considered one of the most quintessential sporting activities in rio de janeiro altinha, is based around juggling asoccerballwhile keeping it off the ground foras long as possible - encouraged to keep personal touches to one per player the common points of contact are by foot, knee, shoulder and head. usually played with three or more players, altinha is hailed as a social and non-competitive anomaly - it is a wonderful beach game since only a ball and some space are needed. 

in more advanced altinha circles players will demonstrate their juggling skills with displays of beautiful acrobatics and fast paced 'attacks' and 'defenses', making it a mesmorizing spectator sport and offering hours of entertainment for the more passive beach goers, who watch from underneath colorful umbrellas with caipirinha in hand.