The beach is the expression of an attitude toward life. Women come in kangas (a type of sarong) and reveal their tangas (bikinis) quickly, while men wear T-shirts and Speedo-type bathing suits called sungas (unless you are a surfer, and in that case you wear well-fitted surfer shorts).

The women use their kangas to lay down on the sand while men sit on their shorts. Of course, this doesn't apply if you're gay: do get your kanga, they're very practical! Only a tourist would use a towel, wear a loose swim short and carry a beach bag complete with watch, camera, cell phone and book - a dead give-away for the ratos de praia, the beach 'rats' that wait until you and your partner go romantically into the sea before taking your belongings.

To mitigate this risk, better ask someone nearby to watch your valuables, and then reciprocate, though Cariocas probably won't have much for you to keep an eye on.

The beach plays a critical role in the social cohesion of a city that is usually so restless. Squeezed between the sea and the mountains, Rio’s urban environment is one of the most dense in the world. So the beach becomes everyone’s garden – from those living in the million-dollar apartments right behind to those living in the favelas right above.

It is the one social arena where rich and poor mingle and play sports. Everyone looks similar, everyone is welcome.

The beach is a great equalizer, from that perspective. And for the poorer residents especially, staying at the beach is an expression of freedom, of liberty, of space that they lack in their shabby shanty-towns. Going to the beach possibly reduces their strain, diffuses their anger. It’s an essential outlet.