within ipanema beach, the most famous stretch of sand is at lifeguard tower 9, known as posto 9. this landmark section of the littoral has been home to important local history, and cradle of beloved carioca traditions, such as clapping at sunset - the most beautiful and cherished custom on ipanema beach.

this now sacred ritual was born in 1968 at posto 9, by the hands of photographer, journalist, and author carlos leonam. according to the story, carlos was in such disbelief of how beautiful the sunset was, that he started clapping - and his fiends quickly joined. among them were the film director gláuber rocha, actor joão saldanha, and jô soares talk show host and theatrical producer.  

to this day, during the summer it is customary to stand up and applaud the sunset all along ipanema beach, and kissing the loved one afterwards. to thank the sun for another day - the very spot were this tradition was born is now easily identifiable thanks to an observation platform built by the city to best see the pedra de arpoador on the left, the cagarras islands in the front, and the morro dois irmãos on the right.