Ipanema is an affluent neighbourhood located in the South Zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), between Leblon and Arpoador. The beach at Ipanema became widely known by the song "The Girl from Ipanema" ("Garota de Ipanema").
Ipanema is adjacent to Copacabana and Leblon Beach, but it is distinct from its neighbour. Ipanema is one of the most expensive places to live in Rio with world-class restaurants, shops, and cafes.
At the forefront of its beach culture are the many surfers and sun worshipers who socialise daily at the beach.
Ipanema has played a role in the culture of Rio de Janeiro since its beginning, with its own universities, art galleries, theaters and cafes.
It holds a street parade, the Banda de Ipanema, during Carnival festivities, separate from those of Rio de Janeiro, attracting up to 50,000 people to the streets of Ipanema.
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