And FWIW, most people don't go to the beach until 1100 PM.............the stream of humanity flowing from the apartments in Copacabana onto the roads is something else. But it works just fine. I've made the walk from my place on Figueiredo do Magalhaes by Copa D'Or Hospital down to the beach and back without issue, probably 7-8 times.

Looking at the big picture can be deceiving, once on the ground, all you will see is your immediate surroundings and it is genuinely comparable to leaving a big soccer match or a concert.

It's busier than usual all day at the beach if the weather is hot, just like a holiday weekend, but the rest of the crowd comes out at the last minute for the fireworks, and then goes home at 1230 when it's over.

I wouldn't go to the beach at 500 PM with plans of staying there until the fireworks. But that is just me. Many undoubtably do, several stay all day, and sleep there at night as well.