the air at Arpoador, trying to hold onto his board during a dynamic maneuver, one of the city's most iconic surf spots known for powerful waves and stunning urban views.
October 26, 2025—14-year-old Caua Demski celebrates with friends after winning the sub 16 category in the Tyr Energy Circuit Arpoador Surf Club Arpex Groms 2025 competition at Praia do Arpoador in Rio de Janeiro. The annual event highlights emerging talent in Brazil’s junior surf scene, with boys and girls competing in several age divisions. “Groms” is surf slang for young, up-and-coming surfers. Arpoador, considered the birthplace of Brazilian surfing, is an iconic break known for its consistent waves and passionate local surf culture.
Maria Eduarda carves her way through the waves during the Tyr Energy Circuit Arpoador Surf Club Arpex Groms 2025 competition at Praia do Arpoador in Rio de Janeiro. Maria won the Girls Sub-16 age division during the annual event highlighting emerging talent in Brazil’s junior surf scene. “Groms” is surf slang for young, up-and-coming surfers. Arpoador, considered the birthplace of Brazilian surfing, is an iconic break known for its consistent waves and passionate local surf culture.
November
November 1, 2025—On a hot autumn day, a caramel-colored vira-lata (mixed-breed street dog) rests in the shade cast by a canopy of rainbow umbrellas in Penedo’s Finnish-themed village. Known for its year-round holiday charm, the mountain town in Rio de Janeiro state blends European-inspired streets with the warmth, and resilience of Brazil’s street dogs
November 1, 2025—The legendary Brazilian band Blitz performs at the Penedo Music & Beer Festival on Saturday night. The event, held in the mountain town’s Finnish-themed district, drew large crowds for two nights of live music and local craft beer.
November 11, 2025—A juvenile Yellow-headed Caracara perches on the back of a resting capybara along the mangroves at Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Common throughout Brazil’s wetlands and urban parks, these adaptable raptors are often seen riding on large mammals such as capybaras or cattle, feeding on ticks and insects they uncover. The peaceful pairing highlights a moment of easy coexistence in the heart of the city’s natural sanctuary.
November 14, 2025—A resting capybara pup rolls onto his back as a juvenile Yellow-headed Caracara looks to groom him along the mangroves at Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Common throughout Brazil’s wetlands and urban parks, these adaptable raptors are often seen riding on large mammals such as capybaras or cattle, feeding on ticks and insects they uncover. The peaceful pairing highlights a moment of easy coexistence in the heart of the city’s natural sanctuary.
November 21, 2025—Nathan Hereda winning the Open division of the third stage of the TYR Circuit Energia Arpoador Surf Club 2025, the circuit’s most traditional and eagerly awaited stop, the iconic Arpoador Clássico. Known for its powerful waves and vibrant atmosphere, a true celebration of surf culture at one of Brazil’s most legendary breaks.
Surfista Guilherme Barreto after winning the Local GROM division of the third stage of the TYR Circuit Energia Arpoador Surf Club 2025, the circuit’s most traditional and eagerly awaited stop, the iconic Arpoador Clássico. Known for its powerful waves and vibrant atmosphere, a true celebration of surf culture at one of Brazil’s most legendary breaks.
November 23, 2025—Drag star Bee Cha Eder strike a pose during Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Pride Parade marks 30 years of LGBTI+ history with a powerful message of inclusion and sustainability. It remains one of the world’s largest Pride events. This historic edition honors the LGBTI+ community’s journey and highlights the vital role of tourism in social transformation. A global symbol of solidarity, the parade reaffirms Rio’s commitment to diversity, respect and a sustainable future for all.
November 23, 2025—A couple kisses in front of a 430’ Pride flag during Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Pride Parade marking 30 years of LGBTI+ history with a powerful message of inclusion and sustainability. It remains one of the world’s largest Pride events. This historic edition honors the LGBTI+ community’s journey and highlights the vital role of tourism in social transformation. A global symbol of solidarity, the parade reaffirms Rio’s commitment to diversity, respect and a sustainable future for all.
November 30, 2025—Gypsy and Flamenco dance performance by the students of the Raquel Jordão Center at the Instituto Francisca de Jesus in Rio de Janeiro.
December 4, 2025—A firefighter dressed as Santa Claus traded his sleigh for a jetski, arriving at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro to surprise children battling cancer, disabilities, and rare diseases during the annual Grains of Gratitude Christmas event. The full-day program treats young patients to beach games, ocean activities, and special demonstrations before Santa’s splashy arrival and gift distribution.
December 4, 2025—A Rio de Janeiro firefighter leaps from a fire department helicopter hovering above the surf as part of a water-rescue demonstration on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
December 4, 2025—A Brown Booby itches his ear as he perches confidently on a dock light at Copacabana Beach, calmly surveying the shoreline as waves roll in behind it. Known for their agile diving skills, Brown Boobies can plunge spectacularly into the ocean to catch fish. These tropical seabirds are often seen resting on coastal structures, making this relaxed visitor a classic sight along Brazil’s shoreline.
December 6, 2025—The Arvore do Rio floating Christmas tree returned to the waters of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas for the first time since 2019. Standing 60 meters tall and illuminated by 900,000 LED lights, the floating spectacle was inaugurated before crowds lining the lagoon and will remain lit through Kings Day. First introduced in 1996, the Lagoa tree has long been a cherished holiday tradition and one of Rio’s most anticipated seasonal attractions.