vendors line the beaches of rio de janeiro, selling an array of food, drink, clothes, accessories and services - a wide range of items, including açaí to massages, beer and sarongs can be purchased on the board walks and in the sand.

the majority of residents find the beach vendor activity an endearing part of carioca beach culture - in March of 2012, the vendors which sell mate, were declared a 'Cultural and Intangible Heritage of rio de janeiro' by the city and mayor - these particular vendors always wear bright orange clothing and sell mate, or a combination of mate lemonade from two large metals canisters.

the decree states that the beach is a democratic space, in which people should be able to develop fruitful practices and can interactively sell mate tea, lemonade and globos  - this initiative formed a benchmark for rio de janeiro's beaches and is considered an important aspect of the cultural landscape.