The first day of summer brings locals and tourists to Rio’s waterfront, with mild weather, exercise and cold drinks

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Cooler weather encouraged outdoor activities. Among the regulars was businesswoman Patrícia Sierra, 33, who has been a runner for five years. She says she usually avoids training in summer to avoid getting sick from the high temperatures, but she decided to make the most of this unusual day.

— I put on my running clothes and came. When I woke up and saw the sun was shining, I thought it wouldn’t happen, but it turned out great. Now is the time to enjoy it — said Patrícia, after completing her training on the shore.

At the kiosks, the movement followed the rhythm of the beach. Without crowds, but with busy tables along the promenade, merchants relied on cold drinks to attract customers. Coconut water, beer, draft beer and soft drinks were among the most common requests. Alongside them were also light portions, such as sandwiches, salads and seafood snacks. For sellers, Sunday served as a warm-up for the high season, when an increase in the flow of bathers and tourists is expected.

In Copacabana and Arpoador the strip of sand was not full, but welcomed foreign visitors who took advantage of the first day of summer to get to know the city. The English couple Susan and Peter James, visiting Rio, highlighted the contrast between the climate of Rio and the cold of their country of origin.

— It’s cold in England. We are taking a trip to several countries. We have already been to Patagonia, via Argentina and Chile. But Rio is charming. Summer here is more beautiful,” Susan said.

Another foreign couple, the Chileans Elisabeth Donaide and Luiz Penhaloza, chose Copacabana to follow the coast before reaching the sea. With few waves, the sea was calm and ended up acting as a sort of natural swimming pool, especially for children. Many families took advantage of the calm water and the pleasant thermal sensation to swim.

The police presence along the waterfront was discreet. In Copacabana and Ipanema, there were not a large number of officers visible. In Arpoador, a Municipal Guard van occasionally made tours of the area.

Even without a large crowd, the atmosphere was calm. Bus stops were not crowded and pedestrians shared sidewalk space with bicycles and electric scooters.