Brazil, the world's largest Catholic nation, held its first-ever Christmas carnival this week. Although Brazilian carnivals are famous worldwide – this is the first one which is timed to coincide with this holiday.

This winter has turned to be very warm for Europeans. Inhabitants in Rio de Janeiro are having similar problems as Muscovites – thousands of them had to stand in the dripping rain to watch Brazil's first Christmas Parade.

The new festival  incorporates traditions and know-how of Rio's top carnivals, such as the February Samba School Parade. It was held on Copacabana Beach, a place known to tourists for its annual New Year's Party.

More than 600,000 people are expected to participate in the 2007 New Year's Party on the Beach. Supporting the event is attractive for local hotels – they bear a large part of the expenses, which end up at more than $US 1.2 MLN.

Normally, everyone gathers on Copacabana Beach for the festivals around the New Year. This time they gathered earlier. The Christmas Carnival is expected to become yet another Brazilian tradition – it is already down in Rio's Official Calendar.