VIDEO Madonna held a free mega-concert on Cobacabana beach, which was attended by 1.6 million fans

More than a million people flocked to Brazil’s Copacabana beach on Saturday for a free concert by Madonna, braving high temperatures to witness the finale of her “Celebration” world tour.

The sand and oceanfront boulevard around Rio de Janeiro’s famous beach and several adjacent streets were occupied by a large crowd of people, estimated by the municipality at 1.6 million people.

Many were there for hours or even days to get a good spot, while wealthier fans anchored dozens of boats near the beach. Other spectators crowded into apartments in buildings near the beach

Firefighters sprayed water before the concert, when temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius, to cool fans gathered near the pop queen’s stage, and drinking water was distributed free of charge. The temperature was around 27 C (81 F) during the show.

Madonna, 65, performed songs including “Like a Prayer,” “Vogue” and “Express Yourself” for more than two hours, starting at 10:45 p.m. local time (01:45 GMT Sunday), ending greatest hits tour started late last year.

“Rio, here we are, in the most beautiful place in the world, with the ocean, with the mountains, with Jesus,” Madonna told the crowd, referring to the giant statue atop the city’s mountain.

The show featured Brazilian pop artists Anitta and Pabllo Vittar, as well as younger musicians from samba schools.

More than 3,000 police were deployed around the concert area, where the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart have also drawn crowds of millions in the past.

Brazilian authorities have stepped up precautions against heat-related health problems after a young Brazilian fan died of heat exhaustion at a Taylor Swift concert last year.

State and Rio city authorities said they spent 20 million reais ($3.9 million) on the concert, with the rest covered by private sponsors.

The authorities estimate that this concert could bring about 300 million reais to the economy of the city of Rio.