Copacabana

Copacabana is a borough located in the southern zone of the city Rio de Janeiro, famous for its 4 km beach.

The district was originally called Sacopenapã until the mid-18th century. It was renamed after the construction of a chapel holding a replica of the Virgin of Copacabana, Bolivia. It was incorporated into the city on July 6, 1892.

Copacabana begins at Princesa Isabel Avenue and ends at Posto Seis (lifeguard watchtower Six) near the Forte de Copacabana (Stronghold of Copacabana). Beyond Copacabana, there is the small Arpoador beach, followed by the famous borough of Ipanema, then by the borough of Leblon. The Copacabana beach stretches from Posto Dois (lifeguard watchtower Two) to Posto Seis (lifeguard watchtower Six). Leme is at Posto Um (lifeguard watchtower One). There are three Metro stations, at Siqueira Campos,Cardeal Arcoverde and Cantagalo for underground transport to the rest of the city.

The Copacabana beach plays host to millions of revellers during the annual New Year's Eve celebrations. On December 31, 1994, the celebrations featured a Rod Stewart concert. The beach has also played host to huge free concerts by Lenny Kravitz and the Rolling Stones and, in most years, to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. The Brazilian leg of the Live Earth concerts is scheduled to take place at Copacabana beach, on July 7, 2007.